Message from the Chancellor

Governor's Proposed Budget is Good News for Coast District

The Coast Community College District will see significant benefits from the state budget proposed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Unveiled in January, the Governor’s Budget Proposal for 2006-07 includes a proposal to augment 2006-07 Proposition 98 funding by $1.67 billion, to yield a total increase of $4.3 billion in Proposition 98 funding. Then it proposes that this large increase be used to fund a projected 5.18% statutory COLA, fund $130 million in equalization aid and $148.8 million in growth funding, and fund $30 million increase for Career Technical Education.

While this proposal is but a starting point for deliberations with the Legislature this year, we are particularly encouraged that the Governor has reconfirmed his commitment to equal access for all students by proposing $130 million to equalize funding for California’s community colleges.

As many of you know, the Coast Community College District is among many in the state that have been shortchanged in state budgets for decades. This equalization funding would mean our District would receive our fair share of community college funding, and allow us to provide more classes and services for students at Orange Coast, Golden West and Coastline.

The Governor’s proposed budget would bring as much as $5 million in ongoing funding to our District, allowing our plans for improving student access and quality permanent. Our students will have the opportunity to attend more classes and graduate sooner because of the Governor’s actions.

In 2004-05, the Governor placed $80 million in the budget for community college equalization and pledged to provide funding for the 57 districts in the state that received significantly less funding per student than the average community college districts. He pledged to provide funding in successive years, but last year’s installment was funded in the final budget at a level less than had been proposed.

The Coast Community College District has so far received $4.5 million in equalization funds, with the vast majority of those funds used to add sections of high-demand classes. The 50,000 students in the district have greatly benefited from the increase of 722 classes. More funding is still needed to encourage students to accomplish their goals in a timely manner. Despite the increase, our faculty members reported in fall 2005 that they again had to turn away hundreds of students attempting to enroll in English, math, science and other courses required for graduation or transfer.”

The $130 million would make up for last year’s lower funding and complete the process. The Governor’s proposal would significantly reduce the funding gap.

Creative Valentine's Day Ideas

Valentine’s Day— an official obligated day of romance where chocolate and flowers are frequently the gift of choice, is just around the corner. So why not mix it up a bit this year with something your loved one will always remember?

Women don't want practical or necessarily expensive— they want sentiment. Men don't mind practical at all and if it involves food or one of his hobbies, all the better.

If you are tired of giving the same “romantic” gift year in and year out, here is a list of creative ideas that will make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable!

• Romance by You— a personal romance novel : You co-author your 160 to 180-page novel by providing the names, features and places that personalize your book. There are over 26 characteristics to personalize – you can even include your dog or cat! A personalized cover adds that finishing touch. www.bookbyyou.com
  
• Build- A-Bear Workshop: Design a customized “Be Mine” teddy bearor any other 30-35 varieties of stuffed animals including bunnies, dogs, kitties, a frog, or a pony. Add an “I love you” sound so your Valentine can hear how much you love them! Build-A-Bear Workshop stuffed animals are very affordable, ranging in price from $10- $25. www.buildabear.com
  
• Personalized Soap for him (and her too): You can choose from a selection of three soap shapes and a list of fragrances, like Polo for men. Next, you can customize a message or choose from a list of pre-designed messages to appear on the soap. You can even put your own picture inside! www.soapcard.com

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Don't Throw Away Your Batteries

The California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) just put new regulations in place prohibiting the disposal of batteries in the trash.

Now, all batteries are considered hazardous waste in California when they are discarded. This includes all AAA, AA, C, D, button cell, 9 Volt and all other batteries, both rechargeable and single use. Beginning February 8, 2006, all batteries in California must be taken to an authorized recycling facility, a household hazardous waste disposal facility or a universal waste handler.

A Fact Sheet outlining the compliance date and specific provisions is available at: http://srfd.org/hazard/h_index/HWM_FS_UWR.pdf

Batteries are considered hazardous because of the metals and other toxic or corrosive materials contained within. Batteries are potentially a valuable source of recyclable metal. However at this time, only rechargeable batteries are recycled by industry and single use batteries end up in landfills.

Reporting Safety Concerns & Work-related Injuries

Nearly 10 million people suffer on-the-job injuries every year. Many injuries could be prevented if safety concerns were reported and corrected when initially noticed. In order to protect yourself and your coworkers, it is critical to report safety concerns as soon as they are identified. As outlined in the CCCD Injury and Illness Prevention Program, employees can communicate safety concerns to the District by:

1) Reporting to a supervisor: Supervisors are responsible for documenting and addressing employee safety concerns. Supervisors must develop a solution for hazards and report repair needs to Maintenance, or refer the issue to the Campus Safety Committee for resolution.

2) Reporting during meetings and training sessions: The EHS office conducts regular safety training sessions on various topics. These sessions provide a good forum for communicating employee safety concerns. A representative of EHS will be present at campus safety committee meetings.

3) Reporting to a campus safety committee member: All safety issues brought to the attention of a safety committee member will be discussed at the next committee meeting except in emergency situations where immediate attention is required. Committee members are responsible for communicating safety concerns to the committee for discussion and resolution. The following is a list of current safety committee members.

4) Leaving a written Hazard Alert Form in the campus anonymous notification box: Each campus has an anonymous notification box in which employees may deposit a completed Hazard Alert Form for discussion at the next safety committee meeting. Employees may also anonymously mail their Hazard Alert Form to any member of the safety committee or to the District Environmental Health and Safety office. The locations of anonymous notification boxes are listed below:

5) Reporting to the EHS office: Employees may contact the EHS office at any time to report a safety concern. Employees may also contact the EHS office for information regarding the status of safety issues reported through any of the communication channels previously discussed.

Below is a hyperlink to the Coast Community College District Hazard Alert Form. In addition to the online form, this form is available from safety committee members or the EHS office. In order to best address safety hazards, please be sure to complete the form as detailed and accurately as possible.

http://www.cccd.edu/cgi/feedhaz.pl

Reporting Work-related Injuries

Employees should report work-related injuries to their supervisor immediately. Supervisors should direct injured employees to the campus personnel office to complete the required forms. If the employee is unable to go to personnel, the supervisor should immediately report the injury to the campus personnel office.

Project Voyager is Underway

HR professionals from the District and three campuses are participating in the first training session in the Banner system. “Everything is going well and everyone is very excited about the possibilities of improved efficiency and customer service for our employees,” said Geri Wile, HR team lead for the Recruitment Team.

The Recruitment Team is now establishing the development phase of the new online application system. The District has selected software called PeopleAdmin for its automated recruitment process. This new software will give hiring managers and selection committee members a quicker, easier and paperless way to hire the best employees for the District! The online recruitment process is scheduled to go live on
July 1, 2006.

Additional information about Project Voyager is now available on the District’s Web site for all to see! The information currently available includes training opportunities, a list of the software applications and their functions, a two-year timeline highlighting the anticipated “Go Live” dates, a contact list of the implementation teams and the Steering Committee members. http://www.cccd.edu/voyager/default.aspx

Further information about additional aspects of the project will be added to the District Web site throughout the process, so be on the lookout for monthly updates!

Coming and Going - HR News

The District would like to welcome these new employees to their positions:

Thissell, Lynn A., DIST, Executive Assistant to the Associate Vice Chancellor

Congratulations and best wishes on your retirement to the following employees:

Thayer, Sandra J. , CCC, Child Care Center Director

Sandra Thayer is retiring from the Coastline Parent Education Program after nearly 25 years of service to the Coast Community College District. Sandy served as Child Care Center Director from 1977 until her retirement. After attending parent education classes with her own children at Coastline, Sandy was inspired to take classes at Orange Coast College which enabled her to become the Child Care Center Director. Sandy has seen the program through many changes and worked hard to build the program to meet the changing needs of the community. Her loving manner with both parents and children, her wonderful sense of humor, knowledge of young children and their developmental needs, creative curriculum ideas, hard work and devotion have all contributed greatly to the growth and success of the program. She has been an instrumental part of the Parent Education Program and will truly be missed!

In retirement, Sandy plans to spend her time visiting with her children and grandchildren.

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Orange Coast College to Host Disney Institute Leadership Seminar

Retired Chancellor Norman Watson Visits Campus

Goal Setting Workshop at OCC

Orange Coast College to Host Disney Institute Leadership Seminar

Orange Coast College will present the renowned Disney professional development program, “The Disney Keys to Excellence” on Thursday, June 1.

Sponsored by OCC Extended Education, the full-day event will give area business professionals a chance to discover the business behind the Disney magic. The four-part program will introduce participants to innovative Disney business strategies that they can easily implement in their own organizations focusing on leadership, management, service and loyalty.

Early bird registration (before April 3) is $375 per person and includes light refreshments, lunch and parking. Five or more attendees from the same qualify for a group rate of $325 per person before April 3. To request a program brochure or to register by phone, call (714) 432-5154.

The program will be held on the college’s Costa Mesa campus at 2701 Fairview Road, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Continuing education credit is also available.

“Professional development programs that we offer to groups meeting at the Walt Disney World Resort have proven extremely popular,” said George Aguel, senior vice president for Walt Disney Parks and Resort.

“Community leaders around the country started asking us to bring similar programs to their cities, and ‘The Disney Keys’ program does just that. Participants will discover Disney success stories and learn about management philosophies and behind-the-scenes operations that have made the Walt Disney World Resort a benchmark for businesses around the world.”

According to Aguel, Disney Institute programs are unique in the world of business. “What makes the Disney learning experience so different and meaningful,” says Aguel, “is that we don’t simply teach theory. We showcase philosophies and strategies that have made the Walt Disney World Resort a success – ideas that are easily adaptable to other organizations. We do this by taking people inside the Disney operation, showcasing on-stage and behind-the-scenes locations so attendees see firsthand how it all happens.”

The Disney Keys program has four 90-minute sessions:

• Leadership, Disney Style – Participants discover how effective leadership has been the catalyst at Disney to drive employee/customer satisfaction and bottom-line results, from the company’s inception to today.
  Management, Disney Style – Participants examine the importance of integrating an organization’s corporate culture into selection, training, and care.
• Service, Disney Style – Participants explore world-renowned Disney principles for service excellence.
  Loyalty, Disney Style – Participants learn key practices and principles in building and sustaining loyalty that have made Disney a trusted and revered brand around the world for more than 75 years.

Thousands of business leaders from more than 35 countries and 40 industries have attended business programs at Disney Institute. For more information about OCC Disney Institute, call (714) 432-5154 or visit the event website at http://disney.orangecoastcollege.edu.

Retired Chancellor Norman Watson Visits Campus

Retired OCC president and Coast District chancellor Dr. Norman E. Watson visited campus recently to have lunch and take a tour.

Watson, 90, was escorted to the campus by another retired OCC president, David A. Grant. Watson and Grant had lunch with current Orange Coast president, Robert Dees. Others attending the luncheon included Rich Pagel, vice president of administrative services; Doug Bennett, director of the foundation; and, Jim Carnett, director of marketing and community relations.

Watson joined OCC’s staff in 1952. He became the college’s president in 1964, and moved into the role as district chancellor later that year. He retired in 1984, and lives in Corona del Mar.

During his visit, Watson toured OCC’s campus to view the new construction. He spent considerable time at the college’s new four-story Admissions Building which will be called Norman E. Watson Hall. Watson Hall is scheduled to open next fall.

Goal Setting Workshop at OCC

A free workshop on goal setting will be offered by the Orange Coast College Re-entry Center on Wednesday, March 8, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

“Live Life on Purpose, Create and Achieve Your Goals” will help participants identify achievable goals, create an action plan and initiate changes in their personal and professional lives.

Ginger Neel, workshop presenter, is a professional life transformation coach. She specializes in personal empowerment, relationships and health, diet and nutrition coaching. As a catalyst for change, Neel encourages individuals to discover their hidden brilliance and live a more fulfilling and fearless life.

OCC’s Re-Entry Center helps students who wish to return to school following a break in their academic careers. The center, located in Room 106 of OCC’s Counseling and Admissions Building, is open on Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For information about the center’s services, call (714) 432-5612.

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Coastline's Getting a Mascot

Coastline's Getting a Mascot

Coastline Community College is holding a contest to develop a mascot for the school. Founded in 1976, Coastline has gone without a mascot for nearly 30 years.

“We are so excited to finally be getting a mascot for Coastline,” remarked Coastline President Dr. Ding-Jo Currie. “I can’t wait to see the suggestions.”

From now until February 27 th, the public is invited to submit mascot suggestions via e-mail to mascot@coastline.edu. On March 5 th, Coastline will post a “Top 10” list of names submitted to its web site (www.coastline.edu) and online voting will begin to determine the winning name.

Once the name is determined, an art competition will be held to develop the image of the logo. Coastline art students will be invited to submit their designs for the new Coastline mascot April 1 st through April 30 th. The winning design will not only receive bragging rights to the new mascot, they will also receive a $500 scholarship to use for tuition, books, school supplies or other education-related essentials.

The new mascot will be unveiled at the end of the spring semester, just in time for Coastline’s 30 th anniversary year.

Travel to China

The public is invited to discover the wonders of China with the Coastline Community College Foundation! This trip, including RT airfare to China, transportation within China, hotels, most meals, and sightseeing excursions, is priced at $3,300 per person. The trip will take place May 26-June 10, so book your spot today! Call Robyn Chapman at (714) 241-6154 for more information.

Here are some of the places you’ll see on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure:

Beijing: Even though historic Tiananmen Square still anchors this city, Beijing has embarked on a new millennium rollercoaster and it's taking the rest of China with it. Beijing is where the mojo of MTV and mobile phones have eclipsed the magic of Mao.

Xian: The cultural and historical significance of the area, as well as the abundant relics and sites, help Xian enjoy the laudatory title of "Natural History Museum." The Museum of Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses is praised as "the eighth major miracle of the world."

Chengdu: Chengdu is the capital of the "Heavenly State" (Tian Fu Zhi Guo) habitat of giant pandas and city of cotton-rose hibiscus. The history of Chengdu can be traced back 2,400 years when the first emperor built his capital here and named the city.

Jiuzhaigou: Jiuzhaigou is a gorgeous alpine valley studded with dazzling turquoise lakes as clear and bright as gemstones. Heavily forested and surrounded by snowy peaks, Jiuzhaigou is a national treasure reserve and home to the protected takins, golden monkeys and pandas.

Shanghai : Shanghai is the hotspot of modern China; a cosmopolitan city buzzing with the concept of “lifestyle revolution,” showcased in the architectural temples of art, fine dining and contemporary urban living on the Bund.

Guilin: The stunning landscape in which the city is situated has a kind of magic that is all its own. The strangely shaped hills, or karsts, with the verdant vegetation ranging from bamboo to conifers together with wonderful caves, make Guilin a great attraction for tourists.

Shenzhen: The one-time fishing village of Shenzhen, singled out by late Chinese paramount leader Deng Xiaoping, is one of the so-called Special Economic Zones (SEZ) of China originally established in 1978 in competition with Hong Kong, then a British colony.

Hong Kong: It would be hard to find a more exciting city than Hong Kong. Set among beautiful natural surroundings it has all the benefits of a thriving and vibrant commercial center. Here you can find the delights of modern living alongside an abundance of reminders of its historic past.

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If You Can't Buy One - Win One!

Here is your chance to win a 2006 Toyota Prius Hybrid, and the odds of winning are one in 500. This car, silver with grey cloth interior, sells for $23,000, has automatic transmission, air conditioning, power door locks and windows.  An exceptionally valuable feature is the DMV HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) sticker, which allows the owner to use the car pool lane with a single passenger!  California's allocation of these stickers is only 2,000, with 200 allocated specifically to Orange County. The best part about this car is its gas mileage: 60 city and 50 highway.

Income generated from the car drawing and other Gala activities will go to student scholarships and other college needs not funded by District resources.

The drawing for the car donated by Elmore Toyota will take place on Saturday, March 25 at the Gala; the winner need not be present.  Last year’s winners of the Toyota Matrix were two campus colleagues who joined together to buy a single ticket--Leeanne Hill and Lisa Morales.

Checks can be made out to GWC Foundation, or you may use Visa, MasterCard or American Express— even cash will work!  For additional information, call the Foundation office at (714) 895-8316.  The $100 donation per ticket is an investment in our students and could also put this Prius Hybrid in your driveway!

An Evening of Formal Attire Supports an Afternoon of Caps and Gowns

Each year, proceeds from the annual Golden West College Gala go toward supporting student scholarships and a variety of campus programs that directly benefit our students. The Foundation was able to fund over $40,000 from last year's Gala proceeds for some of the instructional needs that faculty and staff identified through the Foundation Wish List Program. An additional $20,000 was allocated to establish a book reserve program for students.

There are several ways to support the Gala: by attending this year's event on March 25 at the Huntington Beach Hilton Waterfront Resort Hotel, donating gift baskets, specialty items, gift certificates, bottles of wine, champagne, or sparkling cider for the silent auction, submitting a program ad or participating in the opportunity drawing for the Toyota Prius Hybrid. The financial support generated brings positive and rewarding experiences for many students and acknowledges a commitment to higher education. Tickets are $150 each. For reservations or information on how you can help, contact the Foundation Office at x58316.

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