Vol. XXXVIII, No. 19, May 26, 2009

This Week at Valencia

Wednesday, May 27

Student Development Team mtg., 8:30 a.m., East Campus, 5-217D

DOT Deans mtg., 9 a.m., Osceola Campus, 3-319H

Thursday, May 28

Academic Affairs Leadership Team, 8 a.m., DTC, Rm. 106

Take Stock in Children Ceremony, 9 a.m., West Campus, Special Events Center, Rms. A-C

Black & Red Ceremony, 6 p.m., West Campus, Special Events Center, Rms. D-F

District Board of Trustees Meeting Summary

Reports

Honors Spring Break Trip - Karen Borglum, assistant vice president, Curriculum and Articulation, introduced three Honors students who took part in a spring break trip with 18 other Honors students to Turkey and Greece. Dr. Borglum called upon Cindy Smith (nursing), Justine Cook (psychology) and Robert Pyke (business administration) to present a slide show of their travels, which included visits to the Acropolis and the Parthenon in Athens, and Ephesus in Kusadasi, Turkey.

AtD and Gates Foundation Proposal Update - Joyce Romano, vice president, Student Affairs, and Julie Phelps, Achieving the Dream project director and mathematics professor, reviewed the long-term assessment results of the Achieving the Dream initiative, and also updated trustees on a new grant project. Dr. Phelps said since its inception four years ago, 34,223 students have participated in AtD strategies in nearly 1,500 class sections. Overall, student success in the six gateway courses (Pre-Algebra, Beginning Algebra, Intermediate Algebra, College Algebra, Freshman Comp I and U.S. Government) has increased by 3% from 2004 to 2008. Achievement gaps between African American and Caucasian students narrowed from 13.4% in 2004 to 3.6% in 2008. Gaps between Hispanic and Caucasian students saw an even more dramatic shift, with Hispanics lagging by 1.8% in 2004, and four years later, surpassing their white counterparts by 4%. These results were largely due to the three strategies employed as part of the AtD initiative to improve student performance: supplemental learning (starting spring 2006), LinC courses, and mandated enrollment in a Student Success course for those who were required to take development math, reading or writing.

Drs. Romano and Phelps then summarized the research on each of the three major strategies. Students who enrolled in LinC (Learning in Community) courses successfully completed the courses at higher rates (10.4%) than students in the same courses that were not linked. The effect was even greater for Hispanic (11.9%) and African-American (11.6%) students. The biggest gains were made in math courses, particularly developmental math. On average, students in LinC courses showed higher persistence in the next term which diminished the term after that and increased over the next two terms. Focus groups with students showed that many expressed enthusiasm for the way LinC courses fostered relationship building with faculty and peers, and described the courses as engaging, well paced and conducive to asking questions. They were able to cite specific academic and life skills they gained and made better use of college resources. Faculty focus groups echoed student feedback with professors reporting that the LinC courses were more interactive and brought about improvements in their teaching practice including greater flexibility, increased confidence, and heightened attentiveness to students’ overall development. Based on the results, the college is recommending the continuation of LinC courses particularly in the four math courses studied, with additional coordination required.

Regarding supplemental learning, it was reported that on average, students’ enrollment in SL sections showed higher persistence rates with students reporting that attending SL sessions helped them perform better academically and increased their awareness of college resources (Comp House, SPA, etc.). Students enrolled who chose not to attend SL sessions outside of class gave two major reasons: scheduling conflicts and the belief that they did not need the help. Overall findings suggest that supplemental learning seems to have the most significant effect during the fall semester and that additional research is necessary to determine how to implement SL more effectively in the targeted gateway courses.

Finally, a summary was given of the results of the Student Success course mandate. Those results showed that fall-to-spring persistence rates increased, particularly for Hispanic and African-American students, fall-to-fall persistence rates did not increase, except for Hispanic students, and course success rates increased for both Hispanic and African-American students. Furthermore, feedback from student focus groups indicates that the SLS mandate did not interfere with students’ decisions to come to Valencia or to continue on at the college. While there is concern among staff about the long-term impact of demographic changes to SLS1122 brought about by the mandate, the college is supporting its continued use and ongoing study. The AtD grant ends in June.

Dr. Romano reported that the college has applied for a three-year, $743,000 developmental education grant funded by the Gates Foundation. The opportunity, she said, was limited to round one schools participating in Achieving the Dream and Ohio schools. Notifications will be made on May 22. What Valencia has proposed will touch all 11,000 developmental education students plus faculty who teach it and staff. Proposed results are to level course performance between students who start college-ready and students who start in developmental ed. courses, and increase the rate at which students in developmental courses make progress in college-level course work.

2009-2010 Budget Forecasting - Keith Houck, vice president, Administrative Services, gave a presentation on the budget situation. Over the last four years, he said the percentage of Valencia’s operating budget that is state funded has gone from 58% to a projected 43% for the coming year. State funding per FTE has declined by 35%. Mr. Houck provided a House/State comparison of total funds proposed for the state’s community colleges. There is significant difference in funding levels between the two chambers at this time in the session. Mr. Houck briefly reviewed our budget planning principles for 2009-10. Revenue assumptions being made were based on a 10% decrease in state funding ($6.3 million), a tuition increase of 7.5%, and growth in enrollment of 3%, resulting in $500,000 deficit. Dr. Romano reported a 32% increase in applications for the summer term. With this budget, Dr. Shugart said we may have to turn away 5,000 students this fall. The college will prepare its official budget as soon as the numbers are finalized by the Legislature. The preliminary budget assumes there will be no new positions and no salary adjustments. We would continue faculty development payments and a 5% increase in health insurance costs. The college has had savings on utilities from infrastructure improvements. Valencia plans to buy out the SunGard contract early (July 1) and bring IT support functions in house, which will provide a big savings to the college going forward. The college will preview the budget at the May board meeting and seek approval from trustees at the June meeting. Sanford Shugart, Valencia president, reminded the board that this is year three of state funding reductions that coincide with dramatic growth in enrollment. He said that individual budget managers have done a great job planning for these cuts.

Construction Report - Mr. Houck shared a map of West Campus and images of module 8, an aerial view of Module 11 (joint-use building), and interior renovations in buildings 1, 3, 4 and HSB. He said that a storm water management project was underway on West to meet requirements, and a walking trail will be added around Lake Pamela.

Faculty Council Report - Michael Shugg, president, Collegewide Faculty Council, reported that a survey was distributed to faculty on revisions to the withdrawal policy, the results of which indicated that the council was not as far along as they had hoped in updating the policy and that further discussion was necessary. Faculty governance groups have been considering what to recommend for faculty development programs next year. They will be sending a recommendation to the president to alter the cycle for professional development incentives.

Valencia Foundation Report - Jerry Buchanan, trustee, spoke briefly about the foundation’s board retreat and the campaign wrap-up celebration. She said that the capital campaign closed with just over $27 million in contributions, clearly exceeding the $20 million goal. She noted that October 17 was the date for the next fundraising event, Taste for Learning, at Shingle Creek.

President’s Report - Dr. Shugart reminded trustees that commencement would be held at 10 a.m. on May 9 at Heritage Park in Kissimmee. He said that a record number of graduates (800-850) were expected to walk this year. He concluded his report by briefing trustees on key bills that were making their way through the Legislature, including the state college system bill, legislation related to FERPA, and a bill that would require Bright Futures recipients to repay loans if they withdraw from classes.

New Business

Proposed Resolution, State Funding - Raymer Maguire, trustee, said that the resolution concerning state funding of the Florida College System puts in writing what had been discussed in a previous workshop that trustees attended. The resolution, Mr. Maguire said, recommends that the Legislature adopt a funding mechanism that will rectify long-term funding inequities among the state’s community colleges, and support models of baccalaureate access other than just the addition of new degrees to the colleges’ programs. The board approved the resolution to be sent to the state commissioner of education.

Approved under the consent agenda were: Commissioning Services/Continuing Contract; additions, deletions or modifications of courses and programs; Valencia Enterprises courses and fees for February and April; Human Resources agenda; submission of grant proposals; and property deletion.

Important Fiscal Year-End Closing Guidelines and Timelines

As we approach the end of the 2008-09 fiscal year, the Financial Services department would like to assist you to best utilize your remaining budget funds. Although financial processes cannot stop because of fiscal year end, the required cut-off dates are necessary to accurately record financial transactions in the proper fiscal year, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and audit guidelines. In order to have a smooth transition closing out fiscal year 2008-09, it is important that we strictly adhere to the following timeline.

Budget Amendments - After June 30, budget amendments for the 2008-09 fiscal year must be processed by submitting a completed budget amendment form and mailed to DTC-3 or e-mail Sherri Dixon or Vilma Miller-Flores for processing. You may begin entering budget amendments for fiscal year 2009-10 on Wednesday, July 1. Please address budget amendment questions to Pedro Rivera, ext. 3350, Sherri Dixon, ext. 3306, or Vilma Miller-Flores, ext. 3340.

Cash Receipts - All money received that should be credited to the 2008-09 fiscal year must be turned into any Business Office location by 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30.

Electronic Time Sheets - Web Time Entry time sheets for part-time hourly and student employees for hours worked the weeks of June 7 and June 14 must be submitted online by June 24 to pay on July 10. Web Time Entry sheets for the weeks of June 21 and June 28 must be submitted online by July 8 for the July 24 payroll. Any late, paper timesheets for any of these dates received after July 8 will be charged to the 2009-10 fiscal year budgets.

Petty Cash - The last day to request reimbursement from the Business Office is Tuesday, June 30. Please do not accumulate numerous petty cash receipts, since reimbursements are limited to $75. Petty cash processing for fiscal year 2009-10 will resume on Wednesday, July 1.

Procurement Cards - The procurement card transactions downloaded on July 8 (posted to PaymentNet between June 29th and July 3rd), and July 15 (posted to PaymentNet between July 6 and July 10), with a June transaction date, will be charged to your 2008-09 fiscal year budget. Procurement card transactions included in the July 15 download with a July transaction date will be posted to the 2009-10 budget year. Transactions posted to PaymentNet after the July 15 download will be charged to the 2009-10 fiscal year budgets regardless of the transaction date.

Purchase Orders - Procurement recommends that you run the Banner report FGROPNE Open Encumbrance Encumbrances Report for your organization(s) to determine the status of all encumbrances (requisitions, purchase orders, and travel encumbrances) showing an encumbered amount. If you need additional help, please contact Brian Bastin at ext. 3303 or by e-mail.

Contact the Procurement Office at ext. 5532 or email Valenciaprocurement@valenciacc.edu should you need an encumbrance canceled, or have any general questions in reference to General Operating (Fund 1) encumbrances. For grant related (Fund 2) encumbrances, please contact Judy Jackson at ext. 3311 or by e-mail.

In order to ensure that goods and services are received by June 30, purchase orders for general operations (Fund 1) will not be issued after June 12. Please note that you may use your procurement card until the last day of the fiscal year-June 30, but transactions will be posted to the budget year in accordance with the procedures described above in the Procurement Cards section. Purchase orders will be issued on an exception basis after June 15. Please contact the Procurement Office for additional details.

Requisitions - You may begin entering requisitions for fiscal year 2009-10 on Wednesday, July 1.

Travel Reimbursement - Requests for travel reimbursement must be received in Accounts Payable (mail code DTC-3) by Friday, June 19, 2009. Travel occurring June 22nd through June 30th will be handled on an exception only basis.

Vendor Invoices - Goods and services must be received by June 30 and invoices received by the Accounts Payable department by July 10 for the expenditure to be charged to your 2008-09 budget. Please forward all invoices immediately to Accounts Payable, mc DTC-3, for processing. When ordering goods or services, please allow sufficient time for goods and services to be received and invoiced by June 30. This is especially critical for grants with a June 30 closing date.

Procurement News

Year End is coming! Please check in Banner using the forms:

• FGIENCD: Detail Encumbrance Activity; need PO number
• FPIOPOF: Open Purchase Order by FOAP; need Orgn.
• FPIOPOV: Open Purchase Order by Vendor; need Vendor VID and Orgn.

If you have a Purchase Order that needs to be closed, please send an e-mail to ValenciaProcurement and include the Purchase Order number and vendor. All remaining funds will be returned to the account that was charged.

Ordering supplies/service from Seminole Office Solutions - When ordering any supplies (toner or staples) for your Panasonic multi-functional unit, you can phone: 407-830-7950; Fax: 407-830-1399 or Email: info@sopfl.com. When placing a service call, you can also access their website at: www.sosfla.com. The only information you will need is the System ID number located on the front your machine. All supply/service invoices are paid by a collegewide account. Should you receive an invoice in error, please send to Procurement, mc 4-42.

Description and/or Statement/Scope of Work (SOW) - The item description / statement / scope of work is the part of the requisition that describes the item or service to be purchased. Great care should be taken to describe the item or service in sufficient detail to ensure that what is desired is in fact delivered. Be as specific as possible; cite the specific performance, service, or deliverables that are required and quote number. Choose words carefully so that the Purchasing department and/or the supplier that eventually receives the order fully understand what is requested

FACC Student Development Conference Update

Valencia hosted the 42nd annual FACC Student Development Conference on May 13-15 which was attended by over 150 Florida community college student development professionals. Former Valencian, Geoff Fortunato (now Dean of Students at Seminole Community College), was conference chair. Danielle Boileau, Dr. Michael Bosley, Victor Collazo, Shelby Fiorentino, Nakia Gater, Debi Jakubcin, Kelly Holden, Dr. David Hosman, Todd Hunt, Pat Lee, Kimberly Little, Amy Love, Donna Marino, Joshua Murdock, Leda Pacheco, Joe Sarrubbo, Deanne Rothman, Erin Smith and Chara Young helped organize the conference. Dr. Shugart and the Valencia Foundation provided financial support. Dr. Kaye Walter and Dr. Joyce Romano provided the keynote address on May 13. Valencia’s Conference Services team provided the conference support. Thanks to all for making this a very successful conference!

At the awards luncheon on May 15, Dr. Joyce Romano received the 2009 Cameron Hall Practitioner Award. This is the highest award given by the commission and it is to recognize and honor a community college Student Affairs practitioner who has consistently demonstrated the highest levels of humanitarianism throughout his or her career. Congratulations Joyce!

Leadership Valencia

Data Warehouse Training for Cognos Users - This is a hands-on workshop that will teach you how to access and run Data Warehouse reports. This will be accomplished through the Data Warehouse web portal and directly within Excel using a special add-in. In preparation for the shutdown of Cognos in June, this workshop should be attended by everyone that is currently using Cognos for reporting. May 28, 1-2:30 p.m., West Campus, Room 6-326B, Registration Code: LDWT-16.

30 Practical Ideas On How To Manage Your Budget During Difficult Times - During our current economic situation, everyone is looking for creative ways to make their dollars stretch. This workshop will give you 30 practical ideas for helping your budget. During the last 20 minutes of the workshop, we will have a time for everyone to share their suggestions. NOTE: Sponsored by the East Campus Career Staff Association. May 28, 10-11 a.m., East Campus, Room 3-113. Registration Code: GPIMB-1

Online Video Orientations (CRN 1383 & LTAD 3287) - This is a face-to-face introductory practice workshop with additional learning materials and reference documents available online via the Valencia Web. For more information, please contact Nemir Matos Cintron at ext. 1956. May 28, 1-2:30 p.m., West Campus, Room 6-326A. Registration Code: TOVO-1

Podcaster's Lab (CRN 1385 & LTAD 3245) - This is an open-lab for podcast creators to develop their work with the help of an instructional designer or multimedia specialist. Prior attendance to LTAD 3241 and LTAD 3243 is strongly encouraged. June 5, 9 a.m.-12 Noon, West Campus, Room 6-326A. Registration Code: TPL-2

Podcasting 201W / Windows Users (Session I) (LTAD 3243) (CRN 1386) - This is a hands-on workshop for windows users. Your facilitators will send an e-mail with orientation details five days prior to the course start date. Completion of LTAD 3241 is strongly encouraged prior to taking this course. June 9, 2-4 p.m., Osceola Campus, Room 2-116, Registration Code: TPC201W-1

To register for all classes go to http://www.valenciacc.edu/leadership/. Please be sure you have the approval of your direct supervisor prior to registering for a workshop. If a workshop is canceled, only those registered can be sent a cancellation e-mail. To view the status of a particular workshop and to see a full listing of workshops check the Leadership Valencia calendar located online.

Wellness News

The next Blue Cross Blue Shield brown bag event will be June 9 at 11 a.m. and will be on Men’s Health. Sign up is required. Please contact Debi Jakubcin for more information.
It's never too late to join in the Summer wellness classes.
Be sure to check out the schedule online at www.valenciacc.edu/wellness

Could you be the next face of stroke? Stroke can happen to anyone regardless of age, race, or gender. It is important to protect yourself and your loved ones by knowing the stroke risk factors. Having high blood pressure, smoking, obesity and excessive alcohol use are a few risk factors that can be controlled or eliminated.

Stroke Warning Signs - Know the warning signs of stroke. With stroke, time lost is brain lost. If you or someone you love experience any of the following signs, call 9-1-1 immediately.

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body;
• sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding;
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes;
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination;
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

Kudos

Dr. Rachid Bendriss, EAP professor, West Campus, was selected to participate in the annual reading and scoring of the College Board’s AP Examinations. The AP Reading is a unique forum in which academic dialogue between secondary school and college educators is fostered and strongly encouraged. “The Reading draws upon the talents of some of the finest teachers and professors that the world has to offer,” said Trevor Packer, Vice President of the Advanced Placement Program at the College Board. “It fosters professionalism, allows for the exchange of ideas, and strengthens the commitment to students and to teaching. “ Congratulations Dr. Bendriss for being selected to participate and for the contributions to learning and education.

Mike Bosley was the winner of the “Let Us Entertain You” Faculty Dance Challenge. His competition included Bob Holmes, CEO of UCF Foundation and VP for Alumni Relations, Randy Miller, Nursing professor at Seminole Community College and Holly Sowards, professor of Nursing at Florida Hospital College of Health Science. Thanks to all who bought voting tickets, general admission tickets, VIP tickets and “Nurses Care” bracelets. All proceeds from the “LUEY” event will be used to support nursing scholarships. When you see Mike in the halls, ask him to show you his winning dance steps!