Fall really seems to be in the air!
Looking to the future, we had a lively conversation on campus about the 2014-2016 draft strategic priorities for the College. This is the time for comment and revision and I appreciated all of the Florissant Valley folks who participated in the discussions. The strategic priorities draft document is available here. If you wish to comment, send me an email by Monday, September 24. I will share the results of this work with Dr. Dorsey and the Leadership Team as we continue to refine the College priorities.
On Wednesday, I participated in a meeting of Congressional District Directors and Community Leaders at the Boeing Corporation. The topic was the Federal Budget, Deficit Reduction and Sequestration. Needless to say, these are sobering issues which can be difficult to understand and for which there is no 30-second sound bite explanation. While Boeing has a definitive interest in the impact of these budget discussions and actions on the Department of Defense, there are a number of ways that education will feel the pain.
This week, the ACCT Law E-alert provided information which specifically speaks to higher education. The Office of Management and Budget released this report detailing the impact of sequestration. Last week, the House passed H.J.Res. 117, a six-month funding extension to keep the government funded by a vote of 329 – 91. See the chart detailing funding levels.
Clearly we, as citizens, have responsibility to learn about these issues and express our positions to our congressional representatives.
Big news this week – our MCCA consortium was selected to receive one of the 2nd round Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training Grants (TAA CCCTG) offered through the US Department of Labor. Funds may be used for community colleges around the country for targeted training and workforce development to help economically dislocated workers who are changing careers. In this case, Florissant Valley will have a leading role because of our focus on manufacturing. Here are the particulars:
St. Louis Community College
Consortium Leader
Total Consortium Award Amount: $14,969,910
Consortium members: East Central College, Linn State College, Metropolitan Community College, Mineral Area College, North Central Missouri College, Ozarks Technical College, St. Charles Community College, State Fair Community College
Consortium members will enhance the ability of the colleges to meet manufacturers’ skill needs by adopting the National Association of Manufacturers certification model. NAM-endorsed certifications are industry-recognized credentials that validate individuals have demonstrated skills in specific areas of manufacturing.
Congratulations to everyone involved – now the work begins.
Things you should know
- Election time is drawing near and there will be interest in candidates and policies. The college does not endorse political candidates, nor take a stand on issues. Please see the following guidelines:
Florissant Valley encourages free and open discussion of issues and ideas. Faculty members frequently invite elected and/or public officials to participate in classes or programs. Student groups sponsor forums and meetings around elections, issues and legislation of interest. Non-partisan forums and public hearings involving community input are sponsored on campus.
It is recommended that such activities be fair and open for discussion of all sides of an issue. The college does not endorse political candidates, nor take a stand on issues. No action, activity or comment should imply college support or endorsement unless approved by the chancellor and/or board of trustees.
Visits by candidates –
- Student groups may schedule visits by candidates for office, and representatives of issues according to SGA guidelines.
- Candidates who wish to distribute literature on campus must request approval from the Community Relations office. Candidates and/or their supporters may display material on a table in the Student Center hallway.
- Candidates or campaigns that wish to use campus facilities should contact Business Services. Full cost of rental will be charged.
Advocacy and Endorsement –
Students or staff, as private citizens, may choose to support and endorse issues or candidates for office. Comments, materials, web pages, etc. should clearly indicate that the endorsement is by the individual and does not reflect the position of the college. No college resources or funds may be expended by students or staff to advocate any political position.
- All MCCA members should plan to wear their blue T-shirts on Friday, Sept. 28 to show support for this important organization that provides professional development and advocacy for state funding for our college. If you haven’t joined MCCA, there’s still time. It’s too late for payroll deduction, but you can still drop off your check ($30) with Adria Werner in the President’s Office.
- If you haven’t already, consider contributing to the STLCC Annual fund. While the Annual Fund Campaign continues for the entire academic year, the deadline for faculty and staff that contribute $150 or more for entry into the Kindle Fire drawing on each campus ends next Friday, 9/28. The lucky winners’ name(s) will be pulled (by campus presidents) and announced on Staff Development Day (Oct. 16). To contribute by credit/debit card go here or pay by cash/check here.
Tidbits
- Congratulations go to Wesley Bell (Criminal Justice) for being honored as one of North County Incorporated’s “30 Leaders in their 30s.” Wesley, along with the other honorees, are being recognized for their remarkable contributions to their profession and community; and for making a significant difference in the North County area.
- Monday will be a fine day for golf. For the first time, golfers will tee up for the College’s 50th Anniversary Golf Tournament. For ways to support the tournament or play, check out the webpage.
- The 2nd Floor Administration Gallery Exhibit features Dail Chambers, a Florissant Valley art grad. This past week, Dail spoke at our gallery reception about her work, what shapes and defines it. I always enjoy hearing from the artists who exhibit on campus but when we feature one of our own grads, it is especially exciting!
Let me know what you think – I enjoy reading your comments and getting your feedback. Thanks – I’ll be back to the blog next week.
