Weekly News Brief | September 11, 2023
From the Office of Chancellor Whitney Yamamura, Ed.D.

Last week we held the first Board of Trustees meeting of the 2023-24 academic year. It was great to hear from college presidents, and presidents of student government organizations, academic senates, classified senates, and employee representative groups. Particularly, I enjoyed hearing about planned activities and topics of interest for the upcoming year. One topic that stood out for me was the effect of artificial intelligence on instruction.

I had the opportunity to share that this has been a strong start to the new academic year. Our enrollment numbers appear to be up, and we'll know for sure in a few weeks how many additional students are attending. We are all anxiously awaiting the census week enrollment report.

I also had a chance to speak about my meeting with Dr. Sonya Christian in her new role as Chancellor for the California Community Colleges system. She has an impressive three decades of higher education experience: from faculty member at Bakersfield College to chancellor of the Kern District. This lifetime of experience is expanded by her perspective as the first woman and first person of South Asian heritage to serve in the permanent role leading our system. I'm excited to see the unique focus she brings to statewide issues and initiatives.

Lastly, I want to thank the Golden West College presidential search committee that began its work on Friday. Searches are a lot of work for those involved and also essential to our shared future.

As stated earlier, this is a strong start to the year. I am eager to see all that we accomplish together.

With gratitude,

 Whitney

Whitney Yamamura, Ed.D.
Chancellor

Postscript

Today, we mark Patriot Day and the 22nd anniversary of the September 11th attacks. To many throughout the United States and across the globe who lost friends and loved ones, those 22 years may still feel like yesterday. It is in our honoring of the memory of those lost that we offer support and comfort.

Report from the Board of Trustees

On Wednesday, August 18, the Board of Trustees met and held a public hearing on the 2023-24 budget for the Coast Community College District. Vice Chancellor Marlene Drinkwine shared a variety of primarily one-time funding adjustments that contributed to a positive ending balance in 2022-23, which is anticipated to bring reserves to just shy of three months of operations. The Board policy is to sustain two months' reserves. Despite the current reserve level, the Coast District anticipates deficit spending in 2023-24 and beyond based on existing conditions and assumptions. This would result in total reserves falling below Board policy in 2026-27. Public comments were heard and addressed. Trustees then articulated various contingencies that require adequate reserve levels. The Board adopted the 2023-24 budget with a commitment to communicate with stakeholders on the budget numbers and developing a fiscal stabilization plan.

A resolution Reaffirming a Shared Commitment to Academic Freedom was recommended by the Legislative Affairs Committee and adopted by the full Board. The resolution resolved that "the Board of Trustees reaffirms the faculty rights and responsibilities outlined in Board Policy 4030 Academic Freedom and joins the Academic Senates of Coastline College, Golden West College, and Orange Coast College in opposing laws or official actions that would abridge this fundamental tenant of academic discussion and intellectual pursuit."

Trustees additionally heard reports from the chancellor, college presidents, and presidents of student government organizations, academic senates, classified senates, and employee representative groups. Reports included activities conducted over the opening week of the semester, plans for the year, and topics of interest and concern. Trustees also shared their various activities at the colleges and in the community.

The Board adjourned in memory of Coastline College student August Lascola. Trustees also remembered Norma Hertzog, Laura Ann Carleton, and the victims of the Cook's Corner shooting.

College News

Schedule

Chancellor, Week of September 11
Dr. Yamamura is in the District, Monday through Friday