President's Update October 17, 22
Dear Gavilan Community,
Last week was one of the busiest and most productive weeks for me as President. Let me start with some great news!
Gavilan College's Emergency Conditions Allowance Funding Was Approved
This past Friday evening, I was notified by the Chancellor's office that our college's application was approved to receive the Emergency Conditions Allowance. Thanks to my executive team and everyone who worked with us to submit our application. This news will allow us to implement the budget presented to the Board of Trustees at the September General Meeting.
Board Meeting Item - Director of Capital Projects (Measure X)
Tuesday, we held a board study session and our regularly scheduled meeting. During our study session, our board supported moving forward with exploring the hiring of a Director of Capital projects to increase our capacity to manage our Measure X construction projects. This temporary position will be funded out of our Measure X funds and will not impact the college's budget.
Board Meeting Item - Enrollments Are Up!
During our regular board meeting, I provided the board with an update on enrollments. The great news is that this fall semester, we are up 3% in student unduplicated headcount and 8% in enrollments (seats)! This reflects everyone’s hard work and commitment to returning to campus and re-engaging with our students. Kudos to our outreach and marketing folks! A huge thank you to Wade Grant for generating our enrollment reports!
Gilroy Campus Measure X Open Forum
Wednesday, October 12, we hosted the Gilroy Campus Measure X open forum. We celebrated the completion of our bridge and critical projects such as boiler replacements, energy control systems, and alarm systems. We showcased the preliminary design of our future Library and Student Resource Center (LSRC). Thursday, we met with our Citizen’s Bond Oversight Committee to review our projects and our budget and hear input from the committee members.
Campus Training - Enrollment Management Academy
Friday, October 14, we hosted our second Enrollment Management Academy focused on reviewing the Student-Centered Funding Formula (SCFF), how it affects our budget, and how Student Services supports enrollment management. We had over 60 employees from various areas of our institution participate. Thanks to Brad Stone, Dr. Reneé Craig-Marius, and Dr. West for their leadership in helping organize and coordinate the academy. Our next step is to work on identifying enrollment management priorities. Click HERE to listen to the October 14 Enrollment Management Academy recording.
Congratulations and Kudos!
Annual Health Fair
Congratulations to Ryan Shook for hosting a very successful Health Fair with over 30 partners and more than 230 students who participated. Well done!
El Centro
Thanks to Annette Gutierrez and the El Centro team for hosting a successful open house. They always have the best food!
Education Forum: "Latinx: Encontrando El Camino"
What a great way to close out Hispanic Heritage Month and begin Undocumented Student Action Week! A huge round of applause goes to the committee members of our first education forum in Spanish, held this past Saturday at our Gilroy Campus: Victor Reza, Elizabeth Flores, Blanca Melchor and Gladys Elizondo. For some years they have had a vision to bring this event to our college. Thank you to Carina Cisneros, Dean of Special Programs (Undocu Ally Program), Interim Director of Admissions and Records, Irene Haneta, Director of Financial Aid, Marina Martinez, and Susan Sweeney, Dean overseeing Continuing Education. It was an honor for me to be the keynote speaker. Connect to our social media channels to view the videos and pictures!
Student Tutorial Services
Thanks to Jessica Gatewood and Megan Wong for stopping by my office to share the great work they are doing in providing our students with tutorial services. They’re a great team, and I’m impressed with their commitment to supporting student success.
Permanent Hire!
Congratulations to Michelle Castro for being selected as our new Senior Program Services Specialist! She’s a product of Gavilan College, who transferred to UC Berkeley as an older student. She will be an inspiration to our students. Glad to have you on our team!
Attendance at Regional Conference
Friday, October 14, I attended and was a panelist at the State of the Region Conference at CSU Monterey University Center. It was great to see so many of my colleagues and unite with Presidents from Cabrillo College, CSU Monterey, and Hartnell College.
(Dr. Avila with Presidents of Cabrillo College, CSU Monterey, and Hartnell College)
Attendance at Community Event
My packed week finally came to an end Saturday, October 15 with my attendance at San Benito LULAC’s 35th Year Anniversary Dinner! Congratulations to this organization for uplifting our youth by providing thousands of dollars in scholarships!
(Attendees of LULAC's 35th year anniversary, including Celia Marquez, Dr. Avila, Elvira Zaragoza)
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Regards,
Dr. Pedro Avila
Superintendent/President
5055 Santa Teresa Boulevard | Gilroy, CA 95020
408-848-4712 | pedroavila@gavilan.edu
www.gavilan.edu