Colleagues,
I’d like to share a few updates for the month of November below.
PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH
Applications and nominations for the presidential search are now open; you can read more about the details in the press release recently posted to the college’s website. The search committee plans to begin interviewing semifinalists in early- to mid-February. In the meantime, our search firm, RH Perry, will be providing monthly updates on the process at the Board of Trustees meetings. These meetings are open to the public; feel free to attend in person or online to hear directly from our consultants.
STUDENT SUCCESS AND RETENTION
As I shared in my last update, enrollment numbers are up significantly this semester; now, our focus on retention efforts will help to ensure that our students succeed and complete on time. As the fall semester winds down, I ask that we all continue to do everything we can to help them by continuing to share information on how they can access academic and student support services. Please also encourage students to enroll now for Winter Session and Spring semester courses. The earlier they plan, the better scheduling options they will have!
COLLEGE-WIDE MEETINGS
My sincere thanks to all those who attended the various meetings, events and activities held for the college community recently, including the mid-semester Lunch and Learn meeting and Coffee and Conversation events. We have scheduled the Meritorious Service Awards for Monday, Dec. 9 at 3:15 p.m. and a second State of the College Meeting for Monday, Feb. 3 at 2 p.m. Please save the dates and plan to attend.
VOLUNTEER TO GIVE BACK
Our Student Senate is working with the Regional Food Bank to host a drive-thru Thanksgiving meal distribution event on campus this Saturday, November 23, starting at 10 a.m. If you’d like to volunteer to help out, please contact Student Activities to sign up.
Additionally, Student Activities has purchased 125 Thanksgiving meal kits to distribute to students in need. Employees are invited to support the initiative by encouraging students to sign up for a meal, donating $20 to the Faculty Student Association to fund a meal, or volunteering their time to organize and distribute meals on Nov. 25 and 26. Those interested in volunteering should contact Student Activities.
THANKSGIVING GATHERINGS ON CAMPUS
All students, faculty and staff are invited to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal being hosted for the campus community to enjoy ahead of the holiday on Monday, Nov. 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the second floor of the Siek Campus Center. Non-perishable food items will be collected to stock the college food pantry for the winter months. Please come and enjoy a meal with our colleagues and students!
HOLIDAY BREAKS
As a reminder, the college will be closed Wednesday Nov. 27 through Friday Nov. 29 for our Thanksgiving break, and from Dec. 24 through Jan. 1 for our holiday break. I hope you have the opportunity to rest, relax, and enjoy your holiday traditions with loved ones during these well-deserved breaks. Thank you, as always, for all you do.
Sincerely,
Louis Coplin
Officer in Charge