FAIRFIELD, CA: The Solano Community College (SCC) Fairfield campus is now open, and the water main break has been repaired. Staff will be reporting back to campus at noon, followed by students at 2 pm. Classes and campus operations are expected to fully resume at 2 pm. Stan Arterberry, Interim Superintendent/President thanked the facilities team for their efforts: “Our facilities teams worked throughout the day and evening to ensure that the repairs were completed. I want to thank them for their efforts in bringing a positive end to this situation.”

For more information, contact Yashica Crawford at yashica.crawford@solano.edu or (707) 864-7112.

Fairfield, CA: The Solano Community College (SCC) Fairfield campus will resume operations on September 15th beginning at 2 pm.  Regularly scheduled classes and normal business hours will take place beginning at this time.  The necessary repairs to resolve the water main break are currently in progress and is expected to be completed by this time.

The Vacaville and Vallejo Centers are not affected by this water main break and classes will meet as scheduled.

For more information, contact Yashica Crawford at yashica.crawford@solano.edu or (707) 864-7112.

The 2015 Solano Grown Online Marketplace is open for business. You can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and other products grown in Solano County from the ease of your home. Open now until October, the Online Marketplace has a weekly pick-up point at it’s Food Hub located at the Solano Community College. Customers order by Wednesday and pick up their order Thursday afternoon. Customers interested in buying or farmers wanting to sell products can visit www.SolanoGrown.org

The Solano Grown Online Marketplace is an online farmer’s market where customers are able to select goods from various farmers and make only one payment through our secure online shopping cart. The Solano Grown Food Hub is centrally located at the Horticulture building, 1000, on the Solano Community College campus.

Solano Grown began with the purpose of supporting products grown and produced in Solano County, and the organization is now in its fourth year. The non-profit partnership has expanded, but the focus remains on producing and marketing an array of high quality products. Being located in the heart of an agricultural paradise, Solano County houses a vast number of small and micro farmers. Products from Solano Grown members range from everyday fruits and vegetables (both conventional and organic), to plants, wines, honey, fibers, and even gourmet meats. Several of the farmers sell on their own roadway fruit stands, farmer’s markets, or other venues, but Solano Grown also provides a convenient way for you to purchase products via the Online Marketplace with a single pick up location at the Food Hub.

For more information visit www.SolanoGrown.org
And www.localfoodmarketplace.com/solano

News Contact:
Jamie Burnett, Food Hub and Advertising Manager
(707) 301-8169 | jburnett07@hotmail.com
SCC Contact: Ken Williams at ken.williams@solano.edu

Solano Community College (SCC) was awarded a US Department of Education TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) STEM grant in the amount of $220,000 per year for five years to provide support services to 140 low-income, first-generation community college students who are pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) based degrees or certificates.

“This grant will allow the College to provide enhanced support services to STEM students to help them stay in school, maintain a higher grade point average, and graduate and transfer to four-year universities at a higher rate. And the beauty of this grant is that it complements our recently awarded $622,715 National Science Foundation grant in which we offer 25 to 35 scholarships per year to STEM students. Along with our new Biomanufacturing baccalaureate degree, Solano is a welcome home to high-achieving STEM students,” said Stan Arterberry, SCC’s Interim Superintendent-President.

This grant project will be nested in the current Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program in place at the college and will supplement the program to create the MESA/TRIO program. MESA/TRIO will follow a model that provides academic support and a community environment that assists first generation, low-income students to pursue attainment of a STEM associate degree/certificate and/or transfer to a four-year university. Dr. Jose Ballesteros will manage the MESA/TRIO program.

The MESA/TRIO program will have the following objectives: 1) 80% of participants will persist or graduate and/or transfer, 2) 90% of participants will be in good academic standing and 3) 10% of new participants will graduate within four years and 25% of new participants will graduate and transfer to a four-year institution within four years. Support services will be provided to the participants, including academic counseling, career counseling, financial aid workshops, assistance with filling out the FAFSA, economic literacy workshops, tutoring, university visits, leadership training as well as development of non-cognitive factors and individualized counseling.

“I’d like to thank Dr. Jose Ballesteros, Professors Genele Rhoads and Chuck Spillner, Cynthia K. Garcia, Dean Peter Cammish, Pei-Lin Van’t Hul and others for putting the proposal together. This grant will elevate STEM education at Solano to a new level,” said Dr. Zhanjing “John” Yu, SCC Dean of Math and Science.

Solano Community College has 3,864 of 14,054 students declaring as STEM majors. A significant portion, 52%, of the STEM majors are eligible for the MESA/TRIO program.

For more information, please contact Cynthia Garcia at cynthia.garcia@solano.edu or 707-863-7866.

FAIRFIELD, Calif. July 29, 2015 — The Solano Community College District today delivered a response to 2014-15 Solano County civil grand jury reports, detailing how ballot language and management of Bond Measure Q, approved in 2012, fulfills voter expectations in terms of accountability, transparency and purpose of expenditures.

In its response, the Solano Community College District’s Board of Trustees “strongly disagrees” with the findings in the civil grand jury reports and has refuted the civil grand jury findings with incontrovertible evidence. For example, Proposition 39 does not require master plans, only that the ballot language describe how bond monies will be spent. The District maintains that the bond language clearly described the type and nature of projects for Measure Q. Furthermore, although not required, the District does note that master plans were in fact available to the public before the election. The response also describes how the District has consistently and regularly interacted with committee members by sharing information, conducting trainings and providing administrative support — all in accordance with the State of California’s Education Code.

The sequence of events leading up the decision to place Measure Q on the ballot was deliberate, open to the public and in compliance with Proposition 39. The civil grand jury itself had to acknowledge that it found no evidence of criminal misconduct by the District.

“We’re thankful for the opportunity to clear the record through the civil grand jury process,” said Interim District Superintendent Stan Arterberry. “This adds another layer of transparency for Solano County voters, who deserve to know the full story behind Bond Measure Q, and how it is achieving the objectives clearly laid out before the election.”

The response highlights that ongoing projects funded by Measure Q are consistent with the promise in the ballot language to improve the district’s ability to serve students and maintain a solid footing for future growth. These projects include the Vacaville Biotechnology & Science Technology Engineering and Math project will house one of only 15 four-year degree programs offered by community colleges in California. Other projects will house a revamped automotive program that will train students in green automobile technology repair and the Fairfield Veteran’s Center, expanding access by students, military, disabled veterans to affordable education.

“The district welcomes the civil grand jury’s scrutiny, but in this case the facts speak for themselves, and the central fact is that the Solano Community College District is clearly implementing the will of Solano County voters,” said A. Marie Young, President of the Solano Community College District Board of Trustees. “Looking ahead, Measure Q is making exciting improvements that will give students of all types an edge in the 21st Century job market by transforming their lives for success.”

The Solano Community College District (SCCD) Governing Board and District staff have received copies of the Civil Grand Jury’s reports relating to the District’s Measure Q bond.

The District appreciates the extensive efforts of this Grand Jury, by law a “group of ordinary citizens,” to review the presentation and operations of the Measure Q bond program. The District also takes very seriously the information developed by the Grand Jury and will respond, in writing, to the findings and recommendations by the September dates set by law.

Governing Board President A. Marie Young stated that, “After receiving these reports, we directed staff to review and report back on the findings and recommendations, and on the factual and legal statements in the reports, for review by the Board in a public forum. The District takes its responsibilities to the public and all stakeholders very seriously, and we look forward to continuing to make Measure Q successful in the support of transforming student lives.”

SCCD Interim Superintendent-President Stan Arterberry stated that, “Our College will continue to follow its approved facilities plan.” He further stated that, “Our primary purpose at SCC is always to focus on student success.”

The Board will hear a preliminary report on the findings related to the bond election at the July 15th Governing Board meeting, and a preliminary report on the findings related to the CBOC at the August 5th Governing Board meeting.

This constitutes the entirety of the District’s response at this time as this is an ongoing legal matter.

Solano Community College has been awarded the California Community College Linked Learning Work-Based Learning Program grant. The grant, provided by the Foundation for California Community Colleges, was awarded based on a proposed work-based learning program for grades 9-12 and SCC students for automotive occupations, culminating in internships with large dealers for SCC and Los Medanos Community College students. Deborah Mann, Director of Workforce Development Grants, stated, “We are very excited about the opportunity this grant affords our community, our students and our automotive employers. We will be working with high school and college students to help them gain the skills our employers need in their workforce. This program will be a win for all participants.”

She further added, “California community colleges have been asked to work regionally and to prepare students for jobs with the skills that industry says they must have in their employees. We have been asked to spend tax payer funds wisely and with intent to assure that students get jobs in the area in which they trained, and that employers have the highly skilled workers they need. This grant successfully addresses all of these goals.”

There were several individuals who contributed to the preparation and submission of the grant application, including Jerry Bernstein, Deputy Sector Navigator for Advanced Transportation and Renewables, Eileen Amick, Administrative Assistant, Laura Convento, Business Operations Coordinator and Paul Hidy, SCC Automotive faculty.

For more information, contact Deborah Mann at Deborah.Mann@solano.edu or (707)864-7195.

The National Science Foundation (NSF), the nation’s premier agency that sponsors STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) research and education activities in colleges and universities across the country, has granted Solano Community College $622,715 to award 165 scholarships to “academically talented and financially needy” students over a five-year period. Dr. Jowel Laguerre, the outgoing Superintendent-President of SCC was pleased, stating “I am happy that SCC received the grant. This is the second time within one year that we received an NSF grant. I’d like to express my sincere appreciation to Professors Genele Roads, Chuck Spillner, and Zhen Chen, Drs. Jose Ballesteros and John Yu, Cynthia Garcia, Peter Cammish, Pei-Lin Van’t Hul and others who were involved.”

Professor Genele Rhoads, the Director of the project and the President of the Solano County Mathematics Education Association stated, “The 2+1 STEM scholarship grant from the National Science Foundation provides a wonderful opportunity for Solano Community College to support academically talented students who want to study and work in a STEM field; especially students who may be the first in their family to attend college or have difficulty paying for college. In addition to financial support, the program includes counseling and mentoring and provides opportunities for tutoring, internships, and special projects.”

Dr. Leslie Minor, Vice President of Academic Affairs, added “We are very excited to see our deserving STEM students be rewarded for their hard work with these scholarships. We look forward to seeing great things from them in the future.”

Dr. John Yu, the Dean for the School of Math and Science and a former NSF program director, credited Dr. Laguerre’s leadership and the great STEM programs at SCC for helping to secure the grant. “The chance of receiving an NSF STEM scholarship grant is about 10 to 15% and it is a very competitive process.” he said.

The grant will award 25 to 35 scholarships per year to students in Astronomy, Biology, Biotech, Chemistry, CADD, Computer Science, Engineering, Geology/Geography, Horticulture, Mathematics, Physics, Surveying, and Water/Waste Water Treatment. If these students transfer to a four-your institution in a STEM major, they will be awarded an additional year to continue their study at that institution. The scholarship support will average $3,000 per year per student.

The Director of the project is Genele Rhoads and the Co-Directors are Jose Ballesteros, Chuck Spillner, Zhen Chen and John Yu. The evaluators for the project are Peter Cammish and Pei-Lin Van’t Hul. Many SCC staff contributed to the success of the NSF Proposal. They include Shirley Lewis, Maire Morinec, Diane White, Robin Darcangelo, Curt Johnston, Yashica Crawford, Patrick Killingworth and Yulian Ligioso.

For more information, contact Dr. John Yu, Dean of Math and Sciences, at Zhanjing.Yu@solano.edu or 707.864-7110

Dr. Jowel C. Laguerre, Superintendent-President of Solano Community College, has been appointed Chancellor of the Peralta Community College District. The Peralta Board of Trustees approved his appointment and employment agreement at their meeting held on June 23rd. As Chancellor, Dr. Laguerre will oversee Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College and Merritt College.

Dr. Laguerre began his term as Superintendent-President of Solano in 2009. During his tenure, he was responsible for ushering the College to full accreditation, and worked to reestablish it as a leader in providing educational opportunities for students. He led the College in a bond campaign to raise $348M for new construction, facilities renovation, technology upgrades and a new Veterans Center. Dr. Laguerre is one of the founders of the Solano County Education Initiative (SCEI) which helps to coordinate activities among different organizations serving the young people of Solano County as well as the Vallejo Education and Business Alliance (VEBA). He partnered with Sonoma State University to offer bachelor’s degrees at SCC. This year, he led SCCs efforts in being awarded an opportunity to offer a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomanufacturing, which will be offered at the forthcoming biotechnology and science building at the Vacaville Center location. He also led the efforts to bring the Andrew Young Global Institute to the Vallejo Center.

The Solano Community College Board of Trustees appointed Mr. Stan Arterberry, Chancellor Emeritus of West-Valley Mission Community College District, as the Interim Superintendent-President at a special meeting held on June 24th. Prior to his tenure at West-Valley Mission, Mr. Arterberry served as Superintendent-President of Solano Community College (1994-2002) and President of Merritt College (1993-1994). He brings a wealth of knowledge and experiences, previously serving as a professor of sociology and dean. He is currently a Senior Consultant with Ralph Anderson & Associates. Mr. Arterberry has a Masters of Arts in Sociology from Atlanta University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Whittier College. He also holds a certificate in Management from the Harvard University Institute for Educational Management.

Board of Trustees President A. Marie Young stated, “Dr. Jowel Laguerre has been a visionary and an advocate for Solano Community College District on local, state, regional, national, and international levels. On behalf of the Governing Board, we accept his resignation and respect his decision to move to a higher position in community college administration by accepting the position as Chancellor of Peralta Community College District. We will be losing his visionary and transformational leadership. Solano Community College District has grown in many ways since the arrival of Dr. Laguerre in 2009. We are going to miss his forward thinking which has led to transforming students’ lives. The trustees welcome Mr. Stan Arterberry as our interim Superintendent-President, and our search for hiring a new Superintendent-President for Solano College will start soon.”

Institutional Effectiveness Partnership Initiative (IEPI)

The goal of this initiative is to help advance colleges’ institutional effectiveness and in the process, significantly reduce the number of accreditation sanctions and audit issues, and most importantly, enhance the system’s ability to effectively serve students. An important focus of the grant is to draw on the exceptional expertise and innovation from within the system in advancing best practices and avoiding potential pitfalls.

There are 3 major components of the IEPI:
1. Technical Assistance Teams – Solano Community College is proud to participate in the pilot phase of this program. Technical Assistance Teams are comprised of experts from community colleges and professional organizations that assist colleges with identifying solutions to challenges that may affect audit findings. SCC’s first visit from the Technical Assistance Team took place on May 26th 2015 with 2 additional visits forthcoming.

2. Enhance Professional Development Opportunities: An online clearinghouse will be developed that will include effective practices and pitfalls to avoid related to accreditation and audit issues.

3. Development of a Statewide Indicator System – Colleges will submit data related to student performance and outcomes, accreditation status and fiscal viability.

Background of Statewide Indicator System: Recently enacted legislation established a new system of indicators and goals that is intended to encourage improvement in institutional effectiveness at California community colleges. Pursuant to Education Code section 84754.6, the Board of Governors (BOG) adopted a goals framework at its March 16, 2015 meeting to measure the ongoing condition of a community college’s operational environment. This statute also requires that, as a condition of receipt of Student Success and Support Program funds, each college develop, adopt and post a goals framework that addresses, at a minimum, the following four areas: student performance and outcomes, accreditation status, fiscal viability, and programmatic compliance with state and federal guidelines. In addition, it requires that the Chancellor post by June 30, 2015, and before each fiscal year thereafter, the annually developed system wide goals adopted by the BOG, and locally developed and adopted college/district goals.

Adopting Framework and Goals: Solano Community College adopted goals for each of the three areas identified below within established Shared Governance processes and with approval by the Board of Trustees on June 3, 2015.

1. Student performance and outcomes
- Completion Rate
- Remedial Rate
- Career Technical Education Rate
- Successful Course Completion
- Completion of Degrees
- Completion of Certificates
- Number of Students who Transfer to 4-Year Institutions, including CSU, UC, or Private Universities in 2013-14

2. Accreditation Status
- Accreditation Status
- Date of Next Visit

3. Fiscal Viability and State & Federal Programmatic Compliance
- Salary and Benefits
- Full-Time Equivalent Students
- Annual Operating Excess/Deficiency
- Fund Balance
- Cash Balance
- Audit Findings

The following link includes the framework and college goals that have been adopted by Solano Community College:
SCC IEPI Indicators

For more information on the Institutional Effectiveness Partnership Initiative, please visit the following websites:

California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, Institutional Effectiveness Division:

http://extranet.cccco.edu/Divisions/InstitutionalEffectiveness.aspx

Institutional Effectiveness Partnership Initiative Advisory Committee, Framework of Indicators:

http://extranet.cccco.edu/Portals/1/InstitutionalEffectiveness/Attachment%202A%20-%20IE%20Framework%20of%20Indicators.pdf