What's On My Mind

Greetings all,

Two very interrelated topics are on “my mind” this week: our core value as a Learning Centered College and the powerful role that diversity and inclusion plays in student learning and in our campus climate/culture. The genesis of these reflections comes from my attendance at this year’s Higher Learning Commission (HLC) conference in Chicago. As I attended eleven different sessions over the day and half, it was reaffirmed that our Indicators of a Learning Centered College  provide for the strongest of foundations and scaffolding from which to construct our Self- Study. In fact our Indicators are aligned perfectly with each of the Criterion descriptors 1 – 5. It is also apparent to me that we are on track for a successful reaffirmation of our accreditation as many of the best practices shared (active and engaged learning strategies, innovative assessment of student learning outcomes) are clearly in place at PVCC.  This is very good news.

It is critically important then that our diverse students, faculty, and staff are able to learn and work in a campus climate that fosters inclusion and respect.

According to Harper (2008) it has been shown that student interaction with diverse peers has a strong effect on cognitive outcomes including critical thinking and reasoning, perspective taking, and openness to cognitive dissimilarity and challenge. In the new Criteria, HLC has recognized the value of diversity and inclusion in the learning environment – simply take a look at the new Criteria and section 1.C “The institution understands the relationship between its mission and the diversity of society.” If you dig deeper into the new Criteria, you will find four additional core components that directly address diversity and inclusion.

Recently the PVCC Diversity and Inclusion committee forwarded to me several recommendations to enhance and improve our training and professional development programming for faculty and staff in order to improve and enhance our campus climate. To this end, the President’s Leadership Council, this summer, will be rolling out a plan to expand our efforts in this arena. In addition to the College and District resources, we will also be tapping into the Intercultural Communications Institute. Watch for more details soon.

Please join me in thanking our HLC Self-Study teams and leadership as their work continues in preparation for our November 2014 site visit especially in the context of our Learning Centered College.

Regards,

Paul

Greetings all,

Like all large organizations, PVCC will face our share of challenges  - although not pleasant, I remain convinced that these challenges make us a stronger and better college.  Over the last thirty days, it has been our turn to navigate and rise above such tests and trials. For example, we are working our way through a plan to reduce our base budget for the 2013-2014 year by about $330,000, we’ve experienced internal situations with trusting and respectful communications, and our former AmeriCorp program’s ongoing federal investigation has been covered by the local media.

Through all of this we must never lose sight of our vision: to be the College of first choice by creating engaging lifelong learning relationships that inspire and support all learners so that  they increase their capacity for personal growth and positive social change. And we must also not lose sight that Paradise Valley Community College is an exemplary college.

Since the beginning of this semester alone, we should be proud of:

• Our two Arizona First Team, All-USA Academic All Americans
• Amazing STEM programming that brought hundreds of students to explore STEM careers, meet a NASA astronaut, and learn about Mars exploration
• The Center for Performing Arts with packed performances for the John Coltrane Tribute and a show that brought the house down – “1973 Rocks”
• The welcoming and induction of the incoming Nursing Class of 2014 – 30 students strong
• A successful accreditation visit for our Paramedic Program
• The Desperado Film Festival bringing hundreds of community members to our campus
• PVCC hosting of the Asian Studies Development Programs’19th Annual National Conference
• The almost 300 future teachers at PVCC for the 10^th Annual MCCD Future Educators Conference
• Diversity Inc. as our League for Innovation in the Community Colleges Innovation of the year Awardee
• Recognition of four PVCC students at the District MEN’s conference as the first recipients of MEN’s scholarships

…just to name a few.

As students take time off for spring break allow me to use this opportunity to thank all of you for your hard work to keep exemplary teaching, learning, and student success at the core of our daily practice. As I’ve noted above, even in times of challenge, PVCC keeps on delivering amazing programs. My very best wishes for a restful Spring Break.

Regards,

Paul