State of the West Hills Community College District is good, says Chancellor

WHCCD Chancellor Frank Gornick announced the year’s plans when he delivered the semi-annual State of the District address to college faculty and staff.

Much of the college funding that was cut by the Legislature in recent years has been restored and a series of changes are being forecasted for California community colleges that focus on accountability and student success, according to Gornick.

Some of the highlights of his presentation included:

• The district is introducing more technology to streamline the enrollment process to offer students a better path to retention and completion. One example is the launch of “Reg365/Register for the whole year,” which beginning in April will allow students to plan and register for next summer, fall and spring sessions all at once.

• A Community College Baccalaureate Task Force has been formed to explore ways that West Hills College can begin to offer four-year degrees in certain job-sensitive disciplines.

• An Apple Technology Program in concert with the computer and mobile device giant will train faculty to use iPad tablets in the classroom. A “lend-learn” program will also allow students to lease their own iPads at a nominal cost.

• In addition, a lot of change is on the horizon, Gornick told the assembled staff just prior to the start of the spring semester on Jan. 13. Some of those changes:

• Seventeen employees have announced plans to retire by June 30. All the positions are expected to be filled.

• A Diversity Committee is being formed to impact hiring practices in 2014 and beyond to increase the diverse makeup of college staff and faculty.

Looking ahead, the college will be monitoring events out of the nation’s capital, where the Feds are discussing a proposed College Affordability Plan, which will rate colleges in terms of value and affordability, which are yet to be defined, and tie the ratings to financial aid by 2018.