Chancellor's Report - August 2007

August 2007

Message from the Chancellor

As another busy summer draws to a close, Pima Community College begins a new academic year full of opportunity. Over the past year, the College has worked diligently to improve access to higher education that is provided at a reasonable cost.

Before the start of each Fall semester, the College faculty, staff and administrators gather together at an "All College Day" event to reflect on the previous year's successes and identify challenges we face moving forward as a public institution.

During All College Day this year, we emphasized the importance of delivering on our promise to the community. That promise stems from the very heart of our mission: to develop our community through learning. This is more than a slogan; it's a product of our core values and guides us as we work to meet the educational challenges of our rapidly growing state and ever-changing global economy.

Enhancing access to quality higher education and training is the key to improved individual prosperity, personal enrichment, and regional economic competitiveness. The College continues to offer diverse academic programs and services, form new partnerships, and improve upon how, when, and where we provide higher education to the students and public we serve.

Community colleges across the nation serve more than 11 million students annually. This number includes 50% of all new nurses, a majority of health care workers, and close to 80% of first responders such as firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency medical technologists — very important people who are critical to all sectors of our society. Together, institutions such as Pima Community College educate almost half of America's undergraduate students, making community colleges the largest and fastest-growing sector of higher education.

In the last Chancellor's Report, I announced that in response to a call from the Governor, the Arizona Legislature, and area residents, Pima Community College is proposing to step up and address the critical shortage of health care professionals by creating a new Health Care Campus at the County's Kino Health Complex site. Our proposal is currently under review by the Subcommittee on Public Health, Library and Community Facilities for inclusion in Pima County's 2008 bond election.

The prospect of a new campus dedicated to health care professions is an exciting opportunity for the College and for Pima County. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Arizona falls short of the state's demand for graduates in health care fields by as much as 86% annually. The Health Care Campus would enable PCC to graduate larger numbers of critically-needed health care workers, improve access to health care education, and keep us delivering on that part of our promise to you.

We're also addressing the needs of our aging population. Last month, students of PCC's new Basic Direct Care Professional certificate, developed in partnership with the Pima Council on Aging, completed the first state-approved curriculum in basic caregiving in Southern Arizona. Another one of our new programs, Clinical Research Trial Coordinator, has been developed in response to the region's growing biotechnology and medical sectors.

Health-related fields and medical professions aren't the only areas we're focusing on. Every year, the College devotes significant resources to providing developmental education in math, science and reading; on programs and services for adult learners and non-traditional students; and on improving workplace literacy.

Preparing for a college education starts long before a student enters college. That's why we are committed to working with local K-12 school districts. We continue to strengthen our educational partnerships, create scholarships, develop college "bridge" programs, high school summer academies, and dual enrollment opportunities that help alleviate many barriers to higher education.

In response to the continuing growth throughout Pima County, we're also offering more classes in new locations across Tucson, Sahuarita, Green Valley, Oro Valley, and Marana. Many classes are offered during evenings and weekends. Some degree programs meet one night a week and in accelerated formats designed specifically for working adults.

At the same time, the College has taken the lead in developing a sophisticated and wide-ranging delivery of online programming. We're offering more courses online and increasing the number of hybrid classroom/web-based learning formats. Last year, the College had over 12,000 enrollments in online classes and more than 4,000 enrollments in hybrid courses in over 40 academic subjects.

PCC now offers nine degree, certificate, and post-degree certification programs that can be completed entirely online, and the number continues to grow. Student services also are now available online. These include student advising, financial aid services and tutoring, as well as a host of others. Soon, we will offer additional online programs in special education and in other critically important fields.

The College continues to explore partnerships in the state and around the country to offer our community more opportunities for higher education beyond the associate degree. Last year, a record number of PCC students transferred to the University of Arizona. Our academic partnerships with educational partners like Indiana University, University of Maryland University College, Northern Arizona University, and soon, the University of Phoenix, allow students to take their first two, and sometimes up to three years of classes toward a bachelor's degree at PCC at a considerable savings.

At the state and federal levels, we continue to closely monitor important legislative issues in higher education, such as student financial aid and state funding for community colleges. In Arizona, the creation of a state-wide community college coordinating board remains a significant issue.

All of these efforts are part of delivering on our promise. For all of our progress, we still face many challenges. Together, we will keep delivering on our promise by staying true to our mission. On this year's All College Day — and every day — we are reminded of our responsibility to keep this promise to the community and students we serve.

Governmental Update

College Cost Reduction Act Would Increase Student Aid Eligibility

Southern Arizona Congressman, Raúl Grijalva, introduced amendments to the bill that would have a significant impact on full and part-time community college students in science, math, technology, and engineering concentrations. Congressman Grijalva's amendments expand the eligibility criteria of the Academic Competitiveness Grant and the Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant to students in college certificate programs, students who attend classes on a part-time basis, and students who are legal permanent U.S. residents.

Currently, a quarter of a million students nationally are ineligible for such grants because they are enrolled in certificate programs. Many of these programs focus on innovation and technology education critical to our nation's competitiveness. More than 70% of Pima Community College students are enrolled at the College on a part-time basis.

The College will continue to follow this significant federal legislation. If passed into law as amended, the bill would provide much needed financial aid to qualifying students enrolled in science, math and technology programs — students who play a vital role in our nation's ability to be competitive in the 21st century global economy.

State Legislature Ends Regular Session; Priority Issues Remain a Focus

The 48th Arizona Legislature ended its regular session in June. While state funding for community colleges remained unchanged — as it has each year for the past decade — lawmakers passed a handful of measures that impact community colleges in some way. Below is a list of bills that passed into law:

1. SB1068: Dual Enrollment Reforms
2. SB1069: Postsecondary Education Grants and Scholarships Implementation
3. HB2794: Public Programs Eligibility Verification
4. HB2021: Health Sciences Students Fingerprinting
5. HB2018: Tuition Waivers for Reservists and Spouses

More information about these bills, including background and summaries, can be found at the Arizona Legislature website.

State legislators adjourned before reaching agreements on several key issues that the College will continue to focus on during next year's legislative session. Pima Community College's legislative priorities include the creation, composition, and governance role of a state-wide community college oversight board; the passing of legislation that would authorize community colleges to offer bachelor's degrees as needed by their local districts; and recalculating the formula on state funding for students enrolled in occupational and workforce programs.

The College will continue to focus on these important legislative issues because they impact our ability to provide responsive and accessible higher education.

College Update

PCC Adult Education Students Celebrate Milestone

Approximately 200 adult students celebrated a milestone in front of hundreds of family and friends in June — they earned a GED.

The graduation event took place at the Tucson Convention Center Music Hall. It was the culmination of months of hard work and dedication on behalf of students, teachers and staff in Pima Community College's Adult Education (PCCAE) program.

For many, the Certificate of General Educational Development represents much more than the equivalent of a high school diploma. It's the key to a better job. And it's proof that it's never too late to achieve a dream. For others, walking across the stage during the GED ceremony represents a midpoint towards another milestone: getting a college education.

Close to 1,200 adults earned their GEDs this year after preparing for the test through classes at PCCAE. Many of these students will go on to take courses at PCC and earn degrees and/or certificates.

I would like to congratulate all of the students and their families for this mark of achievement. We hope you will view your accomplishment as one step further in a continuing pursuit of learning.

If you would like to find out more about adult education at PCC, including college transition programs for adults entering college for the first time, visit Pima Community College Adult Education online or call PCCAE at (520) 206-6500.

PCC Adjunct Instructor in Need of a Donor Kidney

On a personal note, one of our adjunct instructors, Darian Qureshi, has been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and is in need of a donor kidney. Darian is 36 years old and has been teaching at PCC in the Political Science department since 2003. Potential donors or those who can help may email transplant coordinator Annette Whinery at the University Medical Center or call (800) 297-1250.

Partnerships and Initiatives

PCC Joins Arizona Early Childhood Development Initiative Workgroup

I am pleased to announce that I have been asked to serve on a state-wide workgroup of the Early Childhood Development and Health Board, a newly established state board responsible for overseeing the First Things First Initiative.

The First Things First Initiative, passed by voters in November 2006, aims to develop a comprehensive framework for early child care education, oversee and allocate funding resources, and create a standardized system for professional development in the child care field. The initiative's estimated $150 million in annual funding will come from a new sales tax on tobacco products.

The Professional Development Workgroup includes designees from higher education institutions throughout Arizona. Together, we have been asked to create a framework for a state-wide system that measures the core base of necessary knowledge, continuing education requirements, professional development and compensation that will serve as a model for family child care providers. The workgroup will make final recommendations to the Early Childhood Board in November.

Research shows that young children who have access to high quality early childhood experiences are better prepared to enter kindergarten and subsequently perform better throughout their education. Higher education must heed the call to ensure that teachers in early childhood education have access to training, degrees, and credentials that meet the highest standards possible.

Pima Community College will take a lead role in this important initiative by building upon our existing programs in Early Childcare Education and increasing our delivery of core services to those working in the child care field. With the help of our partners in higher education and the early child development community, we are confident that this work will ultimately improve the lives of children and families in Arizona.

Grants and Scholarships

PCC Awarded $1.25 Million to Implement Upward Bound at Desert Vista

I am pleased to report that the College received a $1.25 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to start an Upward Bound program on our Desert Vista campus. This after school program provides high school students from low-income families, including those with parents who have never attended college, with one-on-one advising and mentoring, career exploration, and enrichment classes in preparation for entry into postsecondary higher education.

PCC will be awarded $250,000 over the next five years to implement and run the program starting in September. The program will be available to students from Sunnyside, Desert View, and Vision High Schools. Vision High is a charter school based on PCC's Desert Vista campus. A minimum of 60 students will be recruited to participate in the college-prep program.

We are grateful to the staff and support team who worked hard to secure this grant. It will provide a much needed public service to local high school students in this part of Tucson. We're confident it will improve access to learning, which is part of our College Plan.

For inquires about the Upward Bound program, email Leticia Menchaca, Desert Vista Campus Dean of Student Development, or call (520) 206-5086.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Grant to Help Develop an Agricultural Science Program at East Campus

The College received a grant from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture in the amount of $35,000 to initiate the development of a new program in Agricultural Science. The grant includes an additional $35,000 in program development matching funds to be implemented over a two-year period at our East Campus beginning in October.

Funding will be used to research and develop courses in Veterinary Science, Equine Science, and Animal Science, and will expand the College's current offerings in Food Safety, Agri-Science, and Agri-business.

We anticipate a boost in enrollment in agricultural science courses as a result of the grant's focus. Additional enrollments from students in Pima County and the Joint Technological Education District (JTED) are also expected. The College will be adding credit courses that articulate with the University of Arizona's College of Agriculture and Life Science, providing more opportunities for PCC students to transfer into bachelor's degree programs at the University.

The grant will enable the College to respond to the growing demand for an educated and skilled workforce in agricultural science and agri-business fields. It's also part of our College Plan to increase the completion rate of degrees and certificates and strengthen transfer articulation and baccalaureate opportunities.

Awards and Recognitions

NW Campus President is First Community College Representative at International Student Affairs Institute

Dr. Sylvia Lee, Northwest Campus President, was selected to serve as a faculty member and presenter at the James E. Scott Academy's 25th Stevens Leadership Institute, in Victoria, British Columbia, in July.

The Stevens Leadership Institute is organized by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA). The biennial institute is designed for experienced senior student affairs officers. Participants explore current and future challenges in the field of student affairs and develop strategies to lead their institutions forward. With more than 11,000 members representing 29 countries, NASPA is the largest professional association for student affairs administration, policy and practice.

Dr. Lee was only one of six representatives selected to present at the five-day international program. She is the first community college representative selected in the history of the Stevens Leadership Institute.

Acting Dean of Student Development Honored by Chicanos Por La Causa

Juan Soto, newly promoted Acting Dean of Student Development at the East Campus, was honored by Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc., an international nonprofit organization and one of the largest community development corporations in the nation.

Mr. Soto, formerly PCC's program manager for College Recruitment and Information Center, received Chicanos Por La Causa's community advocacy award during the 27th annual fundraising dinner in June. The organization is internationally recognized for its programs in education, economic development, social and community issues.

"Working at PCC has allowed me the opportunity to be an advocate for positive change in our community and to be in a position of mentoring our youth. This recognition is a testament to how we can all be involved in improving the quality of life for our Tucson community," said Soto.

For more than 30 years, Mr. Soto has been an advocate for youth leadership and educational issues and is a leader in the Tucson Hispanic community. Please join me in congratulating him for this special recognition by his peers, and for his continued commitment to public service and community advocacy.

Program Spotlight

Basic Direct Care Program Raising the Standard for Caregivers of the Aging and Developmentally Disabled

As anyone with an aging family member knows, when people grow older they often need additional care. Whether you are caring for a relative or close friend on your own, or arranging around the clock care from a professional service, making sure a loved one receives the best care possible can be one of the most important decisions you can make — and one of the most difficult.

"After being a caregiver for my grandmother and father, I wanted to become more familiar with the practice of caring for the elderly," said PCC graduate Candice Brown. Last month, she became one of the first to complete PCC's new Basic Direct Care Professional certificate program.

The eight-week certificate was created as a part of a Governor's Council Initiative to raise the standard of care for the aged and those with physical and developmental disabilities, and to those suffering from mental illness.

Developed in association with the Pima Council on Aging, the program is the first of its kind in Southern Arizona to incorporate a state-approved curriculum on the history, principles, and core skills needed for entry-level work in caregiving.

"We really needed this in Tucson," Brown said. "I feel better prepared as a caregiver and have gained a lot of self-confidence. Every caregiver should take this program."

Brown says topics such as stress management for the caregiver, legal and ethical issues, plus the course on understanding dementia were especially helpful. She plans to work as a professional caregiver in Tucson.

The program is valuable for anyone planning to provide extended home care for older or disabled individuals and family members, or for those who want to increase their own knowledge and experience in the caregiving field. Students also have the option to continue taking classes in education, social services or other health care professions towards a degree or additional certificates.

Fall semester classes will meet at the Northwest Campus on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Another series of classes will begin in October. For more information, visit the Basic Direct Care Giving Professional program online or contact the Division Dean's Office at Pima Community College's Northwest Campus at 206-2135.

Alumni Spotlight

Working Mom's Educational and Career Goals Become a Reality

PCC alumna Kim Hodge always wanted a career in healthcare. But, as a working mother of three school age children, she figured her options were limited. After ten years doing office work at a Tucson radiology clinic, however, life as she knew it would change forever.

"I wanted to do more with my professional career," she said. "After two years in PCC's Radiologic Technology program, I was doing diagnostic radiography and absolutely loving it."

Hodge earned an Associate of Applied Science degree from PCC in 2005.

With some of the most technologically state-of-the-art equipment in Southern Arizona, and the program's 1,800 hours of clinical training, graduates are fully prepared for entry-level work as radiologic technologists. These are the people who perform x-rays, radiographic examinations, and other critically important imaging procedures used by doctors and medical professionals to diagnose patients every day.

Attending classes full time, doing clinical rotations nearly every day, plus taking care of family and working part-time and weekends, Hodge added to an already fast-paced lifestyle with little time to sit still.

PCC's program is an entry point in a career that can be quickly taken to higher levels. Specialties in highest demand include mammography, sonography, computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging, radiation therapy and nuclear medicine. These often require cross-training and/or additional education and experience that can lead to high-paying and fulfilling careers.

PCC graduates have a 100% pass rate on the national certification exam of the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, the benchmark credential for work as a radiologic technologist. Students may also continue their education by transferring to Northern Arizona University's Bachelor of Science program in Health Sciences, Medical Imaging, or other health related fields that can lead to careers in radiography education and upper management positions.

In the Fall, Hodge will be back at PCC. This time, she plans to earn a post-degree certificate in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The PCC certificate is the only one of its kind for registered radiologic technologists in Arizona. Graduates of this program have a 100% pass rate on the MRI national exam.

"Radiologic technology is a vital tool in healthcare. Without it, doctors can't do their jobs," said Hodge. "I feel that what I do makes a difference."

As this inspiring working mom knows, making a difference in the lives of others often starts by making a difference in one's own life. We're glad Pima Community College continues to have a role for her and for many others like her. But mostly, we're glad she took that step towards making her educational and career goals become a reality.

Note: Due to the extreme shortage of health care professionals in Arizona and the high number of supervised clinical hours required in PCC's Radiologic Technology program, there is a wait list for new students. Contact an advisor for more information. PCC is addressing the health care shortage by proposing to create a College Healthcare Campus in partnership with Pima County. Updates on this initiative will be available in upcoming Chancellor's Reports.

Send comments or suggestions to:  chancellor@pima.edu

Pima Community College
4905 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson AZ 85709