5 Things to Know Weekly Update
Dear Colleagues:
Last week, in connection with the state Digital Center and CCCD’s involvement as a Founding Partner, I was up in Seattle for two days to learn about the AI projects that AWS (the Web services branch of Amazon) can produce. The highlight was seeing how their higher education team can take a concept – such as being able to assist faculty in creating relevant CTE class projects – and create a mockup that uses data and generative AI within minutes. Once that’s done, it’s easier to decide whether to invest more time or change direction. Whatever we might say about AI (or Amazon, for that matter), the idea that we can use it to serve students much better is intriguing. The quote that struck me during my visit was that our students are “beautifully dissatisfied” – meaning we can always improve what we do, without being annoyed with them. We have submitted some ideas from Student Services to see what AWS can create later this summer at their cost-free camp that involves students.
Meridith
Fourteen classified professionals from all three colleges received their certificates for completing the Classified Leadership Development Academy (CLDA), overseen by Alyssa Brown with assistance from many parts of the College. The projects were awesome and all focused on the student experience (AI could help with some of them!). CLDA has been instrumental in helping staff develop leadership potential, and some have gone on to become managers or move into more challenging positions. The next group will be selected in July – please participate or encourage someone else!
This week at the Board meeting, the tentative budget for 2026-27 will be reviewed and hopefully approved by the Board so that we have spending authority. For us, there is a significant shortfall that the District expects to reduce or eliminate by the final budget in September.
The District has also provided additional funding for growth to the three colleges in anticipation of more growth funding from the state next year. At this point, we are looking at a cautious and conservative approach for next year, without materially reducing services that our students rely on. More as the budget develops.
Speaking of growth, we continue to see about a 10% increase this summer compared to Summer 2025, and here’s hoping that momentum continues. Many thanks to Instruction and Student Services – and everyone willing to teach this summer – for fueling that increase.
Next week will be the Kickoff for the 60th Anniversary of GWC, and if you know any alumni, please encourage them to come! Here’s the flyer one more time.
My week includes further refinement of the budget, various meetings with the city to work on projects like internships, and the aforementioned Board meeting. And I’m looking forward to honoring the Juneteenth Holiday on Friday – you do the same!