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May 5, 2004
To: Members, Board of Governors, and Statewide Colleagues
From: Mark Drummond, Chancellor
Subject: Update
I am pleased to report that we completed
our May Board of Governors meeting with success and progress.
All of the newly appointed members but one were able to attend
the meeting, and it didn't take long at all for the newcomers
to "pick up the pace" and fully participate. Among
the important business was a long discussion about the Administration's
budget proposal and a system response in time to influence
the May Revise. The actions taken by the Board may be found
in full detail on the system web site.
I won't bother you with constant mule stories, but many of
you know I usually find my mules and myself in Bishop for
the annual Mule Day contest around Memorial Day. This year
will be no exception, and I will take my first break from
my daily duties since January 1. I started working a few weeks
prior to my official appointment in order to spend time getting
to know the incoming Administration and to catch-up on key
issues and to communicate with Chancellor Nussbaum as he prepared
to leave office. Those weeks of "volunteer" work
have proven to be valuable time after time.
In addition to listening for details about
the May Revise it is my understanding that the CPR proposal
for reforming State government (blowing up boxes, in the terms
of the Governor) is ready for release. It is my understanding
that there may be major recommendations for our system, unparalleled
in impact since our founding. This will be interesting, informative
and sure to cause plenty of discussion and action.
Other ongoing matters include:
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Agency Review: This is
in the third of four stages, and four working groups are
busy "turning stones" and preparing recommendations
for consideration. I am hopeful that we will get a full
draft report ready to review in June. Of course I will
bring this to Consultation as the Cabinet reviews possible
organizational implications. Internal staff will be consulted
and a recommended action plan will be prepared for the
Board of Governors for either the July or September meeting,
depending up on the sufficiency of time between the release
of the draft and the Board meeting. This is important
work and we certainly do not want to prematurely cut off
discussion and consultation. I am enthusiast about the
potential for making the system office more responsive,
helpful and useful to the districts and colleges. I am
very grateful for the financial and staff support that
is being provided by many districts and promise you that
we will see many important changes through to realization.
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Field Trips: The next trip is
scheduled for Fresno, Merced and Stockton within a couple
of weeks. I certainly enjoy meeting with students, faculty,
staff, administrators and trustees and learn many and
varied things on each trip. The solidarity of my judgment
may be called into question by the fact that I am considering
visiting Bakersfield in late June or July! At least that
would make Sacramento seem cool.
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CCC Student Voter Registration Project:
Last year the California Community Colleges joined with
Secretary of State Kevin Shelley in an effort to encourage
student voting through local outreach. The CCC Student
Voter Registration Project makes voter registration
materials available to students when they enroll in community
colleges. With the deadline for registering to vote in
the November election fast approaching, I encourage all
districts to participate in this activity. Engaging students
in the voting process through this project does not require
substantial district resources, and serves to fulfill
our goal of promoting responsible citizenship in our students.
Please give serious consideration to joining this effort.
For further information, contact Timothy Killikelly or
Leslie Smith at votereg@ccsf.edu
or 415.452.5695.
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CPR: The Governor's major review
of California government will soon be released. His office
reportedly intends to use the legal framework established
for government reorganization during the first Brown Administration.
The basic concept is that all relevant legislation is
rewritten and submitted in a package to the Little Hoover
Commission where it is "studied" for one month.
It then goes to the Legislature where it can be passed,
defeated or, if no action is taken, passed by default.
My understanding is that no changes can be made to the
package (other than legally required corrections) and
the entire proposal is "up or down." Here is
a URL for an article that describes the undertaking: http://24hour.startribune.com/24hour/politics/story/1314622p-8465000c.html.
l have been briefed on some of the probable proposals
relating to our system and I assure you that if they are
put forward as told to me there will be profound scrutiny
and activity by all of our stakeholders. I understand
that the release is already past due, but that no specific
date for release has yet been set.
I am fortunate to have been asked to participate in a number of commencement
activities in the coming weeks and look forward to that. I will send another update after the
May Revise (and/or CPR Reorganization Plan) is released.
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