MEDIA ADVISORY - California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott to Participate Tuesday in Community College League of California Webinar on Gov. Brown’s May Revised Budget Proposal

May 14, 2012

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott, Community College League of California CEO/President Scott Lay, California Community Colleges Vice Chancellor for Fiscal Policy Dan Troy and Community College League of California Director of Fiscal Policy Theresa Tena will participate in two webinars at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesday to discuss Gov. Brown’s revised state budget proposal that detailed the $16 billion deficit and how California’s 112 community colleges – the nation’s largest system of higher education – will be impacted. These calls are open to all campus constituencies, the media and other interested parties. Questions submitted via the webinar will be answered at the conclusion of the initial presentation.

 

 

Media Statement — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott Reacts to Gov. Brown’s May Revised Budget Proposal; If November Tax Initiative Fails it Could be the Breakpoint for Some Community Colleges

May 14, 2012

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott today released the following statement on Gov. Jerry Brown’s revised 2012-13 state budget proposal:

"It's clearer than ever that voter approval of the governor’s tax initiative in November is the only way to avoid the further dismantling of the California Community Colleges. If the measure fails, our system will suffer a roughly $300 million trigger cut in January. Community colleges have been cut by $809 million, or 12 percent, in the past three years. We’ve been forced to shut the door on hundreds of thousands of potential students who are hungry for a college education."

 

 

California Community Colleges Board of Governors honors five with 2012 Classified Employees of the Year Awards

May 11, 2012

SACRAMENTO, Calif. —The California Community Colleges Board of Governors named Doris Brinkley-Hankins, Kim Christiana, Scott Ludwig, Patricia Murray and John Welch as 2012 California Community Colleges Classified Employees of the Year and honored them at the May 8 board of governors meeting in Sacramento.

 

 

Media Statement — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott Says New Report Highlights Damage Done by Failure to Properly Fund Higher Education

May 9, 2012

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott issued the following statement today on the release of a report by the Public Policy Institute of California detailing the declining enrollment of high school graduates in California public colleges and universities:

“This report shows the self-inflicted damage to California’s economy by our failure to properly fund higher education. We have two choices: reverse this trend by restoring access and affordability to higher education, or suffer the consequences of failing to educate the workforce that this state’s economy demands. Increased outsourcing of college education to other states is not a sustainable alternative. Unfortunately, many of these students will not return. California needs to produce more college educated workers who contribute to our economy, not export them.”

Scott noted that the pressures forcing high school graduates to increasingly seek college opportunities out of state also apply to transfer students from community colleges. Transfers from California community colleges to out-of-state baccalaureate granting institutions increased by 36 percent in three years, from 13,909 transfers out of state in 2007-08 to 18,964 in 2010-11.

 

 

California Community Colleges Board of Governors Present Inaugural Energy and Sustainability Awards to Winning Colleges

May 8, 2012

SACRAMENTO, Calif. —The California Community Colleges Board of Governors today gave the inaugural Energy and Sustainability Awards to Citrus College, Butte College and Cuyamaca College during a presentation at the board’s meeting in Sacramento. Citrus College won for district leadership. Butte College won for facilities and operations while Cuyamaca College won in the faculty/student initiatives category. Forty-six nominations were received in the three categories and the winners were announced April 10. Honorable mention awards will be presented at the California Higher Education Sustainability Conference June 18-21 at the University of California, Davis.

 

 

California Community Colleges Board of Governors Honor Four State Lawmakers for Support of Community College System

May 8, 2012

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott and members of the California Community Colleges Board of Governors today honored four lawmakers for their leadership in improving the state’s 112 community colleges.
Sen. Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) received the board’s highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award, for his work on a variety of bills, including his leadership in authoring a measure that would implement several recommendations made by the Student Success Task Force. Senator Carol Liu (D – Pasadena), and Assemblymembers Susan Bonilla (D – Concord) and Gil Cedillo (D – Los Angeles) also were honored for their consistent support of community colleges and higher education.

 

California Community Colleges Board of Governors Regulation Proposal Would Stop Unnecessary Repeat Enrollment in State-funded Courses

May 7, 2012

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Community Colleges Board of Governors today heard regulatory changes that would make better use of state funds by preventing students from repeatedly enrolling in courses that they have already completed successfully.

 

 

Higher education chiefs join together to urge adequate funding of colleges and universities

May 1, 2012

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — University of California President Mark G. Yudof, California State University Chancellor Charles B. Reed and Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott met with lawmakers and aides to Gov. Jerry Brown today to urge them to begin reinvesting in one of California’s highest-performing assets – its three systems of public higher education.

MEDIA ADVISORY - Chiefs of Three California Higher Education Systems to Lead Capitol Advocacy Blitz

April 26, 2012

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — University of California President Mark G. Yudof, California State University Chancellor Charles B. Reed and California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott will meet with lawmakers and the governor’s office to urge that they make adequate funding for higher education a priority in 2012-13 to prevent further tuition increases and to ensure that students can get the classes they need to succeed. The system chiefs will be available to speak to the media about the effects that budget cuts have had on public higher education and the impacts associated with passage or failure of Gov. Brown’s fall ballot initiative.

 

 

Student Success Act of 2012 Clears Key Legislative Committee

April 18, 2012

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott today praised the California State Senate Education Committee for passing legislation that would help implement recommendations of the Student Success Task Force, which developed strategies to improve completion rates at California’s 112 community colleges.

 

 

MEDIA ADVISORY - California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott to Join Sen. Alan Lowenthal Wednesday to Discuss Student Success Act of 2012

April 17, 2012

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott will join Senate Education Chairman Alan Lowenthal (D - Long Beach) to discuss SB 1456, the California Community Colleges Student Success Act of 2012. The bill, which will be heard in the Senate Education Committee at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, will better focus funding to support services to increase student success as measured by degree attainment, transfer to a four-year institution, earning a certificate or reaching career advancement goals.

 

 

California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Teams with State Volunteer Group to Hold Disaster Preparedness Training Symposium at Saddleback College

April 17, 2012

MISSION VIEJO, Calif. — The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office’s Emergency Preparedness department along with CaliforniaVolunteers hosted more than 120 representatives from nearly 50 colleges, universities, government agencies and non-profit organizations April 16-17 at Saddleback College for the inaugural California Colleges and Universities Community Emergency Response Team Symposium.

 

 

California Community Colleges Board of Governors Announce Winners Of Inaugural Energy and Sustainability Awards

April 10, 2012

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Community Colleges Board of Governors has selected Citrus College, Butte College and Cuyamaca College as its first three winners of the inaugural Energy and Sustainability Awards competition. Forty-seven nominations were received in three categories – district leadership, facilities and operations and faculty/student initiatives. Representatives from the three winning colleges will be given the awards at the May 8 Board of Governors meeting in Sacramento.

 

 

MEDIA STATEMENT - California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott Comments on the Santa Monica College Decision to Hold-off on Two-Tier Fee Plan

April 6, 2012

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott today issued a statement about the Santa Monica College Board of Trustees’ decision to hold off on its plan to institute a two-tier fee structure for high-demand courses beginning in the summer session 2012:

"Santa Monica Community College District trustees and President Tsang have my respect and appreciation for their decision to hold off on plans to institute a dual fee system for courses in high-demand. Although I disagreed with this proposal, I cannot fault college leaders for searching for new approaches to serve students hungry for the opportunity to receive a college education. Tragically, we as a state have failed to properly fund community colleges, and our economy will suffer as a result. I will work closely with the Santa Monica College leaders on strategies to improve access and success for all students."

 

 

California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott Returns to Pasadena City College for “State of the Community Colleges” Address, Addresses Impact of Budget

March 22, 2012

PASADENA, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott, in a major address delivered today at a college he once led as president, said the state must come to terms with its disinvestment in higher education and acknowledge the human and economic tolls of shutting hundreds of thousands of students out of college.

Scott, speaking to a campus-wide audience at Pasadena City College, said the latest blow dealt to higher education will mean that another 16,000 community college students will not be able to transfer to California State University in the spring of 2013. He noted that years of budget cuts to community colleges have left masses of high school graduates unable to enroll in the two-year system.

 

 

California Community Colleges Chancellor Scott lauds Long Beach College Promise as Model for Improved Alignment Between K-12 and Higher Education

March 21, 2012

LONG BEACH, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott today met with education leaders in Long Beach to discuss the successes of the Long Beach College Promise, saying the program can serve as a model for improved collaboration between kindergarten through 12th grade and higher education, a key recommendation of the California Community Colleges Student Success Task Force.

 

 

Media Advisory - California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott to visit Cabrillo High School

March 19, 2012

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott will visit Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo High School in Long Beach to highlight a local collaboration that is resulting in more high school students pursuing post-secondary education and improved college readiness. The Long Beach College Promise, a partnership among K-12 schools, Long Beach City College and California State University, Long Beach, offers a model for implementation of a key recommendations made by the California Community Colleges Student Success Task Force – better collaboration between K-12 schools and community colleges in jointly developing common standards for college and career readiness. Scott will be joined by Long Beach City College Superintendent-President Eloy Ortiz Oakley, California State University, Long Beach President Dr. F. King Alexander and Long Beach Unified School District Superintendent Christopher J. Steinhauser. The Long Beach area education chiefs will present a progress report on the College Promise, award scholarships to 27 eighth-graders.

 

 

California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott Announces his Retirement Effective Sept. 1, 2012

March 6, 2012

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott announced today that he will retire as the head of the nation’s largest system of higher education on Sept. 1, capping a distinguished 58-year career in higher education and public service.

In a statement sent to community colleges statewide, Scott said, "I have greatly enjoyed my work since becoming chancellor on January 1, 2009. It is true that it has been a tough time for community colleges because of the financial difficulties of the state of California. But I have been received warmly in Sacramento and on college campuses by trustees, faculty, staff, administrators, and students. I have proudly represented our colleges before the Legislature, the governor, and many other audiences."

 

 

MEDIA STATEMENT - California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott Welcomes President Obama’s Jobs Council to California to Discuss Health Workforce Initiative

March 5, 2012

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott today issued a statement welcoming representatives of President Obama’s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness to California to learn how a community colleges partnership can serve as a model for other states as they address their health care workforce needs:

"President Obama’s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness recognizes that the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Health Workforce Initiative is working effectively with industry partners to prepare the health care workforce of tomorrow,” Chancellor Scott said. “We are establishing critical links between colleges and employers to ensure that we can get these well-qualified students trained and into positions in the growing health care sector as quickly as possible."

 

 

California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott Praises West Hills Community College District for Offering Priority Registration to Graduating High School Seniors

March 1, 2012

LEMOORE, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott on Thursday praised a new priority enrollment system that has resulted in more high school graduates entering West Hills Community College District campuses, saying it can serve as an example for system-wide registration changes called for by the California Community Colleges Student Success Task Force.

 

 

MEDIA STATEMENT - California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott Lauds the Little Hoover Commission for Calling on the State to Prioritize its Investment in the Two-Year System

February 29, 2012

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott issued the following statement on yesterday’s release of a Little Hoover Commission report on California community colleges –

"The Little Hoover Commission is absolutely correct in calling on California as a state to prioritize its investment in community colleges around the goal of student success. We have been focused on this goal over the past year with our Student Success Task Force recommendations, which will result in more students transferring to four-year institutions and earning certificates and degrees. While a good number of the commission’s recommendations align with our strategies, others take a different approach. I want to thank the commission for its consideration of ways to improve California community colleges."

 

 

Media Advisory - California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott to visit West Hills College Lemoore

February 27, 2012

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott will visit West Hills College Lemoore to discuss a new priority enrollment policy adopted by West Hills Community College District. High school seniors who participate in diagnostic assessment, orientation and who develop an education plan get priority registration at West Hills under the policy. The California Community Colleges Board of Governors’ Student Success Task Force has recommended that priority enrollment for students focused on transfer, career technical education and degree attainment be implemented system-wide.

 

 

MEDIA STATEMENT - California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott Sounds Alarm at the Additional $149 Million Unexpected Budget Cut the System Will Sustain this Academic Year

February 21, 2012

California’s disinvestment in higher education will have a lasting impact on an entire generation of students
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott issued the following statement on the revised budget projections that show the 112-college system will take another $149 million unexpected cut this year largely because of the higher demand for student fee waivers and lower than expected property tax revenues.

“This $149 million reduction is unexpected and even larger than the mid-year trigger cut that the community college system has already endured,” Chancellor Scott said. “This will result in colleges further reducing course sections, additional borrowing and staff reductions. The new 2.75 percent budget decrease is effectively doubled because colleges only have a half year to try to find savings.”

“Because of the poor economy, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in the number of students receiving the California Community Colleges Board of Governors Fee Waiver. This alone accounts for $107 million of the added shortfall. As a state, we need to recognize the lasting damage that the disinvestment in higher education is having and commit to properly funding our colleges and universities.”

 

 

MEDIA ADVISORY - California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott praises President Obama’s Call to Provide the Nation’s Community Colleges with $8 billion

February 13, 2012

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott today issued a statement on President Obama’s proposed 2012-13 national budget that recommends focusing $8 billion on a three-year program that will expand partnerships between community colleges and the business community in order to train and employ two million workers in technical and skilled manufacturing jobs:

"President Obama continues to see the value of community colleges as the cornerstone in creating a strong and educated workforce to fuel our nation’s economic recovery and train and place millions of workers in middle-skills jobs. An $8 billion investment represents the president’s strong confidence in the ability of our nation’s community colleges to train a workforce that can compete in both the local and global marketplace.

 

 

California Community Colleges Board of Governors Seeks Campus Nominations for Energy and Sustainability Awards

February 7, 2012

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott today encouraged colleges to submit nominations for a new program launched by the board of governors to recognize outstanding achievements in energy efficiency and sustainability. The winners of the Energy and Sustainability Awards will be invited to the board of governors meeting May 7-8 in Sacramento to receive their recognition.

 

 

California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott Tells Lawmakers that Reform Plan Would Improve Graduation and Transfer Rates and Help Close the Achievement Gap

February 1, 2012

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott told a joint legislative committee today that recommendations developed by the Student Success Task Force will help more students reach their educational goals on time and help close the achievement gap for disadvantaged students in the 112-college system.

 

 

The California Community Colleges Student Success Task Force
Reform Plan to be Presented to State Legislature Wednesday

January 31, 2012

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott will be at the state Capitol for the Senate Education and Assembly Higher Education committees’ joint hearing to review the Student Success Task Force reform recommendations package. The Education Budget Subcommittees from both houses have also been invited to participate. No action will be taken by the committees but the hearing is a requirement of Senate Bill 1143 (Liu) that says the recommendations must be presented to the Legislature no later than March 2012.

 

 

California Community Colleges Board of Governors bestow 2011 Exemplary Programs awards to Cosumnes River College and Santa Ana College

January 10, 2012

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott today said that Cosumnes River College and Santa Ana College are models of what can be done for students when community colleges engage them and help them stay on course and reach their academic goals. The two colleges were honored Tuesday by the California Community Colleges Board of Governors for winning the 2011 Exemplary Programs awards. De Anza College and Norco College each received honorable mentions.

 

 

MEDIA ADVISORY - California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott to participate Wednesday in Community College League of California webinar on Gov. Brown’s 2012-13 budget

January 10, 2012

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Chancellor Jack Scott will participate at 1 p.m. in a webinar Wednesday to discuss the state of the system and the impact that Gov. Brown’s proposed 2012-13 budget will have on the 112 colleges. Topics also will include the impact of the mid-year budget cuts that totaled $102 million and the looming per unit fee increase to $46.

 

 

California Community Colleges Board of Governors Approves Student Success Task Force Recommendations, Sends Report to State Legislature

January 9, 2012

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott today thanked the board of governors for adopting the critical Student Success Task Force reform package that has been a year in the making. The recommendations, Scott said, will go a long way in improving student graduation, certificate and transfer rates at the system’s 112 colleges. The plan, which was approved without a dissenting vote, will be sent to the state Legislature for review in accordance with Senate Bill 1143 (Liu).

 

 

MEDIA ADVISORY - California Community Colleges Board of Governors to Take Action on Historic Student Success Task Force Reform Plan Intended to Increase Graduation, Transfer and Certificate Attainment Rates at the System’s 112 Colleges

January 6, 2012

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Community Colleges Student Success Task Force, formed in January 2011 in response to Senate Bill 1143, has produced a comprehensive report for the board of governors and state Legislature that outlines recommendations to increase student graduation, transfer and certificate attainment rates at the 112 California community colleges. The board of governors will formally receive the Student Success Task Force plan and be asked to adopt the proposal before it is forwarded it to the state Legislature for review.

 

 

MEDIA STATEMENT - California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott Reacts to Gov. Brown’s Budget Proposal; Support of Tax Initiative is Critical for the Future of Higher Education and the State’s Economic Recovery

January 5, 2012

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott today released the following statement on Gov. Jerry Brown’s 2012-13 state budget proposal:
"The November tax initiative is critically important to higher education. A yes vote in November means more than $200 million will be provided to community colleges and will begin to reverse years of significant cuts to the nation’s largest system of higher education. These cuts have resulted in hundreds of thousands of Californians being denied an opportunity to pursue their educational goals.

 

 

California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott says Investing in College Students Is an Investment in the State’s Future and Economic Recovery

December 13, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott today said that disinvesting in the 2.6 million students that attend the state’s community colleges is not the path that should be taken if lawmakers want an educated workforce to power California’s economic recovery. If the full mid-year cuts are applied, California’s lowest income and most vulnerable students will see even more reductions to support services.

 

 

California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott to host media Conference Call Tuesday to Discuss the State of the System and the Impact of Trigger Cuts

December 12, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott will participate in a media briefing teleconference to discuss the state of the system. Topics include the impact of mid-year budget cuts, major system reforms being recommended by the California Community Colleges Student Success Task Force, and the progress of the Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act.

 

 

Student Veterans Issues to be Examined at California Community Colleges Summit

December 1, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott today said a Dec. 2 Veterans Summit to be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Holiday Inn San Diego - On the Bay will increase awareness for community college faculty, counselors and others of the issues that veterans deal with when returning from active duty and attending community college. The event will provide an opportunity to better understand the needs of student veterans and how to support their transition from military life into civilian careers.

 

 

MEDIA ADVISORY - California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott to kick off summit in San Diego focusing on the needs of student veterans

November 29, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott will attend a summit aimed at improving services for student veterans in the California Community Colleges. Community colleges leaders, nationally recognized experts and others will tackle issues such as mental health needs for veterans, understanding military culture and helping veterans access financial aid and other resources.

 

 

Gov. Brown appoints four to California Community Colleges Board of Governors

November 23, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. —California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott welcomed Gov. Brown’s appointments of three new members to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors and the reappointment of Manuel Baca, who has been on the board since 2009. Each member has been appointed to a two-year term.

 

 

California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott Issues Statement on the Public Policy Institute of California’s Higher Education Survey

November 17, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott today issued a statement on the Public Policy Institute of California’s survey “Californians & higher education.” The survey, released last night, says most Californians believe budget cuts have significantly hurt the state’s three systems of public higher education and, with the probability of more funding reductions on the horizon, believe higher education is heading in the wrong direction. Despite the state’s budget woes, 62 percent of Californians gave the California Community Colleges a good or excellent rating, higher than the California State University and University of California systems

 

 

California Community Colleges Board of Governors Re-elects Officers for 2012

November 8, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Community Colleges Board of Governors re-elected officers for the 2012 calendar term during its bimonthly meeting held at the State Capitol. The 17-member board, appointed by the governor, nominates and elects its president and vice president each November and the chosen officials serve for a one-year term.

 

 

California Community Colleges Partners with the California Department of Veterans Affairs to Ease Vets Transition from Military Service to Civilian Workforce

November 8, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott today announced the agency and the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) have signed a memorandum of understanding that will ease enrollment in community colleges for members of the military exiting active duty. The California Community Colleges already enroll approximately 75 percent of the veterans using GI Bill education benefits in California’s three segments of public higher education. Under the new agreement, veterans will find it even easier to connect with a community college to begin their transition to civilian life and the state’s workforce.

 

 

MEDIA ADVISORY - California Community Colleges to hold Orange County Town Hall Nov. 8 on Student Success Task Force Draft Recommendations

November 7, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Orange County Town Hall presentation and panel discussion on the California Community Colleges Student Success Task Force draft recommendations is an informational meeting and open to the public. It's also viewable via a live webcast.

 

 

MEDIA ADVISORY - California Community Colleges to Hold Central Valley Town Hall Nov. 2 on Student Success Task Force Draft Recommendations

October 31, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Central Valley Town Hall presentation and panel discussion on the California Community Colleges Student Success Task Force draft recommendations is an informational meeting and open to the public. It's also viewable via a live webcast.

 

 

MEDIA ADVISORY - California Community Colleges to Hold Southern California Town Hall Thursday on Student Success Task Force Draft Recommendations

October 25, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Southern California town hall presentation and panel discussion on the California Community Colleges Student Success Task Force draft recommendations is an informational meeting and open to the public. It's also viewable via a live webcast.

 

MEDIA ADVISORY - California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott Presents Student Success Task Force Draft Recommendations at Senate Subcommittee Informational Hearing

October 18, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A presentation and panel discussion on the California Community Colleges Student Success Task Force draft recommendations. This informational hearing is for the Senate Subcommittee on Education Policy Research and is open to the public.

 

California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott Congratulates Winners of Green California Community College Summit’s 2011 Leadership Awards

October 17, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott today congratulated the winners of the Green California Community College Summit’s 2011 Leadership Awards. The awards honor outstanding accomplishments in sustainability within the 112-campus California Community Colleges system. The awards will be presented at an Oct. 17 reception as part of the summit that runs through Oct. 18 at the Pasadena Convention Center.

 

California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Announces $6.9 Million Grant to Address Mental Health Needs of Students

October 11, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott today announced that the California Mental Health Services Authority has awarded a $6.9 million grant to the college system to be used over a three-year period for faculty and staff training on student mental health issues, suicide prevention and peer-to-peer services.

 

 

California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott says New Bills Signed by Gov. Brown Will Save Students and Colleges Time and Money

October 10, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott today thanked Gov. Jerry Brown for signing two bills designed to simplify the educational process for students and create more efficient placement testing within the 112-community college system. The new legislation will save colleges tens-of-thousands of dollars as more modern and efficient services are used, and students will benefit from a streamlined assessment system and will have the ability to request and view their transcripts online.

 

 

California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott says Draft Recommendations of Student Success Task Force Will Improve Completion Rates

October 7, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott today praised the newly released draft recommendations of the Student Success Task Force, saying that it provides a workable action plan to improve degree and certificate attainment and transfer rates of the 2.6 million students enrolled in the system’s 112 colleges.

 

 

California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott Announces Nearly $37 Million in U.S. Department of Education Grants Awarded to 34 Colleges to Help Latino Students

September 30, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott today said that 34 of the system’s colleges have been awarded nearly $37 million in Hispanic-Serving Institutions grants from the U.S. Department of Education. The funds will make a college education attainable for Latino students while expanding and enhancing the academic offerings, program quality and institutional stability at the campuses.

 

 

California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott announces $2.54 million U.S. Small Business Administration grant for export promotion

September 27, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott today said that his agency has been awarded a $2.54 million State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration that will be used to increase California’s small business export market share and create more jobs in the year ahead. The funding for the national initiative was authorized last year under the federal Small Business Jobs Act.

Central California community college consortium awarded a federal grant for nearly $20 million to provide pathways to new careers for the unemployed

September 26, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott today announced that a consortium of 11 central San Joaquin Valley community colleges and one college center have been awarded a $19.9 million grant from the federal government to help those training for new careers meet specific industry needs.

 

 

California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott Praises Gov. Brown’s Action on Pair of Bills Affecting Community College Fees

September 21, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott today congratulated Gov. Jerry Brown for signing a pair of bills written to protect students who attend the system’s 112 community colleges.

 

 

California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott Praises Legislature for Delaying Student Fee Increase until Summer 2012 if Mid-year Budget Cuts are Necessary

September 8, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott today issued a statement about the California Legislature’s decision to delay implementation of a mid-year student fee increase to summer 2012 if state revenues fall more than $1 billion below projections and trigger cuts are executed. The increase from $36 to $46 per unit was originally proposed for the spring 2012 term.

 

 

Progress in Transfer Degree Program Announced and Possibility of Mid-year Cuts Detailed as California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott and California State University Chancellor Charles B. Reed Brief Media

August 22, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott and California State University Chancellor Charles B. Reed today announced that 61 community colleges have already received approval to offer students at least one associate degree for transfer to CSU beginning this fall, and the two chancellors warned that their systems are preparing for the possibility of additional budget cuts in the middle of the academic year.

Scott and Reed, in a 30-minute media call, praised the cooperation between the nation’s two largest higher education systems in implementing the Student Transfer Agreement Reform Act that was signed into law in September 2010 and creates clear pathways for students to transfer from community colleges to the CSU with an associate degree.

 

 

California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott Praises Lt. Gov. Newsom’s Economic Development Plan; Agenda Points California in the Right Direction

July 29, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott today issued a statement about Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s release of his economic development plan titled, "An Economic Growth and Competitiveness Agenda for California":

"I am very impressed by the research and bold vision of the Economic Growth and Competitiveness Agenda. Lieutenant Governor Newsom deserves applause for this plan and for his leadership. I enthusiastically support this agenda since it clearly points California in the direction of dynamic economic growth. California community colleges will join this effort by working diligently to educate a skilled workforce and accelerate economic recovery."

 

 

California Community Colleges and California State University awarded $1 million national Complete College America Innovation Challenge grant

July 20, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott and California State University Chancellor Charles B. Reed today announced that their systems have been awarded $1 million from Complete College America’s Completion Innovation Challenge grant program to assist students in transferring from a community college to a California State University with an associate degree and a clear pathway to graduating with a bachelor’s degree.

A national non-profit focused solely on working with states to significantly boost college completion, Complete College America established the Completion Innovation Challenge program to inspire and enhance state efforts to significantly boost college completion rates. Funding support for the grant program was provided by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Governors from all 50 states were invited to submit proposals to win one of ten $1 million, 18-month implementation grants for initiatives designed to substantially increase college completion and close attainment gaps for traditionally underrepresented populations. Thirty-three states entered the highly competitive contest. As a winning state, California was determined to have one of the nation’s most promising strategies to smooth and shorten pathways to college completion for all students.

 

11th Annual Dr. John W. Rice Award Honors Those Who Exemplify Diversity and Equity Within The California Community Colleges

July 11, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The 11th annual John W. Rice Diversity and Equity Award ceremony was held today at the Sterling Hotel and celebrated the accomplishments of two individuals and one program within the California Community Colleges.

Named after the former member of the California Community Colleges Board of Governors, the Rice award was given to Santa Barbara City College professor Ignacio Ponce, the Santa Barbara City College Veterans Support Program and to Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson, the associate vice president of instruction at American River College in Sacramento.

“Dr. Rice knew that an education was the great equalizer, something that could never be taken away from an individual who earned it,” said California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack. “He was a tireless fighter for diversity and equity issues across the system and this year’s winners exemplify his passion and a sampling of the many ways the community colleges serve people from all walks of life. I am proud of these individuals and the veterans support program, which has been recognized nationally for the great job it does serving our returning soldiers.”

 

California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott Visits Butte College For the Historic Unveiling of the Nation’s First Grid-Positive College Campus

June 28, 2011

WHO: California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott

WHAT: Chancellor Scott will speak at Butte College’s 10 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony June 29 and celebrate the campus becoming the nation’s first grid-positive college.

WHY: Butte College will make history as it becomes the first college in the U.S. to go "grid-positive," producing more than 100 percent of the electricity it uses from its on-site solar arrays. The solar arrays total 4.538 megawatts and will generate more than 6.5 million kilowatt-hours per year. Butte College officials estimate that the initiative will save the campus $50-$75 million over the next 15 years. These savings take into account project costs and interest by eliminating the campus’ electricity bill, selling excess power back to the local provider and avoiding future rate increases.

California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott Glad System Avoided Further Budget Cuts; Says Deferrals Still Cause for Concern

June 15, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Legislature today, unable to reach an agreement on Gov. Jerry Brown’s May budget proposal, approved a plan to close the state’s remaining $9.6 billion deficit. The budget that passed both Houses on a majority vote, will now go to the governor’s desk for review. Although the California Community Colleges did not sustain additional cuts beyond the $290 million originally proposed in the governor’s January budget, the plan defers $129 million in funding which will increase the cumulative total of delayed state payments to $961 million, or roughly 17% of the system’s annual funding.

California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott Reacts to U.S. Supreme Court Action Allowing California Colleges and Universities to Grant In-State Tuition to Undocumented Students

June 6, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott today issued a statement about the U.S. Supreme Court rejecting a challenge to California’s policy that grants in-state tuition at its colleges and universities to high schools graduates who are undocumented students:

Gov. Brown Appoints Dr. Natalie Berg to California Community Colleges Board of Governors

May 24, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott today welcomed the appointment of Dr. Natalie Berg to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. Gov. Jerry Brown selected Berg on May 20 for one of the two trustee positions on the board. The appointment still must be confirmed by the state Senate.

California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott presents Jim Dolgonas with Excellence in Technology Leadership Award

May 18, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott announced that Jim Dolgonas, chief executive officer of the Corporation for Education Network Initiatives in California (CENIC), has been given the 2010 California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Excellence in Technology Leadership Award.

The award was presented to Dolgonas May 10 at the California Community Colleges Board of Governors meeting in Sacramento.

"Jim Dolgonas helped streamline a statewide communications network for our system that saved us tens of millions of dollars. The board and I are pleased to honor Jim’s important commitment to higher education with this award,” said Chancellor Scott. “At a time when resources are increasingly scarce, a partnership with an organization like CENIC is extremely valuable to help save the state money, while providing a quality service for our students, staff and faculty. Over the past decade, our district offices, campuses and offsite centers have greatly benefitted from increased Internet access and network efficiency. And, efficiency equals savings."

California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott Reacts to Gov. Brown’s Revised Budget Proposal; Governor Presented a Responsible and Balanced Long-term Plan

May 16, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott today issued a statement about Gov. Jerry Brown’s May revised budget proposal for fiscal year 2011-12:

Senate Confirms Appointments to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors

Staggered six-year terms approved for MacDougall, Malumed and Ramos

May 12, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott announced that today the state Senate confirmed the appointments of Peter MacDougall of Santa Barbara, Dr. Deborah Malumed of Long Beach, and Henry A.J. Ramos of Creston to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. On May 2, Gov. Jerry Brown appointed the three board members to the positions pending Senate confirmation.

The California Community Colleges Honor Assemblymember Paul Fong as Legislator of the Year

Senator Alan Lowenthal given Distinguished Service Award

May 10, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott and members of the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges honored Assemblymember Paul Fong (D-Cupertino) and Senator Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) for their support of the California Community Colleges and higher education.

Utilities and Community Colleges: The Right Partners to Build California’s New Energy Jobs

(Opinion)

April 15, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — As California continues to struggle with a persistent job crisis and sluggish economic recovery, getting our residents back to work is at the top of everyone’s mind. But the current difficulty faced by many companies trying to find skilled workers to fill open positions shows that providing the right kind of training —and at the right time, coupled with a regional workforce development strategy, are also critically important.

It’s time for California’s companies and community colleges to partner together, creating a stronger, more skilled workforce that will help rebuild an economic foundation for our state and the country.

Right now, there are just not enough skilled workers to fill the projected 350,000 California job openings projected over the next 10 years, according to a recent analysis by PolicyLink, a nationally recognized policy research institute. Many of these jobs are “middle-skill,” meaning they are relatively high-paying positions that require less than a bachelor's degree but more than a high school diploma. In particular, utilities are facing a critical shortage of skilled workers and trained professionals to meet increasing demands of an aging population and the emergence of a new energy sector.

There is a clear and very basic mismatch: our residents are having trouble finding jobs, our schools need help preparing graduates, and our utility companies can’t find the skilled workers they need. That’s why the California Energy & Utility Workforce Consortium has joined together to help train the workforce that will help stabilize our state's economic future. And the path to this stronger economy is through community colleges.

Public Higher Education Leaders Meet with Gov. Brown to Discuss the Ramifications of an “All-Cuts” Budget for California’s Colleges, Universities and Businesses

The Three Leaders Applaud Gov. Brown’s Firm Stance in Trying to Avoid Further Reductions

April 5, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott today joined California State University Chancellor Charles Reed and University of California President Mark Yudof to meet with Gov. Jerry Brown at the Capitol to talk about the important role higher education plays in the economic strength and future of California.

Facing the real possibility of a budget that would likely double the cuts currently proposed for California’s 112 community colleges from $400 million to $800 million, Chancellor Scott emerged from the nearly hour-long meeting encouraged that Gov. Brown understands the gravity of the situation and the important role of California’s colleges and universities in providing a trained workforce to fuel the state’s economy.

“We applaud Gov. Brown for his very firm stance in trying to avoid an all-cuts budget. We’re willing to join forces in support of a tax extension. With an ‘all-cuts’ budget, in all of our communities, we’re going to see young people turned away from our colleges and universities,” said Chancellor Scott. “We know the devastation that could occur for our students and our future here in California and we’re very concerned.”

California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott Expresses Disappointment Over Failure of Legislators to Place Tax Extensions on June Ballot

Trio of community college CEOs join media briefing to discuss impact of cuts on campuses and students

March 30, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott today said in a media briefing that he is deeply disappointed over the failure of the state’s elected leaders to place a tax extension proposal on a June ballot. The 112 campuses are already reeling from $400 million in budget cuts. An $800 million or more “all-cuts” solution would result in denying access to more than 400,000 students – roughly the same number enrolled in the entire California State University system.

“Without a June special election on Gov. (Jerry) Brown’s tax extension proposal, the chance of an all-cuts budget is highly likely,” said Chancellor Scott. “An $800 million reduction would be unprecedented and an absolute tragedy for our students, faculty and staff as well as a deep blow for our economy.”

California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Launches New System Website that Directly Connects Public with its 112 Community Colleges

March 17, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office today launched its new website, http://CaliforniaCommunityColleges.cccco.edu. The site will be the Chancellor’s Office central portal for students, parents, business leaders, policymakers and members of the media to get information about academic programs, degree and certificate offerings, systemwide initiatives and specific college information. A focal point of the new site is the “Find a Community College” mapping tool that will deliver information on the areas of study and degrees and certificates available at each of the system’s 112 colleges.

Governor Jerry Brown Pays a Surprise Visit to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors Meeting to Discuss His Plan to Put Tax Extensions on the Ballot; Urging Republicans to Let the People Decide

March 7, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott and members of the board of governors today welcomed Gov. Jerry Brown to its March 2011 meeting. Gov. Brown discussed his reasons for wanting Californians to have the chance to vote on his proposal to extend taxes so community colleges, as one budgetary example, do not have to face cuts of as much as $800 million or more.

"The community colleges are important to our culture, our society and our democracy. It’s about skill achievement. If you’re more capable, you’re a more productive member of society. Why not pay for that? I’m not asking my Republican colleagues to tax anything," said Gov. Brown. "I’m asking them to let the people of California decide. Do they wish to extend the existing taxes or do they wish to double the cuts that I’ve already proposed? That’s a simple proposition."

 

The California Community Colleges Launch Task Force to Boost Completion Rates over Next Decade

January 18, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott today announced that the state board of governors appointed 21 individuals to a Student Success Task Force during its January 2011 meeting.  The task force will meet regularly during the next 12 months and develop a strategic blueprint to help community college students to succeed. 

“California stands ready to lead the nation in developing innovative reforms to foster improved certificate and degree completion rates,” said Chancellor Jack Scott. “Attaining a college degree is a key indicator of how an individual will fare over his or her lifetime.  Community colleges are on the front line of serving all students seeking a degree, however, many of these students must overcome significant life challenges in order to graduate. Ensuring access to higher education is only half the equation, equally important is granting students a legitimate opportunity to succeed upon entering the classroom,” Scott concluded.

 

California’s Public Higher Education Leaders Issue Joint Statement on Governor's Budget

January 10, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The three leaders of California's public systems of higher education, University of California President Mark Yudof, California State University Chancellor Charles B. Reed and the California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott, today released a joint statement in response to Gov. Jerry Brown's proposed 2011-2012 state budget:

 

Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott Reacts to Gov. Brown’s Budget; Proposed Cuts Hurt Colleges’ Ability to Serve Students and Harm California’s Economic Recovery

January 10, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott today released the following statement on Gov. Jerry Brown’s state budget proposal:
"These are difficult times for California and there’s no way to avoid the pain of budget cuts. However, if our community colleges sustain reductions of this magnitude, we anticipate up to 350,000 students will be turned away next year."