Basic Skills Committee
Meeting Minutes December 8, 2015
Approved
Attendees: Jeremy Wilson (IR), Carolyn Arnold (Chair / IR), Patricia “Trish” Shannon (AHSS), Rachael
Tupper-Eoff (Classified Senate / Learning Connection), Katrin Field (Assessment), Hisako Hintz (ESL),
Katie Messina (Counseling), Wing Kam (Webmaster), Patricia Molina (EOPS/CARE/CalWORKS)
Called to order 12:10 PM
1. Self-Introduction
2. Minutes from 11/24/16 accepted with revisions by consensus. Moved by Rachael, seconded by
Carolyn.
a. Report on Action Items from last meeting
i. Statement in regards to Learning Connection is being sent to all groups as soon
as possible for inclusion in decisions regarding budget and planning.
ii. Revised charge and Learning Connection statement going to Faculty Senate on
Thursday (12/10/2015).
iii. Basic skills course sequence data brought to meeting. Agenda item #4.
iv. Katrin Field from Assessment, Katie Messina (Counseling), and Wing Kam
(Webmaster) invited to today’s meeting for discussion on communication with
students.
v. Student senate rep reminded via email, but no students present for meeting.
3. Communication – How to help students find resources
a. Katrin and Katie shared how information is shared with students from the moment they
complete application through first day of classes.
i. After application submitted, students receive email laying out the steps for
students to go through.
ii. Online orientation completed next and shares resources.
iii. Assessment next. Staff at Assessment center do brief interviews with all students
to determine what type of student they are and what they have done thus far,
including asking about preparation and review of online study guides.
1. Study guides & solutions, Math and English course sequence maps, and
a video about Assessments all made available to students on the
Assessment website.
iv. New students referred to PSCN 25 Transition to College where students meet
with a counselor in a group setting, go over assessment results, discuss Math and
English course sequences, and complete a first semester education plan.
b. New process starting in March for incoming new students.
i. Orientation required to be done first. Go2Orientation
(http://www.innovativeeducators.org/) was purchased which is a customizable
orientation module with videos. Campus will be able to provide input into what is
thought that students need to know during the orientation process. Basic Skills
committee requested to be very active in this process. Emmanuel Lopez from
Counseling is spearheading this process. [ACTION]: Carolyn to add
Brainstorming New Orientation Communications to the January / February
Agenda(s). Communicate with Emmanuel about this process.
4. Basic Skills Research briefly mentioned. Data shows no major significant changes in most
courses. ESL trending down in last few years, but likely due to changes in making all courses
consistent with midterms and finals. Math 104 success rates in next course is trending downward
for two straight years.
5. Not on Agenda, but Patricia Molina wanted to make sure communication was sent to instructors
about the importance of doing Progress Reports in Basic Skills courses as most do not do this, but
can be very beneficial for the students since the counselors can then meet with the students.
Adjourned 12:55 PM
ACTION ITEMS:
1. Carolyn to add Brainstorming New Orientation Communications to the January / February
Agenda(s). Communicate with Emmanuel about this process.