Student Services and Equity Committee Minutes: October 1, 2009
The Peralta Colleges Governing Board
Student Services and Equity Committee Minutes
Chancellor’s Conference Room
333 E. 8th St., Oakland, CA
October 1, 2009
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
The meeting opened at 4:48 p.m.
Present: Trustees Linda Handy and Abel Guillen, James Bracy, May Chen, Eric Gravenberg,
Kerry Compton, Donald Moore, Joseph Bielanski, Yvonne Thompson, Thuy Nguyen, Peter
Nilson, Stacey Kayden
1. Review and approve the minutes of the last meeting.
September 3, 2009 minutes were approved as presented.
2. Smartxt Program Presentation
Stacey Kayden gave a presentation on the Smartxt program that she and a group of students are
currently running at Laney College. Smartxt is a software program that incorporates electronic
textbook chapters that contain an instructor’s strategy on how students can approach subsequent
chapters. This program is designed to benefit students with all learning styles and helps students
think strategically. Stacey is planning to work with Smartxt across the state and would like to get
it implemented in all the Peralta colleges.
3. Cost of Textbooks
Peter Nilson, bookstore manager at Merritt College, discussed the American Opportunity Tax
Credit that allows a tax credit of up to $2,500 for the cost of tuition and course materials. Mr.
Nilson expressed the need to get the word out to students so they can take advantage of this
opportunity to get reimbursed for the cost of their textbooks.
There was a discussion about a textbook rental program at Peralta. Peter will speak with Follett’s
regional manager and report back to this committee.
4. Chapter 4 Board Policies
General Counsel, Thuy Nguyen, reported that the Policy Review committee asked her to bring
the Chapter 4 Board Policies to this committee for review. Specific policies were identified and
Thuy will meet with the VPs and Deans of Student Services to review the designated policies
and then bring the revisions back to this committee.
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Student Services and Equity Committee Minutes: October 1, 2009
5. Health Services Initiative Update
Jim Bracy gave an update from the Board Health Services subcommittee meeting that was held
on September 29. There was a discussion on the facilities action group that will be formed to
move the site selection and construction forward. It was suggested that some Laney faculty work
with the committee and that Donald Moore act as liaison with this facilities group.
It was noted that work on implementing the health fee should begin. It was also noted that
communication about the health initiative and fees is critical. It was suggested that a group be
formed, that would include marketing staff, someone from each campus, and student leaders, to
ensure effective transmission of information. Yvonne Thompson will help to identify students
for this committee.
6. FAQs for EasyPass
There is link to AC Transit EasyPass information on the main page of the Peralta website with a
link to FAQs for the EasyPass program.
7. Wait List/Unpaid Student Fees
Jim Bracy introduced an example of a wait list model that would address the issues of students
trying to enroll in closed classes and unpaid student fees. There is more work and research to be
done on this topic. A first step would be to review this model, draft a proposal and take it to the
academic senate. It was noted that if there is to be a change in the registration policy we should
make sure that information is put out well in advance of implementation. A communication
strategy to ensure awareness will be important.
8. Resolution honoring EOPS – Kerry Compton
Kerry Compton noted that this is the 40th year of EOPS and suggested that the Board adopt a
resolution honoring EOPS. Dr. Compton will submit this as an agenda item for the next Board
meeting.
The next meeting will be at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009
The meeting was adjourned at 6:37 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Croley – 466-7367
kcroley@peralta.edu
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Student Services and Equity Committee Minutes: October 1, 2009
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