MT. SAN JACINTO COLLEGE
Office of Student Services
Convocations/Graduation Committee
Minutes
February 13, 2006 – 3:00 p.m.
President’s Conference Room #200 – San Jacinto Campus Linked to Student
Services Conference Room #130 – Menifee Valley Campus
Members Present: John Woolley, Stephen Torok, Kathie Wellington, Matt Love,
Sherrell Masonis, Roger Schultz, Jennie Ragsdale, Dennis Hogan,
Charlene Bermudez, Helene Astorga, JoAnna Quejada, and Lesia
Navarro
Recorder:
1.0
Becky Mitchell
Welcome and Introductions
Introductions were made.
2.0
Planning Issues/Considerations
Commencement Planning Issues/Considerations compiled after the 2005
Graduation are attached to the agenda.
3.0
4.0
Honors Convocation
A.
Roger, John, and Becky met in December. A tentative date was
scheduled for Tuesday, May 9, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. Due to the impact on
the Milo P. Johnson Library, we are looking into the possibility of holding
the event at the Hemet Public Library. We will look into this facility for the
Honors Convocation.
B.
Helene Astorga and Charlie Bermudez, Student Activities Coordinators,
and JoAnna Quejada, Dean of Matriculation/Outreach/Student
Development, will take over the chairmanship of this event.
Foundation Scholarship Breakfast
A.
A tentative date was scheduled for Thursday, May 11, 2006 at 8:00 a.m.
The committee is also looking into the possibility of holding the event at
the Hemet Public Library or another off-campus site.
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B.
5.0
Lesia Navarro will again be the lead on the Foundation Scholarship
Breakfast. Lesia, Shelley Rufin and 3 foundation staff members will
comprise the committee.
Graduation/Commencement
A.
The Ramona Bowl has been reserved for the event; however, a Faculty
member has brought up several issues regarding accessibility at this
venue.
B.
Roger spoke with Phil Pendley, Superintendent of the Hemet Unified
School District, about the possibility of utilizing either the West Valley High
School Stadium or the Hemet Unified High School Stadium since both
sites accommodate 4,300 guests. The West Valley High School site is a
great location since it is midway between the two campuses. It was the
consensus of the committee to pursue the West Valley High School
Stadium location.
C.
Due to weather concerns and the heat that is usual during late May, it was
suggested that the event be moved to 6:30 p.m. The committee approved
delaying the event until 6:30 p.m.
D.
Commencement Speaker
E.
i.
Scott Lay was the commencement speaker last year. Each year,
the task of securing a speaker is getting harder. Recently,
Riverside Community College utilized an English faculty member,
who had authored the book, “How to Fail Community College.”
ii.
Another suggestion was to honor Dr. Giese by asking him to speak.
Dennis Hogan moved to have Dr. Giese. Geoff Reed seconded.
The motion was passed unanimously.
iii.
If Dr. Giese is unable to speak, the English professors will be
researched.
Music
Due to the popularity of the MSJC Menifee Jazz Ensemble, Stephen
Torok and the MSJC Menifee Jazz Ensemble has again agreed to play at
commencement.
Convocations/Graduation Committee – Page #2
F.
Timelines/Deadlines
It was the consensus of the committee to hold the next meeting at West
Valley High School if the facility can be secured. Roger will discuss with
Mr. Pendley. Hopefully, a meeting can be scheduled within 3 – 4 weeks.
G.
New Theme
The existing theme has been used for the past several years. Committee
members were asked to research other options with their constituent
groups and bring back recommendations at the next meeting.
H.
Student Speakers
Roger will talk with Rich Rowley and Suzanne Uhl who will lead the
student speaker try-outs again this year.
I.
Logistics
The facility must be designated before this can be detailed.
J.
Photographers
Chappell Studios and House of Portraits will again be utilized. There is no
cost to the District for these functions.
K.
Graduation Fairs
March 3, 2006, is the last day to apply for graduation; however, Roger
suggested that the date be extended to March 10. Letters are sent out to
graduates advising them of the various events. The Graduation Fairs
could feasibly be held the week of April 3rd.
L.
Graduation Newsletter
The Graduation Newsletter will be updated and mailed to the graduates
once graduation applications are processed.
M.
Rehearsal Dinner
If the West Valley High School Stadium is utilized, the rehearsal dinner
could be held at 6:00 p.m. at that location. It was suggested that MSJC
Catering/Pit BBQ be used. Other suggestions were the Carl’s Junior or InN-Out Burger traveling kitchen. Jennie will research possible
vendors/catering services and report back to the committee.
Convocations/Graduation Committee – Page #3
N.
ASB Participation
Since ASB is an integral part of commencement, the ASB President, Matt
Love, will be an active participant of the committee.
6.0
Future Meetings
The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for Monday, March 6, 2006 at 3:00
p.m., location to be determined.
7.0
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 4:00 p.m.
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