In Spring of 2010, the Learning Council was developed from discussions that originated in the
Basic Skills Committee. The committee was organized and formal structure was put into place
under the Leadership of Scott Sandler and Edward Cervantes as facilitators, with Dr. Kathleen
Rose as Administrator. The Learning Council is a sub-committee of the Academic Senate; and
according to BP and AP (4600) report to both Academic Senate and the Presidents Council.
This past year the Council was co-facilitated by Susan Sweeny and John Lawton-Haehl under the
direction of Dr. Kathleen Rose. The Learning Council completed work on the mission and bylaws and was guided by the following principles:
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The Learning Council employs conversations that count.
There is a unique relatedness experienced by all
There exists a communal conversation of possibilities, of thinking “outside the box.”
There is diversity in thinking, where dissent is given space
Commitments are without barter, and with a proactive approach to solving student
success issues with integrity.
The value of the Learning Council is focused on its great commitment and passion towards
students. All members are genuinely dedicated to student success and the goal of the Council
continues to be to create collaborative and inclusive dialogue about student success. The
members understand the needs of students which are addressed and acted on towards true
change. In addition, the power of students is a key component. Conversations are always based
on student needs and the value of students.
On the Council there is respect for each member with equality of each Council member
regardless of hierarchy or role. All campus constituents are represented, full and part time
faculty, students, support staff, administrators, and supervisors. This diversity in the
membership and combined gifts are key to producing results. Members report being energized
by the “can do” attitude of the group. The members are present and attentive. There is a
unique collegiality that is actively open to the ideas of others.
The Learning Council continues to be an advisory board for the management of our campus’s
Title V Hispanic Service Institution Grant. The facilitators for the Learning Council actively
recruit staff members from each grant, department and program on campus to present current
activities to the Council to facilitate collaboration on campus.
Recommendations were made based on discussions and findings from external and internal
best practices to minimize barriers and support student success at Gavilan College. In response
to these recommendations Focus Inquiry Groups (FIGS) were formed.
FOCUS INQUIRY GROUPS
Tutoring Support Services FIG
The tutoring support services groups’ purpose is to provide a joint effort in creating excellent
tutorial support services at Gavilan College. The group seeks to provide students with the
necessary resources to be successful in their coursework while supporting the efforts of faculty
and staff.
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Developed a new committee under the auspices of the Learning Council which brought
together the various tutorial and supplemental instruction entities across campus
Created an avenue for collaborative tutor training prior to the start of the semester to ensure
quality tutorial services
Created shared meeting times for new tutors to meet with human resources to help maximize
staff resources
Produced a tutorial support services advertisement that acts as a roadmap to all tutorial
services across the campus
The Legislative FIG
The Legislative FIG has focused our work on following and planning for the changes in SB1440
and SB1456 as our primary goal. We specifically focused on:
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Definition of an Educational Plan
Future Orientation Activities
Enrollment Priorities Plan
Dream Act – Implementation and Implications for Students
Accuplacer and state-wide assessment
BOG Waiver and unit changes
PELL and Loan limits and regulatory changes
Developing a repository for legislative changes
Supporting college-wide discussion and information sharing on these and related topics
A “road show” focused on SB 1456 has been provided throughout shared governance at the
following places: Academic Senate, Department Chairs, Counseling Department Meeting, ASB
Meeting, the Learning Council, and Student Services Council.
A repository of important documents and legislative agendas has been developed and placed
on the I-Learn site.
The Orientation Task force has obtained approval from the Curriculum Committee for revisions
for the new .5 unit course to replace the current orientation project.
The Enrollment Priorities Team has received guidance on the concept of short-term and official
educational plans. This team has also coordinated the first communications to students in
academic peril or nearing 100 units. They continue to discuss the plan for order and timing for
the various cohorts contained in the law.
Veronica Martinez, Financial Aid Director has convened a group on the Dream Act and has
spoken widely across the college on PELL and loan limits. She has visited the Academic Senate,
Student Services Council, Department Chairs, Curriculum Committee, Counseling Department
Meeting, Deans Council, and the DRC Department Meeting. The focus has been on curriculum
and advising issues related to federal financial aid guidelines.
Accuplacer has been implemented at the local level. State-wide movement on this topic has
been stalled.
As Implementation of the Student Success Act will continue over the next 3 years, it is
suggested that the work of this FIG will continue to be important.
Pathways FIG
Work has been done this year to accelerate pre-transfer level pathways in English and Math
through the Gear Up program, the revision of algebra curriculum, and acceleration
opportunities embedded in the English 400-level classes. The formation of the Acceleration
Task Force will allow faculty to explore fast-track pathways in the disciplines at the transfer
level. Through the new Title V in the CTE area, pathway alignment with CSUMB has been
established for Allied Health, CSIS and Digital Media.
Veterans FIG
At its May 3, 2013 retreat, the Learning Council unanimously voted to support finding adequate
space to serve our student veteran population as the vets have outgrown its current space. A
larger space is needed to enable the full complement of services to flourish including peer-to
peer tutoring and mentoring, assistance with acclimating to college culture; space for
readjustment counseling services; veteran specific workshops, assistance with the documents
needed to apply for the GI Bill, and a space large enough to foster camaraderie among the vets
for personal as well as academic support leading to student success and retention.
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The number of veterans receiving the GI Bill Benefits doubled this year to 247.
12 to 15 vets use the Veterans Resource Center (VRC) on a daily basis. Several more
show up but leave due to over-crowding.
Accomplishments:
 Secured Veterans authorization to hire a VA work-study. Along with the two Financial
Aid work-study students, the VRC is open from 8 to 5 most days.
 Fall 2012 - The first Veterans Expo was held on a small scale in BU103. There were 5
service providers and 30 to 35 vets attended along with college administrators, faculty
and staff.
 Spring 2013 - Student Veteran Panel presented on Staff Development Day. Dave Phillips
provided information on the challenges student veterans face especially if they are
returning from combat. This was followed by 9 student veterans who answered
questions from faculty & staff.
 Spring 2013 - Second Veterans Expo held at the Student Center. Twenty (20) vendors
representing Health & Wellness; Service Organizations, Career & Veteran friendly
employers; and Education, including San Jose State and National Hispanic University
were represented. Interest was high and several vendors had to be turned away for lack
of space. The event was well-attended.
 The Mobile Vet Center and the Mobile Medical Van were on campus consistently during
both semesters.
Bragging Rights:
3 vets are moving on to university level work at the end of this semester: Izzy and Mike helped
found the VRC; Ivaldes used the services daily.
Izzy Quistian – UC Santa Cruz; Recipient of the $20,000 Pister Scholarship
Founder of Vets Club and the first Vet I worked with to expand veterans services.
Mike Wells – SJSU
Ivaldes Gulbinas –SJSU
College Hour FIG
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Promotes and cultivates College Hour at Gavilan College as a strategy for student
success and retention.
Explores Best Practices at other California Community Colleges using College or
Common Hour.
Will complete initial research in Fall 2013 and report back to Academic Senate,
President’s Council and the Learning Council.(October 2013)
Open to new members for Fall 2013.
Membership Spring 2013: John Lawton-Haehl (Theatre)-Chair, John Pruitt (VPSA),
Gilbert Ramirez (Cosmo), Mark Fuzie (English), Joey Hayes and Mario Escudero (ASB
Pres. & Rep.), Liz Falvey (Kinn/Theatre)-Secty.
Habits of Mind FIG