Annual Trustees Conference

Home | Friday, May 9 | Sunday, May 11

Saturday, May 10 

7:00 AM ­— 6:00 PM

Registration 
Lobby Alcove

7:30 AM ­— 9:00 AM

Breakfast 
Alpine Ballroom

8:30 AM ­— 9:30 AM

The State of the State Budget [FR]
A dialogue with California Community College’s most experienced and knowledgeable budget experts to discuss the May Revision, federal actions, and significant economic issues confronting policymakers and practioners.
Presenters:
Chris Ferguson, Executive Vice Chancellor of Finance and Strategic Initiatives at Chancellor’s Office
Mario Rodriguez, Executive Vice Chancellor at Los Rios CCD
Ann Marie Gable, Vice Chancellor/Business Services at South Orange CCD
Alpine Ballroom

 

9:45 AM ­— 10:45 AM

Navigating the Educational Landscape for Student Success [DEIA]
Join this panel of experts as they explore ever-evolving educational landscape and discuss how community college trustees can support CEOs in adapting, innovating, and ensuring student success. Panelist will share strategies to help students overcome obstacles, seize opportunities, and navigate an uncertain future with confidence – reinforcing that while the terrain may shift, the commitment to student success must remain steadfast and unwavering.
Presenters:
Eileen O’Hare-Anderson, Partner at Liebert Cassidy Whitmore
Jee Hang Lee, President at Association of Community College Trustees
Keith Curry, President at Compton CCD
Alpine Ballroom

10:45 AM ­— 11:00 AM

Coffee Break 

11:00 AM ­— 12:00 PM

Advancing Workforce Development Through Apprenticeships: Bridging Connection to Vision 2030 [G:SS]
This session will explore strategies to connect and expand workforce opportunities through apprenticeship programs at California Community Colleges. Attendees will learn about innovative approaches to aligning these programs with industry needs, fostering partnerships, and creating pathways that empowers students for successful careers. The session will highlight best practices and actionable solutions to ensure students gain the skills and credentials necessary to thrive in today’s evolving job market.
Presenters:
Gary Adams, Dean at Chancellor’s Office
Sabrina Aguilar, Program Lead
Monument Peak A

Legal Challenges: Understanding Impact of PT Faculty Lawsuits [G: SS]
Recent lawsuits filed by part-time faculty against California community colleges are raising significant legal and financial concerns. This session will explore the evolving legal landscape, potential impacts on district policies and the broader implications for part-time faculty compensation. Attendees will gain insights into legal precedents and strategies for mitigating risk and ensuring compliance.
Presenters:
Matthew Besmer, Partner , Atkinson, Andelson Loya, Ruud & Romo
Monument Peak B

Board/CEO Relationship: Confronting Today’s Challenges and Opportunities [BC]
A trusting and well-functioning CEO-Board partnership is a necessary condition for successfully advancing the district and college mission. In today’s challenging environment, what does an effective CEO-Board relationship look like? How can Boards and CEOs assist one another to strengthen this critical partnership? What are some of the specific approaches and practices implemented at your district?
Presenters:
Martha Garcia, President at Mt. San Antonio CCD
Mojdeh Mehdizadeh, Chancellor at Contra Costa CCD
Peter Hidalgo, Board President at Mt. San Antonio CCD
Emigrant Peak A

Best Practices to Onboard Student Trustees [G: SS]
This session will explore insights, experiences, and best practices for effectively onboarding student trustees, helping them feel supported and prepared to succeed in their roles. Panelists will share strategies for fostering meaningful engagement, amplifying student voices, and creating a welcoming, collaborative environment that encourages active participation in decision-making processes.
Presenters:
Crystal Jackson, Trustee at West Hills CCD
Sanjana Sudhir, Student Trustee at College of the Canyons
Amrita Ramesh Gopal, Student Trustee at West Valley-Mission CCD
Buu Thai, Trustee at San Jose-Evergreen CCD
Emigrant Peak B

12:15 PM ­— 2:00 PM

Fulfilling the Trust Luncheon
Every year the Community College League of California recognizes the enduring dedication and service of California’s community college trustees with the Fulfilling the Trust Award. This year, we honor six trustees who have achieved twenty, thirty and forty years of service. 

Economic Realities In and Out of Public Higher Education [FR]
Public higher education faces demographic challenges amid federal funding and economic uncertainty. However, redefining student success and institutional outcomes presents new opportunities. The Richmond Fed’s Survey of Community College Outcomes enhances data for local and national stakeholders to guide resource allocation. This presentation will explore current economic conditions affecting higher education and the Richmond Fed’s initiatives in the community college sector.
Presenters:
Laura Ullrich, Senior Regional Economist at Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond Virginia
Alpine Ballroom

2:15 PM ­— 3:30 PM

Modernizing The Fifty Percent Law [FR: SS]
CA Fifty Percent Law requires community colleges to allocate at least half of their general funds to direct classroom instruction. However, this outdated policy limits the college’s ability to invest in vital student support services, i.e. counseling, technology and basic needs programs, which are critical to student success. Panelists will discuss the need for policy reform to reflect the evolving needs of today’s learners, promote equity, and provide colleges with the flexibility to enhance holistic support systems that drive student achievement and success.
Presenters:
Willy Duncan, Superintendent/President at Sierra College
Tawny Dotson, President at Yuba College
Ron Gerhard, Chancellor at Chabot-Las Positas CCD
Monument Peak A

 

Generational Perspectives on Trusteeship [G: BE: BC]
This panel features a guided discussion among CCC Trustees with different levels of experience in the role. What is the perspective of the Trustee role from those in their first three years as a Trustee? What about those with at least one or two terms under their belt? And what might a more experienced Trustee wish they’d known early on in their tenure as a CCC Trustee?
Presenters:
Sue Chan, Trustee at Ohlone CCD
Yvette Davis, Trustee at Glendale CCD
Barbara Dunsheath, Trustee at North Orange County CCD
Ryan Liu, Trustee at Pasadena CCD
Monument Peak B

 

This session has been cancelled: California’s Master Plan for Career Education   [G: SS]
Join us for an insightful session on California’s 2025 Master Plan for Career Education, a proposal designed to strengthen career pathways, enhance hands-on learning, and expand access to high-quality job training for Californians. Join us to hear about the six primary areas of action outlined in the Master Plan to address the complex, multifaceted challenges confronting California’s labor market and educational landscape.

The Community College League of California, At Your Service 
Learn about the League Staff, various services provided by CCLC and how we can assist. Also, hear about the various committees, taskforces, events, podcasts the League provides to gain updates and obtain ETP competencies.
Emigrant Peak B

3:45 PM ­— 4:35 PM

California Association of Latino Community College Trustees and Administrators (CALCCTA) Caucus Meeting 
Monument Peak A

California Community Colleges Veterans Caucus (CCCVC) Business Meeting 
Monument Peak B
Agenda         Previous Minutes         Zoom link (Meeting ID: 849 6885 4516)

Central Valley Community College CEO Caucus (CVCCCC) Meeting 
Emigrant Peak A

Bay 10 Meeting
Emigrant B

4:45 PM ­— 5:35 PM

Joint Caucus Meeting
Monument Peak A

Asian American Pacific Islander Trustees and Administrators (AAPITA) Caucus Meeting
Emigrant Peak A
Agenda       Previous Minutes

5:45 PM ­— 7:00 PM

Reception
Pavilion