Legislative Conference Sunday, January 26

Welcome to the first day of the Legislative Conference.

Legislative Conference home   |  Monday, Jan. 27 Schedule   |  Caucus Meetings

10:30 a.m. — 11:30 a.m.

Concurrent [SS]
Carr

Transforming Communities: The Vital Role of Rising Scholars Partnerships in Changing Lives

As community colleges work to improve and strengthen both their campuses and the surrounding communities, investing in Rising Scholars partnerships plays a vital role in this transformation. This panel will explore how these partnerships are changing the lives of formerly incarcerated students and contributing to the broader community. Panelists will share the tangible benefits of Rising Scholars programs, highlighting how they provide a supportive environment for students, promote inclusion, and help break down barriers to success. By focusing on these initiatives, the discussion will illustrate how community colleges are becoming key drivers of positive change, not just for individual students but for the communities they serve.

Presenters:

  • Raquel Funches, Director of Restorative Justice Program, Southwestern College
  • Shawn Khalifa, Program Coordinator for Triton Underground Scholars, University of California, San Diego
  • Laura Pencenco, Rising Scholars Coordinator, San Diego Miramar College
  • Noel Gomez, Rising Scholars Coordinator, Santa Barbara City College

Concurrent [G], [SS]
Compagno

Effective Advocacy in Sacramento 101

This panel will guide participants in advocating for policymakers and how community college representatives, faculty, staff, students, and supporters can effectively communicate their priorities and concerns to lawmakers. Panelists will share insights on how to build relationships with legislators and their staff, craft messages that resonate with policymakers, leverage data and storytelling, and how to prepare for your legislative visits.

Presenters:

  • Sunny Cooke, Superintendent/President, MiraCosta CCD
  • Lennor Johnson, Superintendent/President (and CEO of SDICCCA), Imperial Valley CCD
  • Roberto Rodriguez, Trustee, Palomar CCD
  • Zaneta Encarnacion, Chief of Staff, Southwestern CCD
  • Cesar Nuñez, Student Trustee, Grossmont-Cuyamaca CCD

Concurrent [G], [SS]
Bataglieri

Prioritizing Basic Needs within California Community Colleges

Addressing students’ basic needs is essential to achieving student success. California Community College’s basic needs resources, including food, housing, transportation, and financial assistance, often serve as vital lifelines for our student’s success. It’s increasingly important to prioritize wraparound services at our campuses to address these students’ basic needs. This session will examine the current landscape of basic needs services offered by community colleges, highlighting budget and legislative opportunities to expand these essential resources on our campuses.

Presenters:

  • Keith Curry, President/CEO, Compton College
  • Tammeil Gilkerson, Chancellor, Peralta Community College District
  • Torence Powell, Superintendent/President, Napa Valley College
  • Diana Rodriguez, Chancellor, San Bernadino Valley Community College District

Concurrent [G], [SS]
Tofanelli

Addressing Barriers to Community College Transfer Success

In response to recent audit findings, this panel will dive into the barriers impacting community college transfer outcomes, examining challenges faced by both institutions and students. Panelists will explore key questions such as: What challenges beyond community colleges’ control affect transfer success? What factors have stalled progress in improving transfer pathways? And what specific barriers hinder students from achieving their transfer goals? Panelists will also explore strategies to address these obstacles and better support students on their transfer path.

Presenters:

  • Omar Torres, President, De Anza College
  • Erika Endrijonas, Superintendent/President, Santa Barbara City College
  • Cheryl Aschenbach, President, Academic Senate for California Community Colleges
  • Priscila Moreira, Associated Student Government President, Mission College

11:45 a.m. — 1:15 p.m.

General Session/Lunch [G], [SS]
Camellia/Gardenia

Navigating the Changing Tides of Washington DC

During the recent presidential election, key issues such as immigration, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and higher education highlighted stark differences between the candidates. Now that the election has concluded, how will the incoming administration impact our state and its higher education institutions? What issues should our state policymakers consider when it comes to our 116 colleges to ensure that all of our students can continue their educational journeys without barriers? Join us as we delve into these critical topics and their implications for our students, colleges, and communities.

Presenters:

  • Roger Schultz (Emcee), Superintendent/President, Mt. San Jacinto Community College
  • Carrie Warick-Smith, Vice President of Public Policy, Association of Community College Trustees

1:30 p.m. — 2:30 p.m.

Concurrent [G], [SS]
Carr

Bridging the Gap: The Future of Nursing Education

Community college baccalaureate degrees provide a transformative opportunity for students to access high-quality, affordable, and local education. In 2024, the legislature overwhelmingly supported legislation to expand baccalaureate degrees in nursing for community college students, but the effort was ultimately vetoed by the Governor. As California continues to deliberate this change, 12 states, including Oregon, have granted authorization for community colleges to offer BSN degrees. Join a dynamic panel of industry and college leaders from California to Oregon as they delve into this critical issue and explore pathways to expand access to baccalaureate degrees.

Presenters:

  • Eric Robles, Director of Political and Legislative Affairs, UNAC/UHCP
  • Elliot Stern, President, Saddleback College
  • Lisa Avery, President, Linn-Benton Community College

Concurrent [G], [SS]
Tofanelli

Strengthening Title IX Support in a Shifting Political Landscape

This panel will explore how institutions, policy advisors, and Title IX leaders are working to strengthen protections, promote inclusion, and address evolving challenges. Panelists will share campus strategies and legislative efforts that enhance Title IX support and advance equity. This discussion aims to provide practical insights and to exchange best practices.

Presenters:

  • Ellen Cesaretti-Monroy, Senior Consultant, California State Assembly Higher Education Committee
  • Andra Hoffman, Board of Trustee, Los Angeles Community College District
  • Brittany Grice, Vice President of Human Resources, Glendale Community College
  • David O’Brien, Vice Chancellor for External Relations, Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office

Concurrent [G], [SS]
Compagno

Fostering a Safe Campus Environment for Undocumented and Mix-Status Students Under a New Presidential Administration

This session will highlight recent actions taken to support immigrant and undocumented students, including those from mixed-status households, and provide a comprehensive look at innovative practices and resources to address their unique needs. The discussion will focus on actionable steps community colleges can take to create and sustain a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all students. Attendees will hear from community college counsel, who will share their perspectives on preparing for the new administration and implementing strategies on campuses to ensure every student feels supported and valued, regardless of their immigration status.

Presenters:

  • Maryam Portillo, Supervisor for Undocumented & International Support Services, Sierra College
  • Madeleine Villanueva, Interim Director of Higher Education, Immigrants Rising
  • Anna Manuel, Assistant General Counsel, California Student Aid Commission
  • Yesenia Carrillo, Associate Attorney, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore

Concurrent [FR], [G], [SS]
Bataglieri

Unlocking Resources: Strategies for Success in the Federal Funding Arena

Federal grants, cooperative agreements, and congressionally directed spending play a vital role in supporting innovative programs that enhance student access, success, and equity. To secure these resources, colleges must strategically position themselves to stand out among applicants. An experienced leader in the field will share insights into navigating the federal funding process and positioning your institution for success, along with a federal update. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of Washington, D.C.’s funding landscape and receive actionable guidance on maximizing federal resources to drive impactful programs at their colleges.

Presenters:

  • Tom Downs, Principal, Downs Government Affairs

2:30 p.m. — 2:45 p.m.

Break
Ballroom Foyer

2:45 p.m. — 4:00 p.m.

General Session [FR], [G], [SS]
Camellia/Gardenia

Community College Budget and Fiscal Update

Join our keynote panel on the 2025-26 budget with key policymakers, including representatives from the Newsom Administration, as we discuss their initial responses to the budget, the changes in Washington DC, and the impact the recent series of fires might play on the deliberative process facing state and local decision-makers this spring.

Presenters:

  • Chris Ferguson, Executive Vice Chancellor of Finance and Strategic Initiatives, California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office
  • Lisa Qing, Principal Fiscal and Policy Analyst, Legislative Analyst’s Office
  • Jessica Holmes, Program Budget Manager, California Department of Finance
  • Sunny Cooke (Moderator), Superintendent/President, MiraCosta CCD

4:15 p.m. — 5:10 p.m.

Caucus Meetings
Carr

  African American California Community College Trustees and Administrators (AACCCTA) Caucus

Tofanelli

  Asian American Pacific Islander Trustees & Administrators Caucus (AAPITA)

5:00 p.m. — 6:00 p.m.

Reception
Falor

Student Reception

Hosted by the Community College League of California and the Student Senate for California Community Colleges (SSCCC).

5:15 p.m. — 6:10 p.m.

Caucus Meetings
Carr

  Joint Caucus

Tofanelli

  California Association of Latino Community College Trustees and Administrators (CALCCTA)

6:00 p.m. — 7:30 p.m.

Reception
Magnolia

Networking Reception

 

ETP Competencies

For trustees enrolled in the Excellence in Trusteeship Program (ETP), approved sessions are noted in the list above. If you would like more information about ETP, please visit our website at www.ccleague.org/Trustees.

Following are the program competency designations used throughout the schedule:

[A] – Accreditation

[BA] – Brown Act

[BC] – Board/CEO Relationships

[BE] – Board Evaluation

[DEIA] – Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility

[E] – Ethics

[FR] – Fiscal Responsibilities

[G] – Governance

[SS] – Student Success