The California Community Colleges Classified Senate (4CS) held their annual Classified Leadership Institute conference June 19-21 in Ventura, California, and the theme for the conference was An Adventure towards Student Success. With over 150 classified staff in attendance for the three day event, Classified Senates from around the state gathered to engage in dialogue around challenges faced by classified staff, receive training on new and improved ways to be a more active part of the college community, and exchange ideas on leadership practices. This year Dr. Erika Endrijonas, Executive Vice President of Oxnard College, and President of the Chief Student Services Officers’ Organization, gave a presentation on “The Student Success Act and its Implementation (SB 1456).” This was the largest attended workshop of the institute. From this presentation, classified staff gained a better understanding of SB 1456 and its implications in California Community Colleges.
The 2013/14 Classified Senate President Linda Allen was joined by Nancy Lam, 2013/14 Classified Senate Secretary, Alana Utsumi, 2014/15 Classified Senate President, and Michele Haggar, 2014/15 Classified Senate Vice President, for this year’s conference. In addition to participating in the event, Skyline College Classified Staff participated as volunteers during down-time to assist in welcoming participants to the conference.
The conference also recognized Linda Allen as she was sworn in as the Bay Area 2 Representative. She will serve as a liaison between 4CS and the local classified senates of Cañada College, City College of San Francisco, College of Marin, Napa Valley College, Santa Rosa Jr. College, and Skyline College.
The Classified Leadership Institute provides access to tools that help further develop personal and professional leadership skills. All Classified Staff are encouraged to attend the Classified Leadership Institute.
For more information on the institute visit 4CS at www.ccccs.org.
Article by Michele Haggar & Alana Utsumi | Photos by Linda Allen, Nancy Lam, & Alana Utsumi
