Vol. XXXIII, No. 12

November 8, 2004

This Week at Valencia.

Tuesday, November 9
- 1 p.m., Osceola Faculty / Staff, Osceola 1-232
- 1:15 p.m., Faculty Senate, West 1-151
- 2:30 p.m., Learning Evidence Team, East 3-113
- 5:30 p.m., Alumni Board, West 14-100

Wednesday, November 10
- 8:30 a.m., College Executive Council, Osceola 2-223
- 2 p.m., College wide Curriculum Committee, East 5-112

Thursday, November 11 - 1 p.m., Faculty Senate East 3-113

Friday, November 12
- 8 a.m., Student Affairs Professional Development Day, East PEC
- 9:30 a.m., Student Development Group, Winter Park 123
- 6:30 p.m., Reception for Selected Valencia Fine Art Faculty, Anita S. Wooten Gallery, East Campus

Blood Relations, a play by Sharon Pollock - Friday & Saturday-8 pm; Sunday-2pm, West 4-120

Desire Under the Elms, a play by Eugene O'Neill- Friday & Saturday-7:30 p.m.; Sunday - 2 p.m., East Black Box Theater

An Important Message from Valencia's Chief Learning Officer

As your CLO, I would like to share with you some of the things that I have learned during my first two years at Valencia and thank those of you who have helped me gain this experience. There is much for us to celebrate in our work and also some challenges for us to consider as we move forward together into the future. I want to keep the message simple, free of jargon, and hopefully on-point with your perceptions as well.

Valencia is a truly fine college
I doubt that any of us would debate this; having had the experience of working at two other community colleges and visiting dozens during my doctoral work, I can tell you that the quality of teaching, the interest in seeing our students succeed and the focus on learning are as strong and vibrant here as at any other institution in the United States or Canada. This speaks to the "heart" of Valencia, and is a value we all share as evidence d by our college vision:
"Valencia Community College is an extraordinary learning community"

A few thoughts. . .

We all contribute to learning
Although our faculty members are the creative architects of our core work, we need partnerships with all areas of Valencia to truly serve our students well. This support from service areas of the college helps us ensure that students are placed and counseled appropriately, that quality facilities and teaching materials are available and that we have the research and documentation we need to make good decisions.

They are all "our" students
In a perfect world, all of our students would come to us college-qualified and ready to learn; we know that this is simply not the case. However, lack of knowledge and skills does not equate to an inability to learn. And if we truly believe in our students' potential, we can help create the conditions to spark their motivation and achievement. Every individual brings unique and valid experiences to us; recognizing and building on that important baseline is our challenge.

We need to know what they're learning
In our classrooms, labs, counseling offices, LRCs and co-curricular activities, we need to understand what students are learning. Our faculty members know best what our students need to achieve in college classes; they can identify the important outcomes our students should be able to know and/or do as a result of a learning experience. As we agree on a handful of things that are absolutely critical for learning in our courses and programs, we ensure students have the foundation they need to go on to sequel work. How our faculty accomplishes these outcomes is the creative purview of teaching, and the foundation of academic freedom. The parallel influence of a solid co-curricular program provides the added support our students need to succeed.

We agree on holistic goals for our students
Think, Value, Communicate and Act are the core competencies that we have identified and ratified at Valencia. We want our students to develop in these areas so that aside from specific disciplinary and curricular knowledge, they will have the life tools they need to succeed. As we look at our curricula and co-curricula as an integrated learning process for students, we should be able to map the experiences that help them develop these core competencies.

Our students are very different
We benefit from the tremendous advantage of much diversity at Valencia; bringing divergent perspectives into college classes helps students examine their own belief systems and fosters critical thinking. We must be mindful and valuing of cultures and backgrounds, perspectives and styles other than our own, respecting and honoring many different voices. It is our opportunity to truly put the "T" and "V" in our core competencies of critical Thinking and Valuing diversity.

Personal connections are vital
The interpersonal connections that students form early in their experience at Valencia influences their relationship with us; getting to know a faculty member, a dean, a counselor, a librarian or any college employee forms a bond between people that can't be replicated by inanimate processes. To paraphrase Ann Puyana, helping students find connection (academic and social) and direction (through the development of learning plans) is the best way to ensure success for our students.

How we can continue to be the "best of the best"
We are making good strides in improving our students' learning results; there are many wonderful initiatives underway that are truly making a difference. However, the people who are Valencia have never been content to rest on their laurels--it is the reason that our college is held in such high regard both in North America and internationally. I receive phone calls every week from senior administrators across the country who want to know how we "do what we do." I'm not sure it's possible to replicate the intellectual depth, hard work and dedication that we have in our institution, or fully explain the magic here to others.
So again, sincerest thanks for your help and support; I have had exceptional learning opportunities during my first two years at Valencia and look forward to many more.

It is my honor and privilege to serve as your Chief Learning Officer.
                                         -Tracy Edwards

 

News from the Alumni Association

Distinguished Graduate Award Open for Nominations
Nominations are now open for the Valencia Alumni Association's 2004-2005 Distinguished Graduate Award. Any member of the Valencia faculty or staff may nominate a student for the award. One Valencia student is selected for this honor each year based on a superior blend of academic accomplishments, extracurricular participation at Valencia, and community involvement. Nominees must graduate during the following time period in order to be eligible: Summer Terms 2003-2004; Fall and Spring Terms 2004-2005. The recipient will receive an honorary plaque, a $600 cash award, publication of his/her biographical sketch in the Commencement program and will be featured as the 2005 Commencement Speaker. Four finalists will receive a $100 cash award. Nomination packets with complete program details are available through campus Student Development Offices. The deadline for receiving completed packets in the Office of College & Community Relations, Mail Code DTC2, is Friday, February 11 at 5 p.m.

Two Plus Two Scholarship Open for Nominations
The Valencia and UCF Alumni Associations are currently soliciting nominations for the 2004-2005 Two Plus Two Scholarship. Any member of the Valencia faculty or staff may nominate a student for the scholarship. One prestigious $4,000 scholarship will be awarded to an outstanding, graduating Valencia student who has attained an Associate in Arts here and will continue with a bachelor's at UCF. Nominees must graduate during the 2004-2005 academic year to be eligible and will be judged on the basis of academic achievement, extracurricular participation at Valencia, and community service. Nomination packets with complete program details are available through campus Financial Aid and Student Development Offices. The deadline for receiving completed packets in the Financial Aid Office, Mail Code 4-17, is Friday, February 11 at 5 p.m. For further information, please contact College & Community Relations, extension 3124.

It's Entertainment time!
If you haven't purchased your Entertainment 2005 Book, they are still only $20 each! They are filled with hundreds of discounts - most of them 2-for-1 or 50% off. You'll be benefiting the Valencia Alumni Association too, as $4 of each book sold helps to benefit the Association's programs and scholarships.

The book literally pays for itself with just a few uses. Everyone on your gift list would love to have one! All of the campus reps have forms with which you can order an Entertainment Book from most anywhere in the United States and parts of Canada. To purchase one, contact your campus representative today to review a book or make your purchase!

Downtown/Winter Park: Lisa Lovell - DTC 409, x3433
East: Richard Williams -East 2-304, x2350
Osceola: Deborah Donohue - Osceola 1-150, x4145
West: Teresa Gallagher - West 7-240, x1745
Linda Marcia - West 14-114, x1738
Sand Lake - Sue Bouchard, West 1-111, x1780

The latest from Leadership Valencia

Macromedia Flash: Level Two
Attend this session to learn useful concepts in Flash such as motion tweening, symbol instances, making and using buttons and basic action scripting. Participants will also learn how to create complex movies that are controlled by the user. This workshop will be presented by Eddie Howell. THREE DATES TO CHOOSE FROM: Tuesday, November 9, 1-5 p.m., West Campus, Room 6-221, registration codeTMF21109; Wednesday, November 10, 1- 5 p.m., PDC Portable, registration code TMF21110; or Thursday, November 11, 1-5 p.m., Osceola Campus, Room 2-116, registration code TMF21111.

Oracle 11i for Beginners
This introductory class for the Oracle 11i online financial system is offered to new employees and first time users of the Oracle 11i financial software system. This two-day class includes instructions on creating requisitions, looking at budgets, printing reports, and general purchasing procedures. This workshop will be presented by Mary Ellen Davies and Brian Bastin on Wednesday & Thursday, November 10 & 11, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., PDC Portable, registration code TORBEG6.

Painless Procurement
Learn how to make your job easier with tips and tricks from the Procurement Department. Topics will include Oracle, the procurement website, negotiated agreements with preferred suppliers, and P-Card usage. This workshop will be presented by Annmarie Wise on Thursday, November 11, 2-3:30 p.m., West Campus, Room SSB-142, registration code PAIN2.

The One Minute Manager Meets the Monkey
Are you working more hours and getting less accomplished? Do your employees' problems wind up on your desk? Are you spending Saturdays at the office instead of on the golf course or with your family? If so, attend this workshop to learn how successful managers keep monkeys off their back. Note: Attendees will receive a copy of The One Minute Manager by Spencer Johnson and Kenneth Blanchard. This workshop will be presented by Barbara Frazier and Carmen Diaz on Thursday, November 11, 1-5 p.m., Professional Development Center, registration code MONKEY.

AAWC Presents: Path to Leadership
We continue our series of brown bag lunches through this academic year with various Valencia leaders as they share their own story about their Path to Leadership. Each person's interpretation of leadership and their journey is unique. Note: Dessert will be provided. Sponsored by the Valencia Chapter of the American Association for Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC), members of AAWCC will receive priority registration. This workshop will be presented by Falecia Williams on Thursday, November 11, 1-2:15 p.m., West Campus, Room 9-235, registration code PPTL1111.

Service Matters
This highly interactive workshop is designed to leave participants motivated and confident to use proven techniques for providing superior customer service. Topics include positive attitude, customers' needs, what drives customers away, and what retains customers for life. This workshop will be presented by Patti Riva and Joanna Branham on Thursday, November 11, 9 a.m.-12 noon, Winter Park Campus, Room 113, registration code PSM1105.

To register for any Leadership Valencia workshop, mail a completed registration form to DTC-1, fax to ext. 3134, or register online at http://valenciacc.edu/leadership/regstr.asp. For additional information, please call Heather Coxe at extension 3126.

Dance company offers special ticket price

U-Turn Dance, a community dance troupe, will be performing a spectacular show, Makulu, an African dance drama inspired by the wisdom and strength of women. The show tells the story of a Serengeti wildebeest who, through the race to reunite with her herd, metaphorically reveals our capacity to create miracles. Though intended as a tribute to women, Makulu, contains universal lessons that transcend gender, age and race. It is a truly entertaining and inspiring event for all audience members. Makulu will be performed on November 26-28, at the Trinity Preparatory School in Winter Park.

As a special holiday "thank you" to local educators, U-Turn Dance will be offering discounted Makulu tickets to all Valencia faculty, staff, students and their guests. U-Turn Dance is quickly making its mark as a community-centered, service-oriented dance company. The dance company would also like the dedicated people who teach (and learn) in empowering educational programs to benefit from their efforts. Valencia faculty, students, staff and their guests may enjoy an evening of exciting dance for just $10. Please call 407-695-8366 for more information or to purchase advance tickets.

Kudos!

Congratulations to the Teaching/Learning Academy! They recently received the NCSPOD (National Council for Staff & Organizational Development) 2004 Innovation Award. This award acknowledges the dedication and effort of Valencia's tenure candidates, ILP Review Panelists, Deans, and entire TLA staff. Special kudos to professors Wendi Bush, Tom Byrnes, and Celine Kavalec-Miller, who have been central to the development of the TLA since its beginning.

Jared Graber, West Campus Dean of Business, Behavioral & Social Sciences, recently served as a member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools' Reaffirmation Committee, visiting Lamar State College in Orange, Texas, October 25-29.

Valencia Students Assist Learning Evidence Team in Designing a Logo

The Learning Evidence Team asked the Graphic Design Group, a club for Valencia Graphic Design students, to assist in designing a logo for the team. Pictured here are two of the preliminary designs submitted by the Graphic Design Group. The Production Coordinator for this project was VCC student Jennifer Fagan and students submitting ideas were Jenny Mohess, Collette Mitchell-Ruff and Mike Florio. The Graphic Design Group is sponsored by Barbara Peterson, Coordinator and Professor of Graphic Design. It's great to have such talented students and such supportive professors at Valencia!

If you have ideas about a logo for the Learning Evidence Team, send your input to Suzette Dohany, sdohany@valenciacc.edu. The LET Team welcomes your ideas!

In Memoriam.

The Pathway That Has No End

We follow a pathway that has no end
We travel through life day by day
Together with those who are dear to our hearts
And are there by our side, come what may
But sometimes a loved one must travel ahead
For reason that aren't always clear
Missing one who is no longer here.
And we're left behind to continue along

And while it may seem that the pathway has stopped
It merely has rounded a bend
And our love one goes on to a much brighter place
Down the pathway that has no end.

                       -With sincere thanks from the family of Doris Felton.

Hello and Goodbye

A warm Valencia welcome is extended to Dawn Azzarito, Marketing Manager, Valencia Enterprises Sales and Marketing, mc 8-1, ext. 6604; Raul Flores, Mail Clerk/Courier, mc 4-9, ext. 1446; Enoc Gonzalez, Classroom Technology Support Specialist, mc 4-4, ext. 5448; Sarah Johnson, Human Resources Specialist, mc 4-25, ext. 1851; and Raven McElman, Sales Associate, Valencia Enterprises Sales and Marketing, mc 8-1, ext. 6631

A fond farewell and best wishes are extended to Judy Delisle, retiring December 31, 2004 and Marie Zaman, also retiring December 31, 2004.
 

Celebrate the Season of Giving!

Mark December 2 on your calendars and plan to attend the West Campus kick-off to the holiday season with "Celebrate the Season of Giving." This event, which will feature various holiday crafts and a "white elephant" auction, will raise money for the Valencia Foundation, which will direct the proceeds to its Hurricane Relief fund. Participate in candle-making or stocking decorating, or pick up an unusual item at the white elephant auction - it's all for a very good cause. "Celebrate the Season of Giving" will be held from 11-1:30 p.m. in the Student Services Building on West campus - all are welcome!

Submissions to the Bulletin are encouraged, so please e-mail your achievements, awards, recognitions, and relevant information for the college community to Mary Jane Jones, Staff Assistant in Marketing and Media Relations. Deadline for submission is 5 p.m. on the Tuesday preceding each Friday's distribution. Mary Jane can be reached at ext.1017, or mjjones@valenciacc.edu.