CHANCELLOR’S C-DIRECTNovember 30, 2016

Dear Colleagues:

I hope everyone had a fine Thanksgiving break and that we are all ready to go the last stretch of this great fall semester. Surely we are all anxious to end the semester on a good note. Our hearts go out to our Ohio State University colleagues where there was a stabbing incident on Monday. Let us do our best to end the semester on a high note.

In Memoriam

One of our former Laney students, Toto Diambu (Benny) Wright, was the victim of homicide this month. This is a report from his advisor:

[…W]hen I spoke to Khari, he made it a point to say how much being in school was helping Benny. He said how they [his family] were all proud of Benny for taking school serious and going after his dreams and goals. Although this kind of information only makes it harder to process, I think at the same time, it's great to know that our community was really making a difference in Benny's life.

In peace and love,La'Cole Martin-Tatum

Instructor, African American Studies

This was clearly a tragic loss for those at Laney and all of the Peralta Community who knew him. Our heartfelt condolences go to his family. Dr. John Yu, Interim VPI at Laney, and his wife Jane attended the funeral and spoke on behalf of Laney. We want to thank the Yu Family for their kindness. Our residents need us to give them the gift of education that can raise their spirits.

Holding Us Accountable

At both Merritt and BCC’s open forums, there were calls for greater accountability at the District level. Some were to just hear back from someone after an email or a call. As I shared with you before, we are taking these concerns seriously and we pledge to improve our services. Holding us accountable, for example, is Nancy Cayton from BCC. In an exchange with her, I asked her to not let me forget my pledge from which she followed up and is working with Dr. Crawford as we work toward a more accountable District Office. Nancy speaks for many and gave me permission to share her email (excerpt printed below) with you. Real changes will happen as we are responsive to our constituents who hold us accountable:

Dear Chancellor,

You may recall that I asked you about changing the meaning of the “Peralta way” at your visit to BCC last month and that I have concerns about timely and professional responses from colleagues throughout the district. You told me that I could check in with you on a monthly basis, so this is my check in. I was happy to see the issue referenced in your previous C-Direct message of 11/9.

In terms of my daily work, it is very disheartening to receive no response at all to phone and email messages from those I am depending on in order to complete my work. Of course, the best option would be a direct, polite and timely answer, but even a quick acknowledgement that he or she can’t respond quickly would be welcome. How hard is it to simply say, “I have received your message but I am working on a critical project and will get back to you in a week?” Also, it is incredibly easy to turn on an automated message when one is out of the office for a few days or more, yet only some employees do. It would be so helpful to know that a colleague is on vacation and what their return date is so that I can adjust my expectations of when I will receive a response. These are just a couple of suggestions that would help ease my stress when communicating with other members of Peralta, particularly those who are not on my own campus and can’t track down in person. However, the real problem seems to be a prevailing idea that one doesn’t need to respond to one’s peers or those “beneath” them in our hierarchy if one is busy or doesn’t know the answer. It is also not uncommon to receive uncivil responses after I have made several attempts to contact a person and get a response.

Sincerely,Nancy Cayton

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I have reproduced portions of Nancy’s email with her permission. She and Dr. Crawford continue to be in touch, as she wants to be a change agent, and a member of a team to make things better.

Undocumented Community Resource Center (UCRC) Hosts Pulitzer-Prize Winner Jose Antonio Vargas at BCCSubmitted by Carolina Martinez, BCC Student UCRC Founder

On Tuesday, November 15, the Undocumented Community Resource Center’s student leaders and founders hosted Pulitzer Prize Winner, immigration rights activist, filmmaker and journalist, Jose Antonio Vargas at Berkeley City College.Jose Antonio Vargas is CEO and founder of the “Defining America” and #Emerging US project and a national leader in the movement to raise awareness of the challenges and contributions of the undocumented community in the United States.

Before his presentation, Jose Antonio Vargas conducted a workshop where more than 70 Undocumented Students from different community colleges, universities and organization around the East Bay were assisted.At the event, BCC President Rowena Tomaneng talked about her background as an immigrant and how her family and friends had

faced deportation. Afterwards, the BCC president introduced Carolina Martinez, one of the student founders, pictured at the podium, who talked about her experience as an undocumented student.

Jose Antonio Vargas, before giving his presentation, said that this event would have not been possible without the persistence of Erika Castano, Selina Gonzalez and Carolina Martinez, founders of the UCRC, who emailed him over ten times and were able to bring him to speak at the event. Because of this, not only did he accept the invitation but he also volunteered his time to make the event possible.

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The event was a success with about 300 students and staff attending. The event had support from volunteers from the following Student Clubs: BSU, Political Science, Sociology, and the Latin American Club from BCC. In addition, our BCC President with the support from Chancellor Laguerre provided certificates of acknowledgement to campus staff and community partners: Gabriel Martinez BCC Counseling Dept. Chair, John Saenz BCC Learning

Resources Center Coordinator, Dr. Genevieve Negron-Gonzalez USF Assistant Professor Leadership Studies, Lupe Gallegos Chicanx Latinx Student Development Director at UC Berkeley and Dr. Lilia Chavez Dean of Special Programs & Grants at Merritt College. It was all of their support that made the event a success.

Accreditation: District Facilities Committee (DFC) Work in ProgressSubmitted by Dr. Annette Dambrosio

Last semester, I served on the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Guidelines Committee and assisted in coordinating the final document. Having spent much time with District General Services (DGS) working on Accreditation recommendations, I became more and more interested in the work of the District Facilities Committee (DFC) and determined that one of my ongoing projects would be to assist DFC as needed. Currently, DFC continues its work to implement the TCO Guidelines and to work collaboratively to address many projects that pertain to Facilities, particularly as they affect safety for all.At the November 2016 meeting, Dr. Ikharo, DFC Chair, provided a review of the Integrated Educational Facilities & Technology Facilities Master Plan (IEFTMP) project.The IEFTMP will:

• Include technology innovations, the most recent Educational Master Plan data, space inventory updates, and Capacity Load Ratios for assignable square footage.

• Forecast the costs of various plans, to be made scalable to available funds.• Include realistic schedules & phasing plans (e.g., Bond vs. no Bond conditions).• Utilize the 2016 District-wide Facilities Condition Assessment (FCA).

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A Request For Proposals (RFP) has been solicited and a Steering Committee is being established to include shared governance representation. A recommendation to award a vendor contract will be made to the Governing Board at their 12/13/16 meeting.Some highlights of the November 2016 DFC meeting included:

A DFC membership agreement to act as the In-house Task Force to implement the New Facilities Condition Assessment (FCA) as was recommended in the TCO Guidelines. The updated FCA should be available by the middle of December 2016. The Task Force will then begin to put together a plan for implementing the FCA at their February 2017 meeting.

Director Okundaye’s report on the Access Control Project included the following points:

The Access Control Project background. Historical information relating to the design and project delays. Briefing of the scope of work.Since the previous vendor who wrote the original specifications is no longer in business, DGS will need to hire a new vendor to review the original specifications and update them, as needed. The Access Control Project will then go out to bid once again with an estimated project completion date expected by the end of fiscal year 2017- 2018.

Director McCarty’s reported on an RFP to hire a consultant to assist with ongoing leak issues at Laney. Additionally, the Capital Project staff is investigating previous leak repairs and possible warranty issues.

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My apologies for inadvertently leaving out Dr. Ikharo’s name in my last C-Direct article. In fact, I should commend him for patiently putting up with my relentless nattering to ensure that we are meeting the ACCJC recommendations (I must say that he puts up with me with grace and good humor).

Finally, it should be noted that many of the California Community Colleges struggle with maintenance of facilities as buildings get older and in need of repair. Budget cuts did not help matters and now many Colleges and Districts are faced with putting together

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Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Plans in an effort to better address facility and maintenance needs more realistically. DFC has much to address, but has put together the goals and objectives needed to improve facilities at PCCD. The hard work continues; DFC welcomes your ideas, and will make every effort to keep you posted on the progress of the maintenance of facilities.

DFC is working to improve communications with the Colleges and to improve efficiency in identifying and addressing facility issues. For example, we have asked that the Colleges submit their Facilities’ Committee minutes to DFC in advance of monthly meetings so that everyone can be better prepared for discussions. DGS regularly posts Project Updates reports for Maintenance & Operations. Special thanks to Director Okundaye for submitting this week’s report, below.

Email me with comments or questions regarding accreditation at: annettedambrosio@peralta.edu

Department of General Services Maintenance & Operations: Year to Date Project UpdateSubmitted by Osafran Okundaye

The intent of this Maintenance & Operations Report is to apprise the stakeholders of the various ongoing projects occurring in the District during this academic year. Copies of this report can also be found on the DGS webpage at: http://web.peralta.edu/general-services/30-day-projects-district-wide/PERALTA FACILITIES STATUS ADVISORY

LANEY COLLEGE

Sustainability & Energy ConservationThe project calls for replacement of existing florescent lighting fixtures in the library with low energy LEDs. The project also includes the replacement of some electrical equipment and accessories such as circuitry and panels. Funding for the project was done with Proposition 39 statewide funding for sustainability and energy improvement. This project, in tandem with the recently completed painting and new flooring, provides a much-desired facelift for the library.

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Chemistry/Biology LabsMuch of the on-going repairs in the various labs have been completed; repairs include sink drains and faucets particularly in A-235, in addition to general cleaning of sinks, countertops, cabinets and flooring. Additional work was identified during a recent joint job-walk with faculty and General Services. Job items outstanding include installation of counterweights on chemistry fume hoods glass enclosures, electrical outlets upgrade, and faucet replacement. Extensive countertop/cabinet and ceiling tile replacement are proposed for the biology and chemistry labs – to be undertaken as a modernization project.

RestroomsAll designated restrooms earmarked for renovation (toilet, mirrors, sinks, painting, dispensers, and graffiti removal) have been completed and are now fully functional.

Cafeteria/KitchenThe cafeteria modernization and renovation project is now completed; however, additional deficiencies have been identified and those items will be rectified under a bid process that is underway (bids are due November 30th) and is progressing. The upgrade work is expected to be completed during the Christmas holidays/fall break. The proposed work entails replacement of existing ceiling, flooring, plumbing and equipment/fixtures upgrades.

Swimming PoolThe heating and chlorination system requires equipment upgrades in addition to a new design that ensures proper ventilation for the gas-fired heaters and a reliable and efficient looping schematic for the piping system. The design was completed during the summer. The bid for the construction and installation of the redesigned system is being advertised and construction work is slated for the Spring 2017 semester.

Elevator ModernizationA total of four (4) elevators including two in the tower building and two exterior arteries area elevators are earmarked for modernization at a total cost of $1.2 million. Modernization entails rebuilding of the elevator cars, cabling, lighting and controls systems. Survey work is ongoing and is intended to provide accurate dimensions and materials testing prior to preparation of shop drawings. Thereafter, the actual installation of new parts and modernization of the cars will commence. The project is expected to be completed in Spring 2017.

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MERRITT COLLEGE

General CleaningFloors, sinks, countertops, cabinets and equipment in the new Science & Allied Health Building were completed prior to the first day of classes in Fall 2016.

Building S Plaques PlacementInstallation of plaques and 100 atomic magnetic clocks in hallways, classrooms and office suites throughout the building was done by in-house staff.

Sustainability & Energy ConservationThe District has awarded a contract for the construction and installation of new bike racks for parking 72 bicycles at 12 locations on campus. The project should be completed and ready for use at the beginning of the upcoming spring Semester.

BERKELEY CITY COLLEGE

Dust RemediationThe Berkeley Center Street Garage demolition was completed in October 2016.

Sustainability & Energy ConservationThe sum of $450,000 was earmarked for electrical fixtures and an equipment upgrade intended to convert existing lighting fixtures to LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), with the goal to reduce energy consumption and improve brightness of ambient lighting in the College. The project was completed in October 2016, and all new lighting fixtures are fully functional and in use.

COLLEGE OF ALAMEDA

Elevator Repairs in Building DA contract to fix the elevator was contracted out to KONE Elevator Company. In addition, elevators in other buildings have also been repaired.

Sustainability & Energy ConservationThe District is working with the City of Alameda Power & Telecommunications regarding construction and operations of electric vehicles’ charging stations on campus.

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The city has expressed interest in the financing of the project contingent upon the understanding that the District would grant uninhibited access to the general public.

DISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER (DAC)

A&R BuildingA contract for the renovation of both men’s & women’s restrooms was awarded to N.S. Construction. The renovation work-- including installation of low-flow toilets and hands-free sinks and new wall laminate-- was completed in October. Facilities staff coordinated with Admissions & Records to workout construction logistics in order to minimize disruption.

DAC MainA contract for the renovation of the women’s restroom in the Academic Affairs/Finance Offices has been awarded to N.S Construction; work will commence upon delivery of flooring and partition materials currently on order by the contractor.

DGS WarehouseA contract has been awarded for the renovation of the men’s restroom in the warehouse area. The work entails the installation of bathroom stalls to separate toilet and shower activities from the urinal in order to improve space utilization. In addition, the toilet was upgraded to a low-flow hands-free model. Also, new flooring and LED lighting upgrades will be implemented as part of the renovation. The ladies’ restroom has been upgraded with new low-flow toilets.

Cabinet Meeting: More Efficient Email

At last week’s Cabinet meeting we discussed the need to more efficiently manage emails and to provide better opportunities to share information and to receive information. Executive Director Heyman, pictured, is working to develop Shared Governance policies and procedures to help us manage the onslaught of emails. If you have ideas you want to share with Jeff, please email him at jheyman@peralta.edu, with a copy to your appropriate Shared Governance representatives.

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Citizens’ Oversight Committee and Potential Funding

At the Bonds and Parcel Tax Oversight Committee meeting last week, Merritt (Dr. Burns) and COA (Dr. Karas), both pictured, presented the results of their Peralta Accountability for Student Success (PASS) programs. The Committee was very impressed with the presentation and sought more information about the history of the PASS program. The accounts were so compelling that we all feel that we should

look at another set of PASS projects. I am sure that we have learned much from the past experience with PASS, and will be ready to do even better with a future set of projects. Vice Chancellor Little and I will work with the College Presidents to come up with a framework from which to move forward with the involvement of our Shared Governance process.

JowelJowel C. Laguerre, Ph.D.

Chancellor

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