CHANCELLOR’S C-DIRECTDecember 13, 2017

Dear Colleagues:

On behalf of my family and your colleagues from the District Office, I wish you the very best for the holiday season. May you be safe and healthy and return to your students and your colleagues in good spirit and excited for 2018.

Happy New Year!

Accreditation Promise

One of the promises I made early on to our Colleges is that the District/Board will no longer behave in such a way as to jeopardize the Colleges’ accreditation status. In remaining true to this promise, I have trusted that employees, as well as students, of the Peralta community will not seek out individual Board members to discuss private grievances or to curry personal interests. The appropriate initial contacts for individuals to air their grievances/concerns are direct supervisors, Deans, VPs, Presidents, Vice Chancellors and the Chancellor. When all administrator sources have been exhausted, only then should one reach out to the President of the Board.

It is my judgment that accreditation sanctions are likely to be fewer in the next few years, unless districts and colleges start to behave in a way that flagrantly violates ACCJC’s mandates. It seems less likely that districts will find themselves facing the level of sanctions recently levied on San Francisco City College. However, we should acknowledge that even an Accreditation “warning” or “probation” sanction is still very damaging to the reputation of a district. Here are some examples of the effects of ACCJC sanctions:

A scholarship agency refused to consider our Colleges because they had sanctions. The University of Phoenix advised Merritt College that it no longer wanted to deal

with Merritt because of its “probation” status. Chinese organizations have advised Peralta that they are limited in dealing with our

institutions that have accreditation sanctions. Our bond rating agencies, particularly Moody, did not want to improve our bond

rating because our institutions had various accreditation sanctions.

Underlying the fears of these outside entities is the persistent misconception that receiving accreditation sanctions amounts to a college’s being non-accredited. Rather, a college remains accredited until a sufficient number of sanctions warrants a college’s losing its accreditation status altogether.

In the end, it is our students who suffer the effects of our accreditation sanctions. For example, though Phoenix is expensive, it is our Nursing students who were not granted the option to pursue the BSN from Phoenix. It is our potential Chinese students who will not benefit from exposure to a great international education. Because of bond rating agencies’ misconceptions regarding accreditation sanctions, our taxpayers forfeit the savings of millions of dollars owing to these lower bond ratings.

In sum, the lessening of accreditation sanctions from the Commission is not a license for Board members, faculty, staff, the Chancellor and the Colleges to behave any less prudently. I continue to uphold my promise that Peralta will maintain and exceed the ACCJC Standards; in the end, let us not lose sight of the fact that our students stand to reap the benefits of my promise that Peralta will maintain and exceed the ACCJC Standards. Merritt Pruning Club’s Thirtieth Anniversary

Merritt College’s Pruning Club celebrated its thirtieth anniversary on Wednesday. I delivered a resolution from the Board to the Club commending the Club’s successes and its active alumni. There must have been over 30 members present. They came from a variety of backgrounds and shared a common love for pruning and for plants. Kudos to the Horticulture program for proudly graduating many students over the years and for great accomplishments from its Pruning Club. Thirty years! If only every Peralta Program would have such active alumni…

VC of Finance

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The interviews for the Vice Chancellor of Finance yielded some very interesting candidates. We are pleased to have chosen someone with much experience in finance and particularly regulatory finance.

Ms. Romaneir Johnson has degrees in Accounting, which is commendable. Peralta has not had a Vice Chancellor with a degree in Accounting for some time. With enough support, Ms. Johnson should be able to do well for us.

Introducing the New Executive Director for the Foundation

Nikki Lasley is the Interim Executive Director for the Peralta College Foundation and has worked in education philanthropy and management for more than a decade. Previously she led education initiatives at Salesforce.org, managing the organization’s education strategy and pushing the implementation of Salesforce.org’s largest STEM and education grants.

Prior to joining Salesforce.org, she served as Director of Local Engagement for GreatSchools, where she worked to increase awareness of school quality and the importance of parent engagement. Nikki also served as the Director of Programs and Assessment for the Stanford-sponsored charter school in East Palo Alto and at the Stupski Foundation, supporting district-wide reform across the country. She has also served on several non-profit organization boards, including the Child Care Coordinating Council of San Mateo, Foundation for a College Education, and MESA (UCOP). Nikki earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Theory from University of California, Santa Cruz, and a Master’s degree in Education Policy and Management from the University of Connecticut.ACE – District Leadership Meeting

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The Achieving Communication Excellence (A.C.E.) Campaign wrapped up its fall series of meetings for Managers at the District Administration Center (DAC) on Thursday, December 7th, however, the session was bittersweet. This meeting was the managers’ last opportunity to benefit from the expertise of Dr. Yashica Crawford, our Chief of Staff and Special Assistant to the Chancellor, who has accepted a tenure-track position at the College of Marin. Through an interactive presentation, Dr. Crawford addressed the subject of different Communication Styles and how an understanding of their importance can only assist the Peralta District in improving its communication climate, thereby moving us to more effectively embrace the New Peralta Way Pillars – Competence, Passion, Democratic Values, Integrity, Intimacy. Dr. Crawford did a great job with the communication topic and the response to her presentation was excellent. As a result, we have a better understanding of each other’s communication style.

In another vein, I followed the Chief’s presentation with a Q&A where the managers asked a lot of questions ranging from the Oakland Athletics partnership decision, interactions with our unions, professional development for managers, staffing, the budget, and enrollment management.

The A.C.E. managers’ meetings that began this past August were driven by the feedback DAC employees provided in a Communication Climate Survey distributed in December 2016. A quick assessment of managers indicated they believe that these A.C.E. meetings have been beneficial. The monthly meetings touched on the following topics:

The importance of holding meetings with staff on a regular basis Striving to adhere to a 48-hour response time to inquiries both internally and externally Embracing the 5 New Peralta Way Leadership Pillars Taking a careful look at our institutional goals The significance of accreditation and the acknowledgment that we must not view the maintenance of

ACCJC Standards as a burden Governing Board preparation Recognizing our various communication styles

For more information on the A.C.E. campaign, send an e-mail to acecampaign@peralta.edu.

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Berkeley Promise

Kudos to President Rowena Tomaneng for the launch of the Berkeley Promise. On Friday at the BCC auditorium, in the presence of Trustee Weinstein, former Mayor Tom Bates, State Senator Loni Hancock, current Mayor Jesse Arreguin, Berkeley Superintendent of Schools Donald Evans and many others, 20 students were awarded recognition as members of the inaugural class of the Berkeley Promise. Two speakers had great stories about their past, present and

future. Skyler Barton served as master of ceremonies and added a beautiful flavor to the event. Congratulations to BCC, the Berkeley Fund and the students for this accomplishment.

Laney Infrastructure ImprovementsSubmitted by Dr. Sadiq IkharoThe Laney Infrastructure Working group was created early this year to address remedies for six (6) Areas of Urgency and other miscellaneous items at the Laney Campus. Construction-related work will continue throughout the Winter break. The following are updates:

1. Leak Remediation Project

After beginning construction on 9/25/17, 50% of the work has been completed, to include: (a.) a leveling compound on the structural deck to ensure proper slope to the area drains, installing new drain bowls, and placing the Hot Rubber Asphalt (HRA) on the deck. At this time, the roof is considered fully watertight. The deck is tentatively scheduled to be water tested/flood tested shortly. Other activities include the placement of counter flashing about the perimeter of the deck, installation of new door thresholds, placement of new window glazing at storefront windows, and cleanup. All construction is still on schedule, and is anticipated to be completed no later than early January 2018. (b.) Courtyards A, F, and G are scheduled for repair in Spring/Summer ’18. Existing planter structures will be removed,

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similar to the plan for Courtyard B. Laney and the District has selected a landscape architect collaboratively for this project.

Placement of Leveling Course

Leveling course placement near B265 Leveling course placement near B265

Hot Rubber Asphalt (HRA) Placement

HRA placement operations Placement of reinforcing fabric

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Placement of HRA Placement of protection course

Installed protection course at west entry HRA placed and ramps replaced

2. Laney Elevator: Tower + Building E

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(a.) ThyssenKrupp is in the process of responding to DSA structural requests for engineering calculations. Both architectural and structural drawings are being revised to address DSA comments and to find a mutually acceptable solution. (b.) ThyssenKrupp has indicated that, upon submittal to the DSA for “back check,” they will authorize the implementation of Shop Drawings which are required for fabrication, the estimated timeline being approximately (14) weeks. Both the Tower and Building E Elevators should be up and running by the end of Spring Semester 2018.

3. Laney CarpetThe District is preparing the Contract for the selected Contractor. Flooring material and color have been selected. The new flooring will be installed on the Grand Staircase 1st floor and both Stairwells. We anticipate the work to be completed by January 2018.

4. Laney SignageThe District architect (GNU) has completed the Design Development of Laney ADA, Directional and Gender-Neutral bathrooms’ signage project, to include No Smoking, Freestanding Directories, and Accessibility Signage. The anticipated schedule is as follows: (a.) Complete Bid-Package (4-5 wks.) (b.) District’s Bid Process and Contract Award and Execution (8 wks.) (c.) Construction Administration (6-8 wks.). It is anticipated that the signage will be installed prior to Summer 2018.

5. Emergency Blue PhonesThe project consists of replacement of existing analog Code Blue Emergency Phone Systems at Merritt and Laney Colleges. The upgrades include changes to four types of existing call stations – interior wall mounted, outdoor wall mounted, outdoor pole mounted and outdoor pole mounted with solar power and cellular communication. Bids were due December 7th. Project completion is estimated to be Summer 2018.

6. SecureALL Security System(a.) SecureALL is a comprehensive commercial security system, which incorporates a hands-free device called an electronic key to activate door locks. The system is activated by software that the District will program, install and maintain. (b.) SecureALL will provide training for both software and lock installation. Laney Campus will be the first campus to utilize the system with initial installations in the Art Center, Fieldhouse and Restrooms at Upper B and E. Installation is anticipated to start January 2018, with successive installations to follow as the system is tested.

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7. Laney College Doors UpgradesThe Laney College Doors Upgrade project began in July 2017 by Opening Technologies and will be completed by February 28, 2018. To date, door locks have been repaired and doors replaced across the campus. Scheduled next are Field House doors and the Student Center's 3rd floor exit doors.

8. Laney College Classroom Shades Upgrades, Phase 1The Laney College Classroom Shades Upgrades, Phase 1, is still underway. Window-ology was awarded the contract in August 2017. Final specifications were completed by Window-ology in November 2017. Window shade installation will take place over the Winter break.

9. Laney College Classroom Painting, Phase 1Phase 1 of Laney College Classroom Painting Project was completed by Athens Painting on October 28, 2017, but requires touch up painting. The project will be completed by December 31, 2017.

10. Laney College Wheelchair Access, G189Laney College Music Department, Room G189, will undergo structural alterations to fit a wheelchair lift for stage access and is scheduled to be completed before classes resume on January 22, 2018. 11. Laney College Chemistry Lab Plumbing UpgradesLaney College Chemistry Labs Plumbing Upgrades project is currently in the pre-bid phase and bids are due December 13, 2017. Work should be completed by January 22, 2018. 11. Laney College Pool Chlorination Upgrade(a.) The Laney College Pool Chlorination Upgrades contract with California Commercial Pools was completed as of November 30, 2017. The pool architects and construction administrators, Maktinta Energy, will provide training by the end of December 2017, completing Phase 1. (b.) Phase 2 is scheduled to be completed by January 22, 2018.

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Laney College Pool Monitoring Units Laney College Pool Chlorination System

12. Laney College Pool Heaters UpgradesThe District has conducted two (2) pre-bid conferences and bid walks for the Laney College Pool Heaters Upgrade project (November 27, 2017 and December 4, 2017). Bids are due December 13, 2017 and work should commence during the week of December 18, 2017. The state-of-the art energy efficient heating system is scheduled to be completed by January 22, 2018, to include (2) pool VFDs (variable frequency drives) and a new CO2 bulk storage tank, bringing the entire aquatic system to optimal performance.

13. HVAC Systems Repairs Project(a.) Building A heating coils were cleaned successfully in November. The entry doors no longer have negative air pressure issues and open and close properly.

Heat Coil Cleaning Operations

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Coil cleaning in room A236 Coil cleaning in room A152Before Heat Coil Cleaning After Heat Coil Cleaning

Clogged coils in room A152B Cleaned coils in room A152B

(b.) Other related HVAC issues in progress include the following:The compressors in Building E are beyond their useful life and DGS is awaiting a ROM cost estimate for this Capital Project.

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Even though not on the fix-it list, DGS intends to replace the boiler and expansion tank at the District Administration Office. If approved by the Governing Board, construction can be scheduled to take place. Also, not on the fix-it list, DGS is working with the Bistro to design a new exhaust system for the recently purchased kitchen equipment. Once the design is 100% complete, it will go out to bid for construction, the goal being to have the system functional by Spring 2018 semester. Also, not on the fix-it list, DGS is working to replace the water pumps located in the basement of the Tower and in mechanical Room A194 of Building A. Mechanical contractors have been contacted to provide proposals.

Projects Taking Place During Holiday Break1. Wheel chairlift Project2. Secure All Project ---Install3. Chemistry Lab Plumbing Upgrades4. Pool Heaters Upgrade Project5. Gender Neutral Signage6. Laney Carpet Stairway Project7. Laney College Shades Upgrades8. Fitness Center Access Installing Fans Project9. LED lighting Forum10. Heating Ventilation Forum

Still They Danced

If you attended the Laney Fall Dance show, you can still see the dancing in your head--the wonderful costumes, the moves and the performance of our students. They had all genres of dance. The dances came from all over the world, including Haiti. The Haitian dance was fantastic, as were all the others. Congratulations to the program, the supportive cast and Professors Burgess and Lea for giving us the opportunity to enjoy this delightful show.

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PBIM Meetings This Coming Friday

The Planning and Budgeting Council (PBC) and the Participatory Governance Council (PGC) will hold their final meetings of 2017 this coming Friday, December 15, in the District Board Room.

PBC: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. PGC: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The meetings are open to all. Again, I wish to thank those of you who have elected to participate in Peralta’s shared governance deliberations and decision-making.

JowelJowel C. Laguerre, Ph.D.

Chancellor

"Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success."

--Henry Ford

"It takes two flints to make a fire." --Louisa May Alcott

"Unity is strength . . . when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved."

--Mattie Stepanek

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