President/CEO Message
March 11, 2021
Campus Community,
One year ago today, I issued the first pandemic-related President/CEO Message, and we began to change the way we deliver instruction and support services to our students. Today is also the first anniversary of the creation of our Pandemic Outbreak – Emergency Operations Plan, guidelines that we continue to follow today. At this time last year, we had no known cases of COVID-19 at Compton College, and we were preparing for a variety of significant changes, including a statewide "Stay at Home" order to protect the health and well-being of all Californians. Today, we have been free of positive COVID-19 cases on campus for over six weeks, the direct result of our employees and students following the safety and health protocols that protect us all.
As we note this pandemic milestone today, what I have observed over the past year can be described in one word "resiliency." We have adopted new teaching and learning methods and continue to provide our community access to an outstanding college education. By working together, we have provided students with educational opportunities across many platforms while also responding to their basic needs, so they have what they need to succeed. I am proud of our response to the constant changes presented to us during the past year. Thank you to everyone who did their best as we navigated uncharted territory and to those who continue to help students excel in these uncertain times. The President/CEO Message - March 11, 2020, is available online, along with all of my President/CEO Messages that document how the pandemic evolved and progressed through 2020 into 2021.
The President/CEO Message - March 11, 2021, includes COVID-19 information and other campus-related updates.Compton College COVID-19 Update
Los Angeles County's current risk level is Tier 1 (widespread), according to California's "Blueprint for a Safer Economy." On March 10, 2021, there were 1,313 newly recorded confirmed cases in Los Angeles County. The county now has a total of 1,203,152 reported cases (including cases reported by Long Beach and Pasadena Health Departments). For more information, go to http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/data/index.htm. According to the Compton CCD Pandemic Outbreak - Emergency Operations Plan, Compton College continues to operate at Level Four - Severe Infection Rate.
Spring 2021 Enrollment Update
As of today, March 11, 2021, Compton College has generated 1,248 FTES for the Spring 2021 semester; the fill rate is currently 55%, and our seats filled is 8,276. The Spring 2021 Enrollment Report is available here. Please note that since we are now past the Main Term Census for Spring, the snapshot figures should only be used for relative comparison purposes. They are not necessarily the same as the official figures captured last week. Late start classes are still available. Click here for a list. Please encourage interested students to enroll as soon as possible.
Visitors who enter the campus for COVID-19 vaccines at the St. John's Health Center are receiving a flyer about Compton College. A copy of the flyer is available here.
FREE Resources Available for Spring 2021 Students
It's not too late to apply for free resources for the spring semester. Laptops, Wi-Fi hotspots, calculators, meals & food vouchers, housing referrals, headsets, and financial assistance are available to currently enrolled students via the Student Resources Form, available here. Edquity emergency grants are available to those students who have experienced financial hardship and expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information and to apply for a grant or free resources, go to www.compton.edu/studentservices/student-equity-program/student-resources. Questions? Send an email to tartarsupport@compton.edu.
Work Orders via Online 'My Requests' System
A reminder was sent to all employees by Chief Facilities Officer Linda Owens about the Compton College Facilities Work Order Request database that is available via MyCompton. Employees may access the "My Requests" system by logging into MyCompton and clicking on the 'Facilities WO' image. The online work order system is available 24/7 for all types of work categories, including plumbing, lighting, door locks/hardware, and much more. Please use the online request system instead of emailing a member of the Maintenance & Operation staff so that requests can be tracked. If you have questions, please email Linda Owens at lowens@compton.edu.
2019-2020 Measure CC and Measure C General Obligation Bond Financial Audit and Performance Audit Report
The 2019-2020 Financial Audit and Performance Audit for the Compton Community College District's Measure CC (November 2002) and Measure C (November 2002) General Obligation Bond have been completed and is available here. The audit report, prepared by CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP, will be presented to the Compton CCD Board of Trustees at their March 16, 2021 meeting for approval.
Distinguished Faculty, Staff, Outstanding Adjunct and Civility Champion Awards
We will honor distinguished faculty, staff, and outstanding adjunct at Compton College, including a civility champion award to honor those whose contributions demonstrate their commitment to Compton College's statement of civility and mutual respect. Honorees will be recognized at our Compton CCD Board meeting scheduled for May 18, 2021. Please be on the lookout for an email from the Office of Human Resources requesting nominations.
New Online Applause Card Nomination Form
A new online nomination form is now available here. Employees, students, and the community may recognize a Compton CCD employee for helping to ensure the success of our students. Complete the online form, and the President/CEO Office will officially recognize the employee who helped you.
Compton Community College District Board of Trustees Meeting
The Compton CCD Board of Trustees' next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 16, 2021. The closed session begins at 4:00 p.m., with the open session commencing at 5:00 p.m. via Zoom Meeting. Information on how to access the Compton CCD Board of Trustees meeting is available here.
Final Thoughts
Last Friday, I had a productive meeting with the Math faculty regarding AB-705 Seymour-Campbell Student Success Act of 2012: Matriculation: Assessment Implementation at Compton College. We discussed new data regarding our students' success in transfer-level math, and we will continue to examine new strategies to address student success in transfer-level math. Our students are struggling in transfer-level math, and in the fall semester, we tested new initiatives at the request of myself and the faculty. What I was most proud of was the continued conversations regarding innovation and trying to figure out solutions. In the coming weeks, I will be meeting with the English faculty regarding AB-705. More information regarding Compton College's implementation of AB-705 Seymour-Campbell Student Success Act of 2012: Matriculation: Assessment Implementation will be provided in a future President/CEO Message.
As I approach my 10th anniversary of serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Compton CCD, I reflect upon where we have been and where we are headed as an organization. I think about the former Compton Community College's accreditation being revoked and achieving independent accreditation for the Compton College; the authority of the Compton CCD Board of Trustees being removed and restored; enrollment challenges and recovery; and the many people who have come and gone. It's true, in a job such as this one, you see and learn a lot. I have enjoyed every minute I have served as the President/CEO of Compton College and Compton CCD. I will continue to focus on implementing Compton College 2024 and Compton College 2035 - Affordability, Educational Justice, Innovation, and Transformation.
Tomorrow is Friday, whether you believe it or not, and another week has come and gone. Please be safe.
Keith Curry, Ed.D.
(preferred pronouns: he/him/his)
President/CEO
Compton College
