Town Hall – Student Fee Policy – Stand up and Speak up!

Students are being asked to submit their questions/comments/solutions regarding this policy via the internet at this LINK

Posted by Chris Gat

Statement on Budget Reduction Planning

You are all aware that California is confronting a severe budget crisis. You

have probably seen the news that the California State University and

University of California systems face their worse fiscal crises ever.

 

The same situation applies to California’s community colleges, and

specifically to the Peralta Community College District’s four colleges, because

most of our funding comes from the state. The fact is, California’s community

college students pay only a small fraction of the cost of their education.

 

At the Peralta Colleges, we could lose funding for 3,000 full-time students this

year under the proposed state budget. That’s brutal for our students and

potential students, as well as for many of our faculty and administrators who

serve them. The lack of state funding will affect us all, and it is very sad.

 

Nonetheless, the budget crisis has forced us to look at hard alternatives as

we plan for an uncertain future. Faced with unprecedented cuts to our district

budget by the State of California that could top $21 million, on March 17,

2011, I met with senior management at Peralta Community College District to

determine the extent of budget reductions.

 

Peralta’s reductions district-wide will ultimately depend on the State’s budget

for California’s community colleges as determined by the State Legislature

and perhaps California voters. As we do not know the ultimate cuts to our

budget by the State, we are developing budget reduction scenarios so we are

prepared for the eventual State budget, whatever it might be.

 

The colleges and district office have been asked to provide the following 5%-

10%-15% budget reduction scenarios for FY 2011-12 supplies, equipment

and contracts. These reductions do not include personnel or fixed costs, such

as utilities, benefits or insurance.

 

Here is a breakdown of the budget reduction scenarios for the colleges and

the district office based on their current FY 2011-12 discretionary budgets:

As you can see, the bulk of the cuts for FY 2011-12 come out of the district

office budget. And this comes on top of a 9% reduction from last year for the

district office.

 

Last year’s district office cuts included:

• Non-reemployment of 15 managers;

• Non-reemployment of 15.25 FTE classified staff;

• A 5% management salary reduction; and

• A 2.5% classified staff salary reduction.

 

Thanks to these and other painful cuts at the Peralta Community College

District, we were able to keep cuts as far away from the classroom as

possible last year. For example, we were able to preserve summer school at

the Peralta Colleges, at a time when other community college districts could

not.

 

In addition to the 9% reduction to the district office’s budget taken since last

year, we are planning to reduce the district office’s costs for FY 2011-12 by a

further $478,911 to nearly $1.5 million as shown in the chart above. This will

bring the district office’s total reductions over two years to nearly $3.5 million

or 25%. As you can see, the district office will be taking its fair share of

reductions should these budget reduction scenarios become reality.

 

Services, such as utilities, and health and retirement benefits for all Peralta

Colleges employees, amount to $14.7 million of the district office’s budget.

Note that many of these costs are for services and benefits for employees

throughout the entire district, including at each of the four Peralta Colleges.

 

The remaining budget for the district office’s central services is $21 million.

This includes services such as police and security, insurance, building

maintenance and operations, student services, medical office, financial aid

staff, payroll and benefits processing, student admissions and records (e.g.,

transcripts), and district-wide facilities such as libraries and the medical office.

 

Further cuts in these services will be difficult but necessary. We will be careful

to avoid significant deterioration in the quality of services to students.

Likewise, required spending on technology and fiscal management cannot

drop to levels that damage our colleges’ accreditation. You have my pledge

that we will continue to do what we must, in order to avoid jeopardizing

students’ financial aid and transfer of credits.

 

For FY 2011-12, which begins July 1, 2011, I am requiring the district office to

surpass the reductions that the colleges have been asked to make in order to

meet the reduced revenue we receive from the State. The budget for the

Marketing Department and Peralta TV, for example, will be reduced next year

by 24%.

 

Everyone has to take their fair share of the State-imposed budget cuts. The

colleges have also been asked to provide 5-10-15% budget reduction

scenarios for FY 2011-12. And, like the district office, the colleges have also

reduced their budgets since last year. (To compare “apples-to-apples,”

benefits and utilities are not included in district office or college budget figures

below. The complete budget calculation sheets for the colleges and district

office will be posted on Peralta’s Web site.

 

Because of FTES reductions imposed on us by the State, Berkeley City

College reduced its budget since last year by approximately $312,180, Laney

College by nearly $976,479, College of Alameda $1,306,069 and Merritt

College 1,525,091. Of these, most of the reductions were made to part-time

faculty as part of enrollment management measures enacted due to State4

imposed FTES cuts. If those costs are factored out, some colleges actually

received budget increases and the district office took the vast majority of the

cuts as demonstrated in the below table.

These are very difficult times. However, we can still provide – if we continue

to work together – quality teaching and learning and needed student services

in the face of these State-imposed cuts.

 

One final note: You should also be aware that the state budget crisis could

worsen further. I urge you to consider exercising your rights to participate in

government. You may if you choose call upon the state to fund higher

education as a priority.

 

We all know the importance of our community colleges. Nonetheless, we

must, all of us, continue to make the vital importance of the community

college mission known to the community and our government officials.

 

Wise E. Allen

Chancellor

Peralta Community College District

March 28, 2011

An Open Letter to Our Peralta Colleges Students and Community

An Open Letter to Our Peralta Colleges Students and Community

By: Wise E. Allen, Chancellor

March 28, 2011

 

As a government of the people, by the people and for the people, we Americans

have the freedom to determine our future national and state budgets, and public

policies. Whatever your feelings on policies or budgets, I urge you to exercise

your right to vote, to petition lawmakers and to exercise your freedom of speech.

Why the patriotic call to action? Because public funding for California’s

community colleges is declining precipitously and it drastically affects each of us

at the Peralta Colleges – Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney

College and Merritt College.

 

Community colleges statewide must be prepared to cut $400 million from our

budgets. As I announced at a community forum on the budget at Berkeley City

College recently, the state has proposed eliminating funding for at least 3,000

full-time Peralta Colleges students. That’s a reduction of up to $13.8 million in our

budget. Additionally, without passage of a statewide ballot measure this June,

the budget cuts we already face today will be dramatically worse in a few

months, perhaps as deep as $21 million in cuts to our district alone.

That’s why I urge you to be involved in state and national government long-term.

And the long-term may come as early as June, when voters may decide on a

measure on the state ballot to fund education and other essential services.

For now, the proposed state budget envisions a rise in enrollment fees from $26

a unit to $36 for all state community college students. Sacramento sets the

enrollment fees and the State collects the money. One less cloudy note is that

lower-income students will likely continue to be insulated from the increases, to

some extent, by government grants based on need.

 

Over the last few years of the state’s on-going budget crisis, we’ve worked hard

at Peralta to keep budget cuts out of the classroom. This fiscal year, we already

made massive cuts in administration costs, such as:

 

– District Office Consolidation Saves $643,686: I implemented a

consolidation of the District offices and reorganized support services,

eliminating the positions of the Associate Vice Chancellor of Students

Services, Director of Research and Development, Director of Employee

Relations and Director of Development, with their duties assumed by other

administrators. Altogether, the net savings to the District totaled $643,686.

 

– Travel Budget Cut 70 percent: The District has already cut travel

budgets by 70 percent this past year, and we will remain diligent in looking

closely at our travel costs going forward.

 

– 5% Management Pay Cuts: Our administrators now take 12 unpaid

furlough days annually, nearly a 5 percent salary reduction by

management, who are working harder and more efficiently. This compares

to a pay cut of half as much for classified staff (2.5 percent), while faculty

(0 percent) were spared any pay cuts or furloughs.

 

– Total District Office Budget Cuts: $2,030,334: Effective July 1, 2010, a

total of $2,030,334 was reduced from the District Office budget as a result

of our re-organization and other cost-cutting measures. These are

significant cuts by any measure, and they are as far from the classroom as

possible. And next year, the District Office is planning on cutting up to $1.4

million more.

 

Of all salaries and benefits paid out of our General Fund, the vast majority go to

faculty and staff, with management only making up seven percent. At Peralta,

this salary budget, outside of faculty, funds staff support, including admissions,

records, payroll management, class scheduling, facilities planning and

maintenance, health services and other essential services. Nonetheless, these

administration programs will also undergo further cuts, since our budget gap is

too large. We have to do everything possible to keep classrooms open.

 

While I hear some people say that we can simply cut “administration” this coming

year and we’ll be fine, the truth is that we need to look at every program, every

function and every service to make ends meet. These are tough, life-changing

decisions that have to be made.

 

WE NEED TO FUND TECHNOLOGY AND FISCAL MANAGEMENT TO

PROTECT STUDENT FINANCIAL AID AND CREDITS

 

Further cuts in management and administration will be particularly difficult to

accomplish in the future, since we are already stretched to the limit. And we are

required to spend money needed on technology and fiscal management to

ensure that the colleges remain accredited. To do otherwise would be

irresponsible, jeopardizing student financial aid, the transfer of credits and the

validity of students’ degrees.

 

We all have much to be proud of, as well as difficult challenges ahead. These

challenges associated with the budget are not primarily of our making. Our

students, staff and faculty did not cause the nation’s economy to tank or tax

revenues to shrink. The state’s long-standing structural budget imbalance did not

originate with Peralta. In short, the national economy and politics and the state’s

budget crisis have forced us to look at hard alternatives.

 

I am currently undertaking a review with our management team to examine other

savings that will be the least harmful to classroom instruction, yet maintain

essential services. I will also be meeting with District unions to determine

whether other reductions can be made. Nonetheless, along with other community

colleges across the state, we have been forced to significantly reduce classes.

We avoided cutting summer school last year, unlike some other community

college districts. This year, everything is on the table for consideration.

 

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

 

I am calling for a committee of faculty, staff and students to recommend how

volunteers can participate in augmenting student services. This may help

preserve administrative services or academic programs that would otherwise be

closed.

 

Finally, don’t leave participation in government to others. Our government

belongs to us all, so stay informed, participate and vote. You have the

opportunity to engage with your legislators as they decide the budget now, and to

participate in government if there is a special election this year to decide whether

even more cuts can be avoided.

 

Whatever the outcome of the budget, the Peralta Colleges will provide our

students with an affordable education in a quality-teaching environment.

Thousands of our students will continue to transfer to four-year colleges or

graduate with an Associate Degree; thousands more will hone their job skills with

specialized courses or full-time training programs. Our career and technical

education programs successfully train students for good jobs in business, health

care, “green” technology, biotech and other high-demand fields.

 

Though the numbers of students and programs may decline, we will continue to

offer life-transforming opportunities to our students despite tough economic

times.

 

Thank you for your continued support during these difficult time.

 

Join the celebration to remember Cesar Chavez at Berkeley City College

The ASBCC and the Latin American Club cordially invites you to come and join the celebration to remember Cesar Chavez life and legacy. The Cesar Chavez Celebration is a FREE event!

Thursday, March 31st, 2011 • 12:15-1:00 PM located at Berkeley City College’s Atrium

Lunch, Speakers, Live Music, DJ and more!!

Posted by Chris Gat

12th Annual Show of Merritt

This year’s Show of Merritt marks the TWELFTH year for this exhibition of artwork by more than 150 students in the pastel, figure drawing, drawing, painting, watercolor, botanical drawing and ceramics classes at Merritt.  Students of all skill levels are encouraged to participate, and the show includes the earnest efforts of beginners as well as the developed skills of advanced students, many of whom are exhibiting locally and active in professional organizations.

The show will be up until May 10.

We hope you can join us at the opening reception this Friday, March 25 from 6 to 8 pm. The students provide a potluck buffet, and the reception is a wonderful celebration of the art community at Merritt College.

Posted by Chris Gat

Peralta Matters 4 : Academics

Join our host Jay Calhoun for an in-depth look at the Academic programs throughout our District. Vice Chancellor for Educational Services Dr. Deborah Budd outlines some of the exciting programs at the various colleges. Enjoy!

Posted by Chris Gat

Laney College Great Wall Youth Orchestra and Chorus Fundraiser Concert

The Board of Directors of the

Purple Silk Music Education Foundation

invites you to an evening of music performances by the

Great Wall Youth Orchestra and Chorus of Laney College &

Purple Bamboo Orchestra and Chorus of Lincoln School

Join us as we share and support music education for inner-city children in

Oakland through traditional Chinese instruments.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

7:30 p.m. through 9:00pm

Farnsworth Theater

Skyline High School

12250 Skyline Blvd.

Oakland, CA 94619

Tickets are $35 (Section A) and $25 (Section B).

For each section, seating is general admission only. Doors open at 7pm.

Purchase Tickets Now!

 

Posted by Chris Gat

 

Fitness Tip of the Week – Weight Management by the Laney College PE Department

Laney – PE Department’s – FITNESS TIP for the week:

 

Can you manage your weight? Or do you always have an excuse as to why you can’t?

Do you have any of these excuses? What are you willing to do to change?

 

Check out these stats from the CDC (Center for Disease Control):

• 34% of adults age 20 years and over are OVERWEIGHT (and not obese) (2007-2008)

• 34% of adults age 20 years and over are OBESE (2007-2008)So, according to these statistics, 68% of you reading this are likely to be overweight or obese!!

Body Weight vs Body Fat

Many people say, “I’d like to lose weight.” But, what is weight? When you get on a scale, what is that scale telling you? Is it telling you how much fat you have? No, it’s telling you how much TOTAL mass you have – including muscle, bones, water, lunch…and fat. It’s important NOT to get addicted to the scale because the scale doesn’t tell you what that weight is made of. Some individuals lose weight when they start working out. Others stay the same weight, but lose inches. That’s why it’s important to look at other factors than just the scale, and ask yourself, “how are my pants fitting?” or look at percent body fat.

Fat Storage and Fat Burning

Whatever calories you intake, your body will generally use them if needed, or store them. The body converts extra calories into fat to store them as extra fuel. If you intake 2500 calories in a day and you only burn off 2000 calories, your body will likely store the extra 500 calories as fat. Since ONE pound of fat equals 3500 calories, in one week you would gain about a pound of fat if you had eaten those extra 500 calories per day. 500 calories might sound like a lot, but actually that is equivalent to 2/3 of a teriyaki chicken bowl, or a candy bar and a large soda. It can add up quickly! So, how do you burn fat? To get your body to ‘want’ to burn fat, you have to increase the demand for energy in the body. Generally this is achieved by performing cardiovascular exercise activities that increase the heart rate over a prolonged period of time.

The F.I.T. Principle to Lose Weight

The F.I.T. Principle is an acronym that can be applied to weight loss.

F= Frequency. Your exercise frequency should be 3-5 days (5 is best) to increase calorie burning.

I = Intensity. Heart rate is the best indicator of intensity. Using your target heart rate zone can be a good way to ensure that you are being effective in your endeavor to burn calories.

T = Time. 45 minutes – 1 hour is critical to give your body enough time to burn more calories

To create a negative caloric balance, you have to take on less calories than you are using… that’s when the body goes to it’s stored fuel (fat) for energy. The bottom line is total calories burned in an activity, not just fat calories. The body will burn fat during aerobic activity primarily; but even with anaerobic activities, fat will be used later as a source to replace other depleted energy stores in the body. So, the amount of total calories used in an activity is more of a determinant for fat/weight loss than just performing activities that mainly use fat as a primary fuel source.

Good cardiovascular activities that can be effective in burning calories are: walking briskly, jogging, cycling, swimming, playing a sport where you travel and move a lot (basketball, soccer, hockey, etc.), using cardiovascular machines (stair climbers, elliptical cross trainers, treadmills, bikes..), hiking, or taking an aerobic exercise class.

The PE department offers several exercise classes that you might want to try next semester, that focus on calorie burning:

· Stationary Cycling for Fitness (PE 22)

· Aerobics (PE 2)

· Lap Swimming (PE 46)

· Fitness Center (PE 44)

 

LANEY COLLEGE PHYSICAL EDUCATION / ATHLETIC DEPT

900 FALLON ST, GYM 112/GYM 110

OAKLAND, CA 94607

Posted by Chris Gat

Interested in Audio Production at the Peralta Colleges?

9th Floor Radio is an internet radio station broadcasting from Oakland, California. We also produce a television show for Peralta TV. All of our programs, both radio and television, are archived online.

Posted by Chris Gat

Women Making Waves in the Middle East & North Africa

Thursday, April 7, 2011: World Women’s Month Events

Women Making Waves in the Middle East & North Africa

Hear about women’s involvement in the waves of social and political change sweeping this part of the world. Presentation, with slides, by Mehdi Boubiya, Program Associate at the Global Fund for Women.

Time: 7-8 p.m.  /  Place: Berkeley City College, Room 322

These events are cosponsored by BCC’s Women’s Studies Program, the Humanities Program and the Women’s Empowerment Alliance.

Posted by Chris Gat