In the early 1990’s, predictions related to Tidal Wave II pointed to an exploding population that would impact institutions of higher education in the State of California. High birth rates, longer life spans and immigration from other states and countries caused a growth in the state and in the number of children enrolling in the elementary and secondary school systems. It was estimated that by 2010 the number of students seeking admission to our public colleges would increase 25 – 35%. And, in fact, institutions of higher education are already experiencing this increase. The concerns arising from these predictions became how to meet the needs of students in spite of an already impacted system. Distance Education was an acknowledged option because it provided an effective use of facilities and resources.
My perception early on was that Distance Education courses were predominately delivered over the television. There are, however, many different examples of distance education including interactive video and audio, computer-assisted instruction, correspondence, and many variations of each. The most obvious recent growth is in online courses delivered over the Internet.
The State of California, with support from the U.S. Department of Commerce, began a systematic plan to develop a telecommunications infrastructure within the California Community Colleges and to expand the uses of technology within the instructional arena. The late 1990’s saw the development of the California Virtual University – with the establishment of four California Community College Virtual Campus Regional Centers and a Statewide Professional Development Center. These were all designed to assist the local colleges in expanding online educational offerings. The fact that there has been a dramatic increase in the number of classes offered over the Internet is evidence that these regional and statewide efforts have been successful. And, students are responding to this instructional niche with enthusiasm. One limitation to the success of this trend is that students often still are required to come to the campus for basic support services.
This issue of iJournal is designed to focus on ways in which Student Services can respond to this rising demand for online support services. For example, in their article, “Pulling Together the Pieces, Comprehensive Online Student Support Services,” father and daughter, Paul Meyers and Heather Ostash present an overview of the issue and discuss the reasons why comprehensive online student support services are a necessity. In Don Biederman’s article you will find a compelling argument for online counseling. Omid Pourzanjani has taken a different approach by leading Golden West College in the development of a very interesting “Technology Vision” illustrating the influence of technology on students, faculty, and staff. And, many colleges may want to contact Leslie Smith, at City College of San Francisco, to join up with the effort to register students to vote when they register for classes.
Our vendors are also responding to the appeal for online support. We have an example in this issue from ACT highlighting their powerful new version of COMPASS/ESL. As an aside, if you are a history buff, be sure to read Part II – A Corporate History. It demonstrates the magic of leadership and innovation.
Make sure you bookmark the articles on Facilitating Latina Mother’s Access to a California Community College and on Student Discipline and Student Conduct Policies, Actions, and Practices in California Community Colleges. You will find they both contain valuable information and ideas you will want to retrieve over the upcoming year.
As the academic year draws to an end so does the term of our CSSO President, Chris Schultz. We would like to thank Chris for his leadership and active involvement in statewide student services issues. His commitment to strengthening the role of the Presidents’ Council will benefit all of Student Services well into the future. Chris was also one of the founders and board members of iJournal and has continued to nurture the development of this publication. Thank you Chris!
A word of farewell also goes to three pillars within Student Services.
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Vern Hodge
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John Baker
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Gil Stork
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Vern Hodge served as Vice President of Student Services at Saddleback and Irvine Valley Colleges. He was very active in COA and represented region 8 on the CSSO executive board for many years.
John Baker, Vice President of Student Services at Gavilan and San Diego Mesa colleges represented two different regions, 4 & 10, on the CSSO executive board.
Gil Stork, was Vice President/Assistant Superintendent of Student Services at Cuesta College. He served as the representative for region 6 and was statewide president of the CCCCSSAA in 1996 – 97.
Best Wishes to all as they embark on a new adventure called retirement.
