Dear colleagues,

It’s been an eventful time in higher education in the past two weeks since the new administration took office. As I shared in my Federal Update email earlier this week, we are closely monitoring the executive orders. As always, we will continue to stay focused on our mission through inclusive education and community engagement.

Campus Updates

The Corvallis campus has been the home of many physical improvements over the past several years made possible by passing the 2022 Bond. Next Tuesday, February 4, we will be celebrating the completion of the Testing and Learning Center upgrades with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The event will be inside the Benton Center building on the Corvallis Campus. The event will be held on the second floor starting at 4:00pm. There will be a brief program and light refreshments provided by the Foundation. Join if your time allows!

It’s basketball season, and I look forward to cheering on the teams from the stands. I’ve caught a couple of games so far and hope to attend more. Here is the athletics schedule to check out. Go Beaks!

The Foundation is currently accepting nominations for staff awards. Please take the time to submit nominations of your peers. Nominations will be accepted until Friday, February 14 and awards will be presented at the April 4 In-Service.

The Budget Task Force has continued to meet since the new year to address the budget shortfall based on the Governor’s funding projections. As Matt Scotton shared in a recent campus budget update, while the Governor’s initial recommendation was $870M for community colleges, the updated budget is $854M, 2% less than the original figure. LBCC’s projected budget deficit for the coming 2025-27 biennium is $3.5M. Stay tuned for updates from Matt and feel free to reach out to Ann Buchele, Sheldon Flom or Jason Dorsette with questions.

Legislative Updates

While much recent attention has been on the Federal government, Oregon’s Legislative officially kicked off on Tuesday, January 21. There are several bills we are closely tracking that may impact community colleges. The Oregon Community College Association (OCCA) is working with us and our 16 sister colleges for advocacy, feedback and data to respond to bills. I know some of you have already helped; thank you! You may be contacted by Linnea Everts, our Government Relations Manager for input or information. Since we coordinate testimony with OCCA, be sure to let Linnea know what bill(s) you are working on so she can track progress. Learn more and how to advocate from OCCA's advocacy page. Advocacy for increased funding for community colleges will be the foremost priority.

Tomorrow, February 1, Senator Jeff Merkley will be on the Albany campus hosting his annual Linn County Town Hall. The town hall will start at 5:30pm in the Tripp Theater. The format of Senator Merkley’s Town Halls are updates from DC followed by questions from citizens. I look forward to welcoming the Senator back to LBCC. Be sure to arrive early to sign up and get a ticket to ask questions; it is anticipated to be a well attended event. For those of you in Benton County, he will be at Philomath High School at 3:00pm tomorrow.

This week, I have been at the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities attending a series of meetings on accreditation. As part of the executive committee, I have been closely monitoring federal language and policy discussions on the role of accreditation. The quality assurance promoted by our peer review process is paramount to institutions in the NWCCU region.

Up Next

While I am wrapping up this report from the road, I have also been monitoring the upcoming week’s weather forecast for the Willamette Valley. Please note the email from Sheldon this morning with details of implementing the Inclement Weather Protocol, in effect for this coming Monday, February 3. Stay tuned for updates and connect with your supervisor on plans should we need to work remotely due to weather.

As a thank you for the successful Thanksgiving Food Drive in the fall, staff will be treated to a Hot Cocoa Bar on Monday, February 3 at 3:00pm in the Fireside Room.

February is Black History Month and I hear there is food involved! Ramycia McGee is again leading the efforts to celebrate and educate with the theme this year "Labor of Love - Black Cuisine." The first event is February 5 starting at 11:00am in IEDI Forum 220 and it’s on my calendar. I hope to see you there.

On the home front, Ella is hoping for snow, while Allison and I are less sure about the wisdom of wishing for winter weather! Emily is working in Southern California right now so we’re jealous of her sunshine, but pleased that the fire risk has passed. Best wishes to you ll for a warm and relaxing weekend.

Thanks,
Lisa