Because of fewer dollars from the state budget, how will things be different at Grossmont during the 2009-2010 academic year? That question was recently posed to several GCCCD employees. With eight percent fewer sections, and 12 percent more students for the ‘09 Fall Semester (a record for enrollment), everybody already knows it’s not business as usual. So, what will be different around here, and how will employee “make-do” with less in the coming year? Here is a sampling of responses:

The best way to get through difficult times is to take it one day at a time. As for me, I will do whatever it takes to get through this budget crisis, if that means I have to work even harder and do more, I will.” -- Patty Sparks, Administrative Secretary.

“One of the biggest changes for the Music department in 09-10 will be limiting the number of scholarships we offer to our music majors, which helps offset the cost of private instruction.” -- Derek Cannon, Music Instructor.

“I predict that Grossmont and Cuyamaca will team together to develop innovative strategies to continue to offer the outstanding educational opportunities East County residents deserve.” -- Dr. Cary Willard, Professor of Chemistry.

“In light of the budget cut backs, I have decided to go to paperless classes. In doing this we are saving money on paper, saving the environment and taking a step into the future of education.” -- Randy Abshier, Instructor of Exercise Science & Wellness, Head Baseball Coach.

Construction is progressing on schedule for the March 2010 opening of the 52,000-square-foot Health & Sciences Complex, which will house classrooms, labs and offices for the forensic technology, physics and health professions programs.

The Complex features a North Building and a South Building. At the North Building, the astronomy deck construction is complete and clock tower/elevator framing is underway. Roofing is scheduled to being soon. At the South Building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical equipment installation is on schedule. The pedestrian bridge walkway is scheduled for pouring in late November.

The Complex will feature the latest teaching tools and equipment, including simulation labs with lifelike mannequins for nursing, a casting room for orthopedic technology, a mock apartment for occupational therapy, a blood-splattered room for forensic technology, simulated ICU patient stations with ventilators for respiratory therapy and a rooftop deck for astronomy.

Construction, which began in July 2008, is funded by state and local Proposition R bond monies.

Grossmont College has been selected as a Military Friendly School by G.I. Jobs magazine. The magazine said criteria in its 2010 Guide to Military Friendly Schools involves an ongoing effort to recruit and retain students with military experience, including having qualified personnel available on campus to accommodate military veterans interested in higher education

The national list honored the top 15 percent of colleges, universities, community colleges and trade schools which are doing the most to embrace America’s veterans as students and assist veterans with their educational goals. The list was compiled through the polling of more than 7,000 schools nationwide by G.I. Jobs. The common bond is their shared priority of assisting veterans with their educational goals and recruiting students with military experience.

Grossmont’s selection as a Military Friendly School comes at a time when financial aid for tuition, textbooks and housing is available through the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill. More than 750 military veterans are currently attending Grossmont in the Fall 2009 semester with the support of their veterans benefits, an increase from about 470 veterans who were enrolled in the Spring 2009 semester. The college offers a student veterans club (SVO). For more information on SVO visit http://www.svogrossmont.org .

Grossmont College will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a year-long celebration throughout the 2010-2011 academic year. A number of campus and community celebratory events will be planned. Each event will be designed to expand outreach and generate revenue to enhance services to students.

A 50th Anniversary Celebration Committee is now being formed. GC employees interested in volunteering are invited to contact Alexis Popko at extension 7109. Tasks for committee members will consist of event planning coordination that will involve intricate attention to detail. Committee members will have the option of serving on a single sub-committee that will assume overall responsibility, management and ownership of one or possibly two 50th-related events. With proper planning and lots of careful attention to double-checking details and checklists, it will be a terrific year of celebration.