San Mateo County Community College District Awaits Governor’s Decision on Whether to Sign AB 1780 into Law, Banning Legacy Admissions to Colleges 

Changes would require four-year higher education institutions to improve accountability and transparency in admissions. 

San Mateo, CA – September 19, 2024.  The California Legislature passed Assembly Bill 1780, authored by Assemblymember Philip Ting (D-San Francisco) aiming to eliminate legacy and donor preferences in admissions at the state’s private and nonprofit colleges. The bill now awaits Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature to become law. 

If signed into law, California will join four other states in making legacy preferences illegal for both public and private institutions. Given California’s significant national influence as the most populous state and home to the largest number of college students, supporters believe this legislation will serve as a crucial corrective to last year’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling that banned the use of race as a factor in admissions, except for military colleges. 

San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) Board of Trustees President John Pimentel said, “Our doors are open to all without regard to legacy relationships, economic ability, race, or past academic performance. We offer a high-quality pathway for students to get ahead by affordably starting their journey to a four-year college degree or by completing professional certification programs that on average, increase earning potential by 30% or more.” 

He continued, “This is especially true now that we have Free College for all San Mateo County residents. Our colleges serve over 30,000 students annually – 46% of whom are first-generation college students for whom legacy admissions are not available.  SMCCCD offers these students, and every resident of our County, the first rung on the ladder of economic and academic success.”  

SMCCCD Chancellor Melissa Moreno echoed these sentiments, adding; “Community colleges have always leveled the playing field in higher education. Students who come to us are from diverse backgrounds with many life struggles who overcome their challenges with the support we provide on their path to a four-year institution.” 

Each year, over 3,000 San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) students successfully transfer to four-year institutions thanks to structured transfer agreements, academic support, and counseling. According to the Social Security Administration, completing a bachelor’s degree results in approximately an additional $1 million in lifetime earnings potential and better job prospects than a high school diploma. By accessing four-year institutions through community college, students gain opportunities for well-paying careers and long-term economic mobility, ultimately enhancing their quality of life. 

“I am proud that our local community colleges offer upward mobility and higher learning at a fraction of the cost charged by institutions that consider legacy in their admissions process,” said Pimentel. 

The bill, if signed by the Governor, would become effective next year. 

Media Contact: David McLain, Community & Government Relations, SMCCCD, (650) 730-8049 or mclaind@smccd.edu

San Mateo County Community College District Enhances Oversight of Voter-Approved Bond Funds

Construction project changes will now require the Board’s consent approval to improve accountability and transparency.

San Mateo, CA – September 4, 2024 – The San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) Board of Trustees was informed at last week’s regular board meeting about a District plan to implement a change in how it oversees bond-funded projects. Bond project revisions will now go to the Board for consent approval with the first list of revisions being brought to the next September 11, 2024 regular meeting.

SMCCCD Chancellor Melissa Moreno, J.D., is pleased to champion the Board’s focus on continuous improvement and fiscal integrity: “Since becoming Chancellor, our work is focused on improving the way the college district does business and strengthening accountability standards. More frequent and transparent reviews of the District’s progress toward modernizing its facilities is incredibly important as we begin planning for educating the future leaders of San Mateo County.”

To strengthen accountability measures for the Capital Improvement Program bond program, District staff has revised the process for managing, tracking, and presenting to the Board of Trustees all revisions to bond projects, including changes to individual project names, scope of work, project status, and budgets. Chancellor Moreno declared that this process will not include additions of new projects.

“By implementing this enhanced process for presenting bond revision lists to the Board of Trustees, we are making a strong commitment to San Mateo County taxpayers and the District’s Measure H Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee. This approach will offer more frequent and accessible updates, ensuring that taxpayers can easily track how their investments are being managed and safeguarded,” commented SMCCCD Executive Vice Chancellor Richard Storti.

Historically, changes to bond projects went to the Board only two times a year. Now, the Board will review adjustments in near-real-time.

About San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD): SMCCCD operates three colleges, Cañada College, College of San Mateo, and Skyline College, that provide community college educational services to the residents of San Mateo County. The District’s colleges serve over 30,000 students annually and offer the first two years of college-level instruction in various transfer and career-technical programs. The District is governed by a six-member Board of Trustees, with five voting members elected by voters from designated areas of the County and one nonvoting student member elected by students. For more information, see: smccd.edu.

About the Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC): The CBOC is responsible for reviewing that bond proceeds from Measure A on the November 2005 ballot and Measure H on the November 2014 ballot are spent only for construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or replacement of SMCCD facilities (including the purchase of furnishings and equipment) or the acquisition or lease of real property. The CBOC holds quarterly meetings that are open to the public. For more information on the Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee, see: cboc.smccd.edu.

Media Contact: David McLain, Community & Government Relations, SMCCCD, (650) 730-8049 or mclaind@smccd.edu

San Mateo County Community College District Establishes Performance Audit Unit to Enhance Transparency and Accountability

SMCCCD is the first community college district in Northern California, and the second in the state, to implement a continuous improvement unit.

San Mateo, CA – August 29, 2024 – The San Mateo County Community College District
(SMCCCD) Board of Trustees is proud to announce the creation of a Performance Audit Unit, a
significant step taken at the August 28, 2024, Board Meeting to increase transparency and
accountability within the organization. SMCCCD is now the first community college district in
Northern California to implement such a unit, underscoring its commitment to excellence and
integrity.

The newly established Performance Audit Unit will be instrumental in ensuring that
departments and programs at the colleges and within the District adopt standards for internal
controls to operate efficiently and effectively, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and
regulations.

The unit will independently conduct comprehensive performance audits as directed by the
Board of Trustees. Trustee Richard Holober said, “The desire to implement a performance audit
function has finally come to fruition. It provides much-needed independent checks and
balances to ensure the District’s ability to report reliable information about its operation of the
organization.”

Melissa Moreno, J.D., Chancellor for SMCCCD, is pleased the Board has adopted this
performance improvement function. “We will set the gold standard statewide for the
community college system by adopting internal controls and security standards based on best
practices in federal public agencies. Our district aims to model transparency and accountability
to the taxpaying public and ensure managed risk and fraud prevention,” said Chancellor
Moreno.

The Audit Unit is perfectly aligned with the Board of Trustees’ newly adopted goals and values
emphasizing transparency, continuous improvement, and accountability. The Board has
committed sufficient funds and recently appointed its first Performance Auditor, Houman
Boussina, who holds an M.A. in Accountancy from San Jose State University and is certified in
four auditing areas—internal auditing, government auditing, fraud examination, and
information systems. Boussina has deep experience developing findings and recommendations
to support continuous improvement in local government settings.

Each fiscal year, the auditor submits an annual audit plan for Board approval and final audit
reports will be shared publicly in board meetings throughout the year. The Chancellor will be
responsible for implementing the audit recommendations. “Our goal is to secure the district’s
operational integrity and promote efficiency and accountability as we educate the future
leaders of San Mateo County,” says Chancellor Moreno.

Media Contact: David McLain, Community & Government Relations, SMCCCD, (650) 730-8049 or mclaind@smccd.edu

SMCCCD Welcomes Megan Barber Allende as Foundation Executive Director 

San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) proudly announces the appointment of Megan Barber Allende as the new Executive Director of the San Mateo County Community Colleges Foundation (SMCCCF). With a distinguished career in community-based philanthropy, Megan brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to advancing educational opportunities for all.  

“I am honored to join the San Mateo County Community Colleges Foundation and contribute to its vital mission of supporting students in reaching their educational aspirations,” said Megan. “I am excited to collaborate with the Foundation team and our community partners to create meaningful opportunities for student success.”  

Megan joins SMCCCF following an impressive tenure as the President/CEO of the Community Foundation of Mendocino County, where she spearheaded substantial growth and operational excellence. During her eight-year leadership, she doubled the Foundation’s assets, tripled annual grantmaking, and positioned the organization as a pivotal force for community development, securing the charitable future of the under-resourced county in perpetuity.  

In welcoming Megan, San Mateo County Community College District Chancellor Melissa Moreno remarked, “Megan’s track record of success and her dedication to philanthropy make her an exceptional choice for leader of the Foundation team. Her energetic and positive outlook, coupled with her passion for community engagement and student success, will most certainly catalyze greater community support for our students and transform our Foundation into a premier philanthropic organization in the community college system. “  

Megan’s commitment to students is evident in her accomplishments, including significant expansions of scholarship programs for historically underrepresented and first-generation college students. Her appointment as Executive Director of SMCCCF positions her to build on this success and set ambitious goals for student achievement.  

Megan holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan, a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) certification from the American College of Financial Services.  

Megan will start her new position with the Foundation on July 1, 2024, pending approval by the SMCCCD Board of Trustees at their June 26 regular meeting. 

SMCCCD Colleges Award Over 4,300 Degrees and Certificates at Commencement

At three commencement ceremonies held on Friday, May 24, and Saturday, May 25, over a thousand students took to the stages at Cañada College, College of San Mateo, and Skyline College to celebrate their academic achievements. Districtwide, this year’s graduating class earned over 4,300 degrees and certificates which underscores the dedication and hard work of the District’s students, faculty, and staff. 

2023-24 Highlights 

  • 8 Bachelor’s Degrees: Among the notable achievements is awarding eight bachelor’s degrees, specifically for the Respiratory Care program at Skyline College.  
  • 1,508 Associate Degrees: A total of 1,508 associate degrees have been conferred, reflecting the commitment of students to pursue higher education and acquire essential skills for their future endeavors. 
  • 2,797 Certificates: Additionally, 2,797 certificates have been awarded, signifying proficiency and expertise in various fields of study. 
  • Age Diversity: The graduating class showcases an impressive age range, from the youngest graduate at 15 to the oldest at 78, demonstrating that education knows no bounds. 
  • Global Representation: 118 international students from 28 countries earned degrees and certificates, contributing to a diverse and vibrant learning environment. 
  • Out-of-State Students: 102 out-of-state students have received degrees and certificates, highlighting the District’s appeal beyond its immediate vicinity. 
  • Support for Veterans: The District is proud to recognize the achievements of 101 veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces who have earned degrees and certificates, demonstrating a commitment to supporting those who have served our country. 
  • DACA/Dreamer/AB540 Students:  110 DACA/Dreamer/AB540 students graduated, emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility in higher education. 
  • First-Generation College Students: An impressive 1,604 graduates are first-generation college students, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. 
  • Support for Foster Youth: The District celebrates the success of 22 foster youth who have earned degrees and certificates, showcasing resilience and determination in overcoming challenges. 
  • Support for Justice-Impacted Individuals: Thirteen incarcerated, formerly incarcerated, or justice-impacted individuals have graduated, underscoring the District’s commitment to providing opportunities for all community members. 
  • Academic Excellence: A total of 716 graduates have earned academic honors, including cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude distinctions, recognizing their exceptional academic achievements. 
     

The San Mateo County Community College District congratulates all 2023-24 graduates for their remarkable accomplishments and wishes them continued success in their future endeavors.  

Dr. Manuel Alejandro Pérez Named President of College of San Mateo 

College’s first queer-identified and Latino president brings passion for equity and student success.

Following a national search, San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) Chancellor Melissa Moreno has announced that she will recommend Dr. Manuel Alejandro Pérez to the Board of Trustees as the next president of College of San Mateo (CSM). The Board of Trustees will take formal action on Dr. Pérez’s appointment at their meeting on May 22, 2024. 

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Pérez to College of San Mateo,” said Chancellor Moreno. “He is a passionate leader who has demonstrated a deep commitment to underserved student communities with innovative programs to provide equitable and inclusive student experiences that engender their success. We are confident that he will lead CSM to new heights of excellence and innovation using an uncompromised collaborative and collegial approach.” 

Dr. Pérez brings 20 years of professional experience in higher education, from his doctoral work in education to his teaching work in social justice, international and multicultural studies, and the performing arts, to developing a career in the community college system, and now currently serving as the Vice President of Student Services at Cañada College. 

“I am honored and humbled to serve as the next president of College of San Mateo,” said Dr. Pérez. “I look forward to working collaboratively with the faculty, staff, students, and community partners to advance the mission and vision of this transformative institution. I am committed to fostering a culture of care, belonging, and excellence that supports the success and well-being of all our students, especially our historically marginalized and underserved communities.” 

Before joining SMCCCD, Dr. Pérez served as Interim Assistant Vice President for Equity & Community Inclusion at San Francisco State University. Before that, he served as the Dean of Student Development and Dean of Equity Programs & Pathways for American River College (ARC). 

Dr. Pérez holds a bachelor’s degree in communication studies with a minor in ethnic studies from Santa Clara University, a master’s degree in communication studies from San Diego State University, and a doctorate in education from the University of San Francisco, where he also teaches courses as part-time faculty. 

Dr. Pérez will start his new position on July 1, 2024. His selection is subject to approval of a written contract, whose terms will be available for public review before the May 22 board meeting. 

Melissa Moreno, J.D., Named Permanent Chancellor of SMCCCD

Second woman to serve as permanent chancellor in the District’s century-plus history after Dr. Lois Callahan, who retired in 1997.

Following a national search, the San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) Board of Trustees announced their unanimous decision to select Melissa Moreno, J.D., as the next permanent Chancellor of SMCCCD, with an anticipated start date of April 25, 2024. 

“Chancellor Moreno is an innovative, dynamic, and collaborative leader who brings a strong vision for the future grounded by a demonstrated record of achievements,” said Board President John Pimentel. “Chancellor Moreno is an effective advocate for free community college for all San Mateo County residents. She’ll work closely with the board to prioritize improving student access, extend recent enrollment gains, and engage proactively with existing community organizations to reach communities who can improve their economic and career prospects through SMCCCD.”

Moreno has served as the District’s Interim Chancellor since April 2023. She has extensive executive-level experience with more than 18 years of progressive leadership roles in the community college system, beginning with the Santa Barbara Community College District. While there, she was the founding director of the national award-winning Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Dean of the Business Division, and Vice President of the School of Extended Learning. 

She joined San Mateo County Community College District in 2020 as President of Skyline College and provided steady leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“I am honored to have been selected to lead the San Mateo County Community College District and am grateful to the Board of Trustees for their trust and confidence,” said Moreno. “As a former California community college student, I deeply respect the transformational power that community colleges hold to change lives. I am committed to a vision that centers the needs of our students and ensures educational opportunities for families and their children in our communities that are historically marginalized and least likely to go to college.”

Moreno’s visionary track record will ensure the District continues to grow student enrollment, maintain fiscal health, build student housing, and meet local workforce needs with a focus on closing equity gaps within the region. 

Moreno holds a bachelor’s degree in Cultural Anthropology from UC Santa Barbara and a Juris Doctorate from Santa Barbara College of Law. 

Chancellor Moreno’s appointment is pending the final ratification of her employment contract, which will be considered at the Board of Trustees meeting on April 24, 2024. 

Finalists Named for SMCCCD Chancellor

The San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) has selected four finalists for its chancellor position. This announcement comes after a national search that fielded a highly qualified and diverse pool of candidates.  

A screening committee comprised of faculty, staff, students, administrators, a board member, and a community representative has recommended the following candidates to the Board of Trustees for consideration:  

  • Rudy Besikof, Ed.D., President of Laney College in Oakland 
  • Carlos Cortez, Ph.D., former Chancellor of the San Diego Community College District 
  • Melissa Moreno, J.D., Interim Chancellor of the San Mateo County Community College District 
  • Thuy Thi Nguyen, J.D., Partner at Garcia, Hernández, Sawhney LLP 

Dr. Besikof previously served as Vice President of Laney College in Oakland. He earned his doctorate as a 2010 graduate of UCLA’s Educational Leadership Program. 

Dr. Cortez previously served as President of San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE) He earned a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University, a master’s degree from New York University, and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Southern California. 

Ms. Moreno previously served as the President of Skyline College in San Bruno. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California at Santa Barbara and a Juris Doctorate from Santa Barbara College of Law. 

Ms. Nguyen previously served as the President of Foothill College in Los Altos Hills. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Yale University and a Juris Doctorate from UCLA School of Law. 

Finalists will participate in prerecorded moderated forums that will be posted to the SMCCCD website by the end of the day on Friday, March 15.  These forums will allow the finalists to introduce themselves, share their vision and priorities, and respond to questions gathered from the campus community, including Academic Senate, Classified Senate, and Associated Students. Faculty, classified staff, administrators, students, and the public are invited to watch the forums and provide feedback on the finalists during the week of March 18. Forum recordings and feedback forms will be available until 11:59 pm on Friday, March 22. 

The SMCCCD Chancellor is responsible for all operations in a district with a nearly $500 million annual budget. The Chancellor oversees Cañada College, College of San Mateo, and Skyline College; assures that the District is administered in accordance with policies adopted by the Board of Trustees and state and federal regulations; and maintains a close working relationship with the community, K-12 and local higher-education systems, as well as local, state and federal officials. 

View finalist bios and more information about the search process at the Chancellor Search website

San Mateo County Community College District enrollment on rise

Officials look to understand influences on uptick for future sustained growth

By Sierra Lopez
The article below originally appeared in the San Mateo Daily Journal and is being reprinted with permission.

The San Mateo County Community College District surpassed its enrollment goal this fall semester and trustees are now eager to understand what enabled that growth so it can be harnessed moving forward.

“Whenever we have a success like this we need to completely celebrate it but then also be mindful to understand what is it we did that really made that difference, and is that what needs to be done next or is there another shift or change that needs to be made,” board President Lisa Petrides said during a Board of Trustees meeting Oct. 25.

After years of enrollment declines, the district saw a 16% uptick in local students signing up for courses in the fall, according to data presented by Dr. Aaron McVean, vice chancellor of Educational Services and Planning. That increase does not include international students or dual-enrollment high school students.

Officials had initially expected to see a 15% increase in enrollment, or about 16,000 students in classrooms after enrollment also grew by 10% this spring compared to the spring of 2022. Both upticks in enrollment follow about a decade of concerning local and statewide dips.

McVean also highlighted other positive trends. The district saw a substantial increase in first-time students including the largest incoming Promise Scholars cohort in the program’s history.

The district saw a significant decrease in the number of students who have not declared their intent to earn a certificate, degree or transfer with a degree, also known as an “ACE” goal. By declaring a goal, students are provided access to more financial assistance and counseling services.

“To see such large increases in students connected to that goal means that they’re connected now to our programs and services and we hope that we will be able to see them through completion,” McVean said.

Increasing enrollment has been a specific focus for the district in recent years. It’s begun expanding its footprint into the coastside to encourage students to enroll in courses who may struggle to get to existing campuses. Officials also tapped the marketing firm VisionPoint Marketing for assistance with planning near- and long-term strategies for improving enrollment.

The district is also one of a few in the state piloting a free college program following the approval of Senate Bill 893. The bill took effect at the start of this year and allows the district to waive and use unrestricted funds to cover a state-mandatory $46 per unit enrollment fee for county residents.

Trustees are now eager to understand which of the recent changes or interventions have had an influence on improved enrollment. McVean said staff has planned to survey students soon but theorized reduced cost barriers were a major boost to enrollment.

Understanding the influence of each intervention would enable the district to further focus outreach efforts, trustees noted. The district does currently focus on target groups including the Filipino community, other minority groups, and those living in underserved communities but board Vice President John Pimentel noted enrollment among Black and Pacific Islander residents was extremely low, totaling just 243 students.

“There’s still a lot of opportunity and a lot of work for us to do with everything that we have been starting to do in a much more aggressive way,” Pimentel said. “Now is the time to really double down on that and hopefully that will improve these numbers for the fall even further.”

National Student Clearinghouse Data Breach

The San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) was informed about a recent data breach at our third-party vendor National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) involving their MOVEit Transfer Application. NSC’s services are used by higher education institutions that distribute Federal Financial Aid as required by the Department of Education. 

The data breach didn’t impact SMCCCD information systems or WebSMART. 

SMCCCD shares data with the NSC, and some of that data includes personally identifiable information (P.I.I.). The NSC has not yet identified what sensitive information was accessed, and they continue investigating this breach. At this time, we do not know who has been impacted or what data has been lost. 

SMCCCD has received notice that our data submitted to NSC may be affected, and we are actively monitoring this situation to address any concerns that may arise. We will continue to gather information and provide updates as needed. 

Students and alumni impacted by this breach will receive separate notifications via USPS & email from the National Student Clearinghouse. 

In the meantime, SMCCCD students and alumni should protect their identity and personal information by taking the following steps: 

  • Monitor credit card and bank activity for suspicious activity and report it to your financial institution immediately. 
  • Pull your FREE credit reports through the Annual Credit Report.com which is authorized through the Federal Law. 
  • Consider placing fraud alerts and credit freezes on your accounts using Experian or Credit Karma
  • Avoid opening suspicious emails. 
  • Update your passwords frequently. 

More detailed information about the data breach can be found on the National Student Clearinghouse alert webpage.