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Education forEveryone

COM NewsOctober 2010 Employee Newsletter

Adult Education — “the quiet behemoth” Duringthespringsession,theUSCongressHouseResolution1472statingtheCongress“supportsthedesignationof NationalAdultEducationandFamilyLiteracyWeek,includingraisingpublicawarenessabouttheimportanceof adulteducationandfamilyliteracy.”September8,2010markedInternationalLiteracyDaydeclaredbytheUnitedNationsGeneralAssemblyin2003toinaugurateitsDecadeof Literacy,tosupportliteracyeffortsaroundtheworld.

ThisSeptember,Collegeof theMainlandmarkedthesenationalandinternationalcelebrationsmuchastheyhaveeveryfallfor40yearsbycontinuingclassesforouradultstudentsinourAdultBasicEducation,GEDpreparationandEnglishasaSecondLanguage.

TheAdultEducationDepartmentisaquietbehemothwithintheCollege.Morethan100teachersandsupportstaff,predominantlyparttime,servedmorethan2,300studentsseekingGEDorEnglishclassesin2009-2010.Andtheexpectationisthatthisnumberwillcontinuetogrow.“Classesstartedfourweeksagoandwealreadyhavemorethan200studentsonourwaitinglist.Thisisdefinitelygoingtobeabusyyear,”saidJoshHayes,Directorof AdultEducation.

AdultEducationpartnerswithdozensof churches,communitygroups,schoolsandsocialserviceagenciestorecruitandeducatethosethroughoutGalvestonCountywholacktheabilitytoreadandwrite,todomathorspeakEnglishwellenoughtomeettheirpersonalandfinancialgoals.Thesecoursesoccurat24locationsfromClearLaketoGalvestonIsland.Onanygivenweekday,asmanyas54classesareprovidingthesecriticalbasicskillsprogramstoourneighbors.

Lastyear,arecordnumber160adulteducationstudentscompletedtheirGED.“Thechallengeisthedemandandneedaroundus,”Joshobserved.AccordingtotheU.S.CensusBureau,nearly15percentof GalvestonCountyresidentsdonothaveahighschooldiplomaoraGED,representingmorethan26,000potentialstudents.Andwhenoneconsidersthatmorethan19,000peoplelacktheabilitytospeakEnglishproficiently,thedemandfortheseprogramsbecomesclear.

TheAdultEducationDepartmentoperatesfouropenenrollmentseachyear,thenextbeingtheweekof October11.If youknowof someonewhoneedstolearnEnglishorwouldliketostudyfortheirGED,havethemcallext.8130.

Studentsmustbe18yearsof ageorolder,haveagovernmentissuedpictureIDandcommittothreeclassesperweekfornineweeks.

Kiefer featured in guitar journal JohnKieferwasthefeaturedcomposerinthemostrecentissueof Soundboard:

journalfortheGuitarFoundationof America.Thefeatureincludedsansaba–anoriginalmulticulturalclassicalguitarsolo,photoandanarticlementioningCOM.ThissummerJohnattendedtheGFAconventioninAustinTexasandperformedwiththeguitarorchestra,aswellasparticipatingonmasterclassesandworkshops.

Anewbookof originalpiecesforelectricguitar(etudeselectric)wasrecentlypublishedbyMelBayPublications.ThisisJohn’sfifthbookwithMelBay.Thebooksareavailableatamazon.comandmanyotherplaceshereisalink:http://www.amazon.com/Etudes-Electric-John-Kiefer/dp/0786682108/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1282748111&sr=8-1

Education forEveryone


Chapa promoted to lieutenant SylviaChapaisoneof COM’spoliceofficerpatrollingthebeat(10-4,copythat)andcheckingupondepartmentsforanyconcernsorsafety.Initiallyemployedasapart-timeofficerin2002,Chapabecameafull-timeemployeein2005.ShewaspromotedtolieutenantSeptember2010whenthepositionopenedafterLt.WillieHuertaretired.Herexperienceincludesmorethan10yearsinlawenforcementand23yearsinsecurity.

ChapaearnedaMaster’sfromtheUniveristyof Housotn-ClearLakeinBehavioralScienceandholdsmanypoliceofficercertificationsfromtheTexasCommissiononLawEnforcementOfficersStandards(TCLEOSE)includingMasterPeaceOfficerandMentalHealthOfficer.

“IenjoymyjobbecauseIworkhardatcombatingthecriminalelement.Icareaboutthosewhoarevictimizednomatterwhatthelevelmaybe.”Chapaexplained.“Mostimportantly,beingapoliceofficerIcanhelpandprotectpeople.That’spartof whoIam.”

COMPoliceChief,E.W.“Butch”CarrdescribesChapaas“atremendousassettothedepartmentandthecollege.”Sheworkedtheeveningshiftsince2002andquicklybecamethetrainingofficerforallnewofficershiredinthedepartment.Carradded,“OfficerChapareceivedthedepartment’sfirstannualOfficerof theYearawardfor2007-2008.”

Chapawantsthecampustoknowthatthepolicedepartmentistheretohelpthemandtokeepthemsafe.Eventhoughtheywritecitations,whichaccordingtoChapa,reallyannoysmostpeople,itonlyconstitutesasmallportionof whatwedo.“Wemaynotalwaysbethebest-receiveddepartment,butitisourjobtoputourlivesonthelineforeveryone.ThatisaseriousoaththatCOMpoliceofficerstakeandliveby.”Chapasaid.

If youdon’tknowthisaboutSylvia,shehasaduckfarm.Aboutfiveyearsagoshefoundthreeorphanedducklingsoncampusafteracarelessandspeedingdriverkilledtheirmom.Shehadnoknowledgeaboutducksbuthernaturetoprotectcameout.Shehaslearnedthehardwayaboutcaringforducks.Inlessthan24hoursshewasinlovewiththe“sweetcreatures.”Shespentcountlesshourswiththesethreeducklings,oftenridingonpatrolwithaplasticboxinthebackseatwhilesheworkedherextrajobs.Thatwasjustthebeginning,Chapanowhasalargeduckfamilyafterrescuingtheonesthatwereinjuredorabandoned.Chapahopesthecampusappreciatestheselittlecreaturesandwouldlikehelpinkeepingthemsafe.

COM Foundation Fashion Expo to Raise Funds for Scholarships JointheCollegeof theMainlandFoundationandcelebrityfashionmodelsforthe2010FallFashionExpoandLuncheon,scheduledfor11:30a.m.-1:30p.m.Thursday,Oct.14,inTexasCity’sNesslerCenterlocatedat20105thAve.NorthinTexasCity.

Themeof theeventis“CelebratingtheChangingof theSeasons,”andincludesfashionsfromFourSeasonsinDickinson,Sydney’sBoutiqueinTexasCityandKohl’sinLeagueCity.

“Theeventisfun,”saidFoundationexecutivedirectorMonicaO’Neal,“butthepurposeisserious.Perhapsthebestwaytoimproveayounglife—andacommunity—isthrougheducation.Inthatregard,proceedsfromtheexpoareaninvestmentinthefutureof GalvestonCounty.”

Individualticketsare$40each;sponsorshipsareavailable.

Topurchaseticketsorobtainmoreinformation,callJudyPryoratext.8508.


BirthdaysMonica O’Neal Director of Foundation ...............................................10/2

Sally Austin Executive Administrative, VP College & Fin Svcs ........10/3

Lori Boyd Financial Aid Specialist, Student Financial Serv ..........10/3

Edward Handwerk Faculty, Instructional Admin .......................................10/3

JoAnn Lee Custodian ..................................................................10/4

Asha Stephens Faculty, Math/Science .................................................10/4

Lisa Templer Vice President , College and Financial Services ..........10/4

Ethel Freeman HR Generalist, Human Resources ...............................10/5

Sabrina Vincent Laboratory Assistant, Instructional Tech Lab ..............10/5

Kim Farson-Carden Admin. Assistant, Business and Computer Educ.........10/6

Bob Young Faculty, Social Behavioral Science ..............................10/6

Rob de los Reyes Assistant Director, Performing/Visual Arts ..................10/7

Jeff Oakley Director of Gulf Coast Safety Institute .......................10/7

Amanda Bezemek Costumer, Performing/Visual Arts .............................10/12

Joyce Palmer Administrative Assistant, Performing/Visual Arts .....10/13

Joshua Hayes Director Adult Education ..........................................10/15

Wayne Crandall Program Coordinator, Adult Education .....................10/18

Lanis Neugent Director, Learning Center-North County ...................10/18

Frank Scheidler Internal Auditor ........................................................10/18

Cissy Bodmer Accounting Specialist, Financial Services .................10/20

Fred Martorell Shipping/Receiving Clerk, Purchasing ......................10/20

Stacey Henderson Faculty, Social Behavioral Science ............................10/20

Lodie Salazar Administrative Assistant, CHS ..................................10/22

Howard Hardy Custodian ................................................................10/23

Mike Kukuk Director of Contract Training, Continuing Ed ............10/24

Tammy Morin Child Development Lab Assistant, ............................10/25

Rafael Naranjo Faculty, Social Behavioral Science ............................10/26

Erika Sollosi Librarian ..................................................................10/26

Marianne Friedell Faculty, Academic Success ........................................10/27

Michelle Kettler Director of Counseling .............................................10/28

Jerry Duncan Faculty Bachelors, Industrial Technology ..................10/29

Curtisha Wallace Faculty, Academic Success ........................................10/29

Shalice Maza Administrative Asst, Advisement/Testing Services ....10/31

Online Auction through Oct. 15 Visitwww.com.edu/hhs/auction.cfmtobidonbeautifulartwork.If youwouldliketodonate,pleasecontactGinaCastroatgcastro@com.eduformoreinformation.AllproceedswillgotowardtheHispanicHeritageScholarshipthathelpsstudentspayfortuitionandbooks.

Don’t forget to take chances on the $100 worth of scratch-off tickets.Visit or call any of these offices for tickets:

Ciro Reyes Student Center, Room 212 ext. 8273Marilynn Kish-Molina M/S Bldg., SM 119 ext. 8328Tige Cornelius Gym ext. 8421Rosie Rojas President’s Office, Admin. Bldg. ext. 8271Gina Castro Appomattox Square, Ste. 16 ext. 8243Cissy Matthews Public Service Careers ext. 8461

Lodie Salazar Tech/Voc Building ext. 8169Blanca Comeaux LRC, Suite A ext. 8212Oscar Hernandez Maintenance Bldg. ext. 8318Martin Perez Admissions ext. 8653Robert Castro Tech-Voc/Child Care Lab School ext. 8605Katy Robles Cosmetology ext. 8114


COM Biology Club Adopts a Beach Morethan60COMBiologyClubmembersparticipatedintherecentGLO(TexasGeneralLandOffice)“Adopt-A-Beach”Clean-Up.MemberscleanedafishingandcanoelaunchareaonGalvestonBayattheendof 8-MileRoadonGalvestonIsland.Theycollectednearly2,000poundsof trashoverathree-hourperiod.

New exhibit begins Oct. 18 in COM Gallery Collegeof theMainlandArtGallerywillpresentartistMariOmori’sinstallationtitled“AkariKamiMori:Illuminare”fromOct.18-Nov.18.

Theartistwillbeonhandtodiscusstheworksat2p.m.Wednesday,Oct.27,alsointheArtGallery.

Thegalleryisopentothepublic9a.m.-5p.m.MondaythroughThursday,oronotherhoursbyappointment.

Formoreinformation,contacttheArtGalleryatext.8348.

Why would you want to use the COM Fraud, Waste and Abuse Hotline? AtGeorgiaTechUniversityinAtlantaanemployeeusedauniversitycreditcardmorethan3,800timesformorethanfiveyearsmakingpersonalpurchasesof morethan$316,000.Fakereceiptswerecreatedandfalseaccountingentriesweremadetoconcealthetheft.AtAmericanUniversityinWashington,D.C.,anemployeestolenearly$400,000of checksoversixyearsthatweremadeouttotheuniversity’sLawReviewJournal.Theemployeeopenedajointbankaccountusingtheuniversity’snameandtaxpayeridentificationnumberplustheemployee’shomeaddress.Universitycheckswerethendepositedintheaccountwithfundsusedforpersonalexpenses.

TheAssociationof FraudExaminers,headquarteredinAustin,Texas,creditstipsasthemostcommondetectionmethodforincidentsof fraud,wasteandabuse.Themostcommonsourcefortipsisemployees,catchingnearlythreetimesmoreincidentsasanyotherformof detection.TheCOMHotlineisaneasyandconfidentialwaytoreporttips.Keepinmind,CED(LOCAL)requiresemployeestoimmediatelyreportsuspectedfraudorfinancialimpropriety,agoodusefortheHotline.

TheCOMHotlinecanbefoundatwww.com.edu/hotline.If youhavequestionsorneedadditionalinformation,pleasecontacttheInternalAuditor,FrankScheidler,atext.8695.


Coming in OctoberALL EVENTS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

(unlessotherwiseindicated)

Oct. 15 • 3 - 8 p.m.HispanicHeritageMonthCelebratingLocalHispanicArtistsDisplayingart,jewelry,etc.COMGymForinformation,callext.8437.

Oct. 15 • 6 - 9 p.m.HispanicHeritageMonthCelebrationCOMGymansiumFun•Food•EntertainmentOnlineAuctionendsScratch-off LotteryTicketRaffleendsForinformation,callext.8243.

Oct. 18 - Nov. 18 • 9 a.m - 5 p.m., Mon. - Thurs.COMFineArtsGallerypresentsMariOmori’sinstallation“AkariKamiMori:Illuminare”Forinformation,callext.8348.

Oct. 18-29 • Evening classesCommissionedSecurityOfficerClassesCostis$165forin-districtresidents$170forout-of-district.Materialsareincluded.Forinformation,callext.8258.

Oct. 19 • 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.BreastCancerAwarenessMrs.WandaBass,survivorLearningResourcesAuditiorium,L131Forinformation,callext.8445.

Oct. 19 • 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.DigitalMammogramsforCOMEmployeesMainlandMedicalCenterForinformation,callext.8447.

Oct. 19 • 6:30 p.m.CollegiateHighSchoolInformationMeetingLearningResourcesAuditorium,L131Forinformation,callext.8169.

Oct. 28 • 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.UnitedWayCarnivalAnnualDuckRaceForinformation,callext.8616or8131.

Oct. 28 • 8 p.m.COMElectricGuitarEnsemblepresentsMonsterMusikFineArtsRecitalHall,F-117Forinformation,callext.8545.

Through Oct. 14COMFineArtsGallerypresentsHideandSeekbyLydiaBodnar-BalahutrakForinformation,callext.8354.

Oct. 4 • 3 - 4 p.m.UnitedWayKick-offBuildYourOwnIceCreamSundaeandPledgeStudentCenterFormoreinformation,callext.8616or8131

Oct. 4 • 6 - 8 p.m.PACTInformationMeetingAppomattoxSquare,Ste.4,Formoreinformation,callext.8610.

Oct. 5 • 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.HispanicHeritageMonthDr.GabrielRodriguez“RoboticSurgery”LearningResourcesAuditorium,L131Forinformation,callext.8328

Oct. 6 and 7 • 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. BloodDriveStudentCenterSunRoomMakeyourappointmentonlineatwww.giveblood.orgorjuststopby.Freet-shirttoalldonors.

Oct. 7 • 12:30 p.m.HispanicHeritageMonthCarlosCalbillo“HispanicsintheFilmIndustry”LearningResourcesAuditorium,L131Forinformation,callext.8308.

Oct. 8 • 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.Leadershipinthe21stCenturyPresentedbyDr.DottiJonesFreeseminar.Forinformation,callext.8365

Oct. 12 • 12:30 p.m.HispanicHeritageMonthDr.NormaPerez“Hispanics,FastestGrowingPopulationUnderrepresented”LearningResourcesAuditorium,131Forinformation,callext.8243.

Oct. 14 • 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.COMFoundation2010FallFashionExpo/LuncheonNesslerCenter,20105thAve.N.,TexasCityTickets:$40Forinformation,callext.8508.


Set the Record Straight

Howdoyoudeterminepayincreasesforemployeeswhohavebeengivenadditionalresponsibilities?Itseemsthisisnotconsistentacrosscampus.

Rules governing pay increases for fiscal year 2010-2011 were based upon what category and change took

place. A two-step increase was given to those whose duties and responsibilities increased, which is different from being given more work and also different from a reclassification. Individual positions that were reclassified received a pay adjustment equal to the greater of 7 percent or placement on the pay scale according to years of experience or education. Nevertheless, reclassifications were implemented in accordance with the Reclassification Policy.

Whoisthedirectorof HR?

There is no Human Resources Director unless the term is used loosely to refer to the Associate Vice President of Human Resources.

If apersonishiredtodoaspecificjobandlateritisdeterminedthatthepersonhireddoesnothavetheskillsorknowledgetocarryoutalltherequirementsof thejob,

isitnormalcollegeprocedureorpolicytoallowthatpersontocontinueintheircurrentpositionandbegivenanincreaseinpay,aswellashireanadditionalpersontocarryouttheirduties?

No, it is not procedure or policy. Recently, it was determined that after a few months, a new hire did not

have the necessary skills and after a failed performance plan and adherence to proper procedures, employment was terminated.

Dr.Elampromisedtostopallowingcollegeemployeestobemovedfromonepositiontoanotherwithoutthepositionbeingposted.Whyisthecollegecontinuing

withthispractice?Recentlytherehavebeendepartmentsoncampuswhereemployeeshavebeenmovedintodifferentand,sometimes,newpositions,andyetotherdepartmentsarerequiredtoposttheirpositions.Thereseemstobeadoublestandardoncampus,whatisthecollegepolicyonemployeesmovingintodifferentdepartments?

Let me clarify, I promised no full-time positions would be filled permanently without a search. I have kept that

promise. Lateral transfers are allowed under the current policy and that still offers employees opportunities for advancement. Also, employees may be moved/reassigned (on occasion) without changing classification. In any event, all of these changes are made in the best interest of the institution. We do hire employees on temporary basis when it is in the best interest of the College.

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Travelfundshavebeencutforalldepartmentsandwehavebeentoldthat

onlytravelthatisconsideredessentialtoCollegeoperationswillbefunded.YettheBoardof Trusteeshasatravelbudgetof $35,000andallsevenmembersaretravelingtoCanadatoattendtheannualACCTmeeting.HowcantheCollegeandtheBOTjustifysuchanexpense?Yes,attendingsuchameetingisimportantforprofessionaldevelopmentreasons,butwouldn’titbemorecosteffectivetosendoneortwomemberswhocanthensharewhattheylearnedwiththeothermembers?

Although $35,000 is budgeted for this year, this is $10,000 less than last year’s Board travel budget. The

Board still will not spend the entire amount. Each board member has committee responsibilities with their association. At these conferences they go to their committee meetings and one person couldn’t go to all committee meetings. In spite of this, only four trustees will be attending the conference.

TheExecutiveDirectorof DiversityandEquitywillbeattendingtheACCTannualmeeting,forwhichthecollege

isfootingthebill,tobetherewhenMrs.MatthewsacceptstheACCTRegionalEquityAward.HowisthistravelessentialtoCollegebusiness?Isthisnotjustapaidvacationforajobwelldoneandif so,shouldn’talltheemployeeswhowrotethisreportgettogototheconferenceaswell?Fairisfair.If shegoes,whatwillshebringbacktotheinstitutionjustifyingthehugeexpense?

Last year the College was nominated for the STAR award with the potential of receiving a national award. The

individual employee responsible for coordinating the College response attended the meeting. Is it fair that we not allow the individual responsible for coordinating the College application for the ACCT award to attend? Nevertheless, Ms. Bush is not going, nor is she attending the conference.

Dr.ElamsaidCollegeof theMainlandstillneededtobe“rightsized.”Howmanymorefolks/employeesdoeshewanttoorfeelsweneedtoeliminate?Hehassaidwe

havetoomanychiefs,butthe“Directors”justkeepgettingaddedon.TheOrganizationalChartisstilltooencumberedwithChiefs,whatisheplanningtodoaboutthat?Andmoreimportantly,when?

No employee has been terminated or laid off to get the College to the right size. We have reduced positions in

every category including middle management positions. In October, I will present to the Board specific plans that will identify the right size for COM. This information will also be made available to the College and the public.

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Alotof timeandefforthasbeenspentbysomeonthenewPlanningCouncil.Whyhasn’ttherestof thecampusbeenallowedtoeven

seethis?RecommendationshavebeenmadetoDr.Elamasperconvocationyettherestof thecampusbesidesthoseonthisPlanningCouncilhavenotseenathing.Whyisthat?Thisgoesagainsttransparencyandinvolvementhesooftenadvocates.

The Planning Council recommendations are on the I-Drive. Please feel free to view them at

your leisure. I have accepted the recommendations with budget implications. The recommendations that deal with departmental issues were approved also and they are being disseminated to the appropriate departments to be implemented. All of the recommendations have been accepted and approved.

Arestaff andfacultygoingtobeabletotakecollegeleavetoattendconferencesorprofessionaldevelopmentif theyfeelitis

importantandwanttospendtheirownmoneyandhavebeenturneddownforcollegetravelfundsapproval?

Yes, you will be able to go, but there are two differences. If the employee believes the

professional development is in their best interest then they must use their personal leave. If the supervisor/director determines it is the best interest of the College, then institutional leave will be granted using institutional funds. Remember all leave requests other than sick leave must be approved by your supervisor.

OurdepartmentunderstandingisthatyoumusthavepermissionfromyouVPtoworkovertime.Sowhathappenswhenacustomer

orastudentcomesbyyourofficeattheendof theday?Sometimes,notveryoften,anadjunctwillneedassistancealso.Foraroundthreeweeksatthebeginningof thesemesterandattheendof thesemesterInevergetoff ontime.Ijustbelievethatif youhaveacustomerwhocomesinorif someoneisonthephone,youstillshouldstayandhelp.Ihaveaskedtogetoff earlyortakealongerlunchbecauseof theworkingoverandIamtoldno.WhatisyoursuggestionsincewemustbeapprovedbytheVPtoworklonger?

We make every effort to serve all of our customers regardless of closing time. Document

any overtime immediately and pass it on to your supervisor so appropriate compensation can be awarded. Classified employees are not expected

to work beyond scheduled work hours without appropriate compensation. If a classified employee is working beyond their scheduled work day because of serving our students and customers and is not being compensated by the supervisor, the appropriate VP should be notified.

Ithinkmanyof themembersof theCOMstaff wouldliketoknowwhatisgoingon.Wehearrumorsof reorganizations,butnothing

official.Whathappenedto‘transparent’and‘communication’?Keepingstaff informed?

This information was shared during Convocation, however, I am aware that many

employees couldn’t attend. Therefore, the updated Organization Charts are available on COM’s website. They are also printed in the front of the new budget books.

TheAVPof HRisintroducingawomanastheHRDirector.WhydoweneedadirectorwhenwehaveanAVP?Wasn’ttheAVPhiredtodothe

dutiesof anHRDirector?If weneedadirector,whydidn’twejusthireoneinsteadof anAVP?Andarewegoingtobefairlypostingthepositionorwillthisbeanothertemporarytofull-timehire?

There is no Human Resources Director at this time. There are plans to hire an HR Director.

The position will be advertised and recruited according to policy. The HR Director position was created as a reclassification of the vacant HR Generalist position.

WhydidtheAVPof HRgetaraise?I’veheardit’sbecausesheisexpandingherdutiestoincludebenefits.ButIremembertheHR

positionpostedtoincludebenefits.Howdoyouexplaingivingheraraisetodoajobshewashiredtodointhefirstplace?Howdoyougiveapersonaraisewhohasn’tworkedhereayear?Shehasn’tprovenshecandothejobyet?

Yes, the AVP of Human Resources received a raise. The position picked up additional

responsibilities and duties. She received the same as the others did that were entitled to receive the additional funds.

Set the Record Straight, continued

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If youhaveaquestionyouwouldlikePresidentElamtoanswer,pleasesubmityourquestiontoyourcouncilpresident.

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