October 16, 2025

VP of Workforce Innovation & Economic Advancement – Randy Bryant 

CTE Faculty Handbook - Randy shared that over the summer, Britt Rubio, Katrina Tran, and Tiffany Rodriguez-Tran collaborated on developing the handbook to address common questions from faculty and staff. The team emphasized that this is a living document that can be updated as needed and encouraged committee members to provide feedback. Randy noted that the handbook is especially important for programs that host advisory meetings, as having this information documented is critical for both Strong Workforce Program and Perkins reporting to demonstrate both activities and impact.

Advisory Committee Meeting Structure - Several departments currently limit meetings to one hour, which may not allow sufficient time to gather meaningful data, especially when introductions take up a large portion of the agenda. Deborah Taylor raised concerns about scheduling conflicts and varying healthcare shift schedules, while also explaining that longer introductions are sometimes necessary due to high turnover among advisory members. Randy noted that if the work requires more discussion, meeting times may need to be extended. 

Awarded Grants - Randy reviewed grants received over the summer, referencing information shared during Welcome Day. These included the IDRC Grant, SVAMP, and the Metallica Scholars Initiative. He explained that the Metallica Scholars funds are strictly designated for student support, providing approximately 50 students with $500 per quarter. In response to questions, it was clarified that this support is provided directly to students as flexible financial assistance.

Career Center - The Career Center and its website are now open. The remodeled front portion of the Seminar Building, including the computer lab, has become a popular resource for students. The Career Center is increasingly functioning as a job placement hub, assisting students with on-the-job training and employment connections, which is currently a primary focus.

CTE Counselor Updates – Katrina Tran on behalf of Trisha Tran

Handshake - Katrina encouraged departments to post campus jobs on Handshake, noting that work-study students are experiencing difficulty finding positions. Increasing job postings would strengthen the Career Center’s visibility and improve equity and efficiency in student hiring, rather than relying on word of mouth. Katrina noted that Handshake can help ensure qualified candidates are not overlooked and supports a healthier campus employment ecosystem. Training is available for departments interested in using the platform. In response to a question from Kristin Skager regarding Film and TV hiring practices, it was clarified that applications should be submitted through Handshake rather than in person. Randy added that tracking job demand through Handshake also supports reporting and data analysis. Debbie Lee and Milena Grozeva noted that additional training may be needed for both staff and employers to better understand how to move students through different stages of the hiring process.

Institutional Research, Planning, and Accreditation – Mallory Newell 

Strategic Enrollment Management Plan - Mallory shared the SEM website and explained that the plan aims for enrollment growth of approximately 3 to 5 percent between 2027-28 and 2029-30, using 2025-26 as a baseline. The SEM includes seven goals, many of which are highly relevant to the committee’s work, particularly in dual enrollment, CTE, career development, noncredit programs, and adult education.

Strategic Plan - Mallory noted that the Strategic Plan outlines what the college aims to achieve, while the SEM defines how those goals will be implemented.

Dual, CTE & Noncredit Program Updates – Tiffany Rodriguez-Tran 

Tiffany shared that CCAP partnerships are in place with Fremont Union High School District and Palo Alto Unified School District. For Fall 2025, the total unduplicated CCAP student count reached 161, the highest to date. Tiffany also announced the North Santa Clara County Consortium for Adult Education Regional Workforce Networking Event, scheduled for Friday, November 7 at De Anza College, and encouraged members to RSVP using the flyer provided.

CTE Internship Updates – Randy Bryant

Randy Bryant then shared information about vacant positions. He announced plans for a for-credit internship course launching in the spring, currently structured as a one-unit course, with the possibility of expanding to additional unit options and potentially mirroring noncredit offerings in the future. Trisha Tran is leading the development of this work.

Staff Position Changes - Randy reviewed changes in CTE staffing, including his transition from Dean of CTE to Vice President of Workforce Innovation and Economic Advancement. Katrina Tran’s role changed from Internship Coordinator/ Job Developer to Grants Administrator, and Britt Rubio transitioned from Senior Division Assistant to Executive Assistant.

Budget Updates – Katrina Tran  

Budget updates included preliminary Strong Workforce Program Round 10 local and regional budget proposals, as well as a Perkins update. Committee members were advised to review the recorded presentation for additional details. Next steps emphasized the importance of maintaining clear work plans and budget templates to support NOVA reporting. Katrina reminded members that resource requests are due by December 5 and should be submitted alongside program review information. Once RAP approvals are completed, purchasing may begin.