October 2026 Board Highlights | | | |
Advancing Student Success Through Leadership and Service | | | |
As we move through the fall semester, I am reminded of the many ways our students, employees, and community partners contribute to the success of our District. This season brings meaningful opportunities for the Board of Trustees to celebrate achievements, hear student perspectives, and advance priorities that support our colleges and the communities we serve.
One highlight of our work is recognizing our students' remarkable accomplishments. From academic excellence and athletic achievements to leadership and community service, their successes reflect the dedication of the many people who support them.
We also continue important conversations about student access and opportunity. I am particularly encouraged by our trustees' and student leaders' thoughtful engagement in identifying challenges, exploring solutions, and keeping student perspectives central to our decision-making.
These efforts, along with our continued focus on student support, facilities, and community partnerships, reflect the priorities outlined in Inspire 2035. Our 2026-27 Board Goals provide a framework for translating those priorities into thoughtful governance and sustained progress across Irvine Valley College, Saddleback College, and the Advanced Technology & Education Park (ATEP).
As we look ahead, I extend my appreciation to our faculty, classified professionals, administrators, students, and community partners for their continued commitment to the mission of the South Orange County Community College District. Your contributions make our work possible, and I look forward to the opportunities ahead.
Carolyn Inmon,
President, SOCCCD Board of Trustees
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Key Updates in October
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Advantech Celebrates Grand Opening at ATEP
Trustees celebrated the opening of Advantech's new facility at ATEP, marking an important milestone in the district's public-private partnerships and regional workforce development efforts.
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Irvine Valley College Opens Arts Promenade and Café
The new outdoor gathering space features seating, charging stations and a café, creating additional opportunities for students to connect, study and spend time on campus.
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Saddleback College Welcomes President Dr. Lonita Cordova
Trustees attended the formal installation ceremony for Dr. Cordova, recognizing a new chapter of leadership at Saddleback College.
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District Shares Caring Campus Practices Nationally
Chancellor Dr. Julianna M. Asperin Barnes, Trustee Lisa Bartlett and Ryan Brook presented at the Association of Community College Trustees Leadership Congress in Chicago, sharing the district's Caring Campus approach with community college leaders from across the country.
Resolutions
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National Native American Heritage Month | Nov. 2026
The Board of Trustees unanimously adopted a resolution recognizing November 2026 as National Native American Heritage Month. The resolution honors the histories, cultures, achievements, resilience, and enduring contributions of Native American, Alaska Native and Indigenous peoples. The Board encouraged students, faculty, classified professionals, administrators and community members to participate in educational activities that increase awareness and understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures and contemporary experiences.
Major Actions / Decisions
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Board Policy Updates: Approved revisions to Board policies, including strengthened conflict-of-interest language emphasizing disclosure, transparency and ethical governance.
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College Corps Partnership: Approved a sub-award agreement with Concordia University Irvine supporting College Corps opportunities for eligible Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College students. The program combines community service with financial support for participating students.
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Saddleback College Campus Support Center: Approved an architectural services agreement for the Campus Support Center project following a competitive selection process.
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Communications Infrastructure: Approved work involving communications vault replacement and temporary fiber installation to support district infrastructure.
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Educational Programs: Approved curriculum and program items supporting continued development of educational and career pathways.
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Proposition 3: Adopted a resolution supporting Proposition 3, which concerns the continuation of an existing state education funding structure.
Strategic Discussions
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Lifelong Learning and the Emeritus Program
Saddleback College Emeritus Institute students addressed the Board regarding proposed changes to course repeatability in metal fabrication classes. Speakers emphasized the value of lifelong learning, creative expression, accessibility and the social connections developed through the program. Chancellor Barnes later clarified that the proposed curriculum change had been rescinded and had not been presented to the Board for action. She thanked students for their participation in the governance process.
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Ethical Governance and Public Trust
Trustees discussed revisions to Board Policy 2710, Conflict of Interest, including language encouraging disclosure when potential conflicts arise. The discussion reinforced the Board's responsibility to maintain transparency, ethical decision-making and public confidence in district governance.
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Expanding Workforce Education
During discussion of educational program approvals, trustees and college leadership addressed opportunities to strengthen career education, including surgical technology and noncredit workforce programs. The conversation highlighted the importance of aligning curriculum with industry needs and expanding pathways that prepare students for employment.
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Student Voice and Leadership
Student Trustee Eric Shin reported on his participation in national and statewide student trustee activities, highlighting transportation, housing, basic needs and equitable access as areas of student concern. Student government representatives from both colleges also shared updates on civic engagement, sustainability, student research and opportunities to strengthen student participation in campus life.
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SOCCCD Featured in Orange County Register Special Section
The Orange County Register featured the District in its October 4 special section, highlighting the District's upcoming 60th anniversary, student leadership, workforce partnerships, and continued commitment to student success.
Read about SOCCCD in the OC Register
| | | | TRUSTEES IN THE COMMUNITY | | |
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U.S. Rep. Dave Min hosted a community town hall at Irvine Valley College, bringing together local residents for an opportunity to engage in dialogue on issues affecting the region. Trustee Tim Jemal attended the event, reflecting the district's commitment to civic engagement and maintaining strong connections with elected officials and the communities it serves.
See Images from the Town Hall
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Annual Black Chamber of Commerce Dinner Awards
Board Clerk T.J. Prendergast joined faculty, classified professionals and managers from Saddleback College and Irvine Valley College at the Black Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner. The gathering celebrated community leadership and provided an opportunity to strengthen connections between our colleges and regional partners.
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Connecting Legislative Priorities and Student Opportunity
Trustee Marcia Milchiker joined Chancellor Barnes and Chief Communications Officer Dr. Letitia Clark at a regional legislative forum with Assemblymembers Tri Ta, Cottie Petrie-Norris and Sharon Quirk-Silva and Senator Steven Choi. Moderated by Casey Elliott, the discussion provided an opportunity to engage state leaders on issues affecting community colleges and the students we serve.
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SOCCCD Shares District Initiatives and Innovation
SOCCCD also contributed to the ACCT program at the recent leadership conference. Trustee Bartlett joined Chancellor Barnes and Ryan Brook for a presentation on the Caring District Initiative, and Chancellor Barnes participated in a separate presentation on artificial intelligence for agriculture with colleagues across the nation. Their participation brought SOCCCD’s experience into national conversations about community college leadership and innovation.
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SOCCCD Leadership Takes the National Stage at ACCT Conference
Board President Carolyn Inmon, Vice President Ryan Dack, Trustees Milchiker, Bartlett, and Student Trustee Shin joined Chancellor Barnes and Ryan Brook at the Association of Community College Trustees Leadership Congress in Chicago, October 21–24. The annual gathering brought community college leaders together to exchange ideas and discuss the issues shaping their institutions.
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Saddleback College Gala in Support of Student Success
Trustees Bartlett, Dack, Inmon, Milchiker, and Prendergast, and Student Trustee Shin attended the Saddleback College Gala, joining college leadership and community supporters in celebrating the importance of educational opportunity and student success. Their attendance reflected the district's continued commitment to supporting our colleges and strengthening community connections that help students achieve their goals.
More Information about the Foundation Gala
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Irvine Valley College Arts Promenade Ribbon Cutting
Members of the SOCCCD Board of Trustees joined Irvine Valley College leaders and community partners to celebrate the opening of the Arts Promenade and Café. The celebration highlighted the district’s investment in welcoming spaces that enrich campus life and connect students with the arts.
See the Arts Promenade Ribbon Cutting photos
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Saddleback College Presidential Installation
SOCCCD trustees joined students, employees, and community leaders for the installation of Dr. Lonita Cordova as president of Saddleback College. The ceremony marked a new chapter for the college and affirmed the board’s commitment to student success and strong community partnerships.
See photos from the President Installation
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IVC Recognized as a 2026 Pathway Champion
Irvine Valley College earned recognition from the Campaign for College Opportunity in three 2026 Pathway Champion categories: campuswide English success, placement equity for Black student success in English, and growth in associate degrees for transfer.
During the 2024–25 academic year, IVC achieved an 81% success rate in transfer-level English, compared with the statewide rate of 68%. Black students at IVC achieved an 83% success rate, exceeding the statewide rate of 58%.
College leadership credited faculty-led writing support, the Black Student Success Scholars program, and ongoing professional learning and collaboration as important contributors to these outcomes.
Learn More About the Recognition
| | MOVING THE DISTRICT FORWARD | |
Advantech Grand Opening Marks Milestone in ATEP Development
TThe South Orange County Community College District celebrated a major milestone in the continued development of the Advanced Technology & Education Park (ATEP) with the grand opening of Advantech's new facility in Tustin.
Trustees highlighted the significance of the project during the October Board meeting, recognizing the district's ongoing work to establish ATEP as a center for education, innovation, and public-private partnerships.
Advantech's presence creates opportunities for collaboration with industry, including potential internships, apprenticeships, and career pathways for students. During the meeting, Trustee Timothy Jemal noted the company's interest in continued growth and its role in bringing technology-focused employment opportunities to the region.
The milestone reflects SOCCCD's Board goals and commitment to connecting educational opportunities with workforce needs and supporting regional economic development through partnerships that benefit students, employers and the broader community.
Learn More About the Board Goals
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Student-Centered
Student Trustee Eric Shin continued advocating for student needs through his participation in the Association of Community College Trustees Student Trustee Advisory Council and the Community College League of California's Student Trustee Advisory Council. His work emphasized transportation, housing, basic needs and greater opportunities for students to engage directly with their elected representatives.
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Equitable Access
The Board approved a sub-award agreement with Concordia University Irvine supporting College Corps participation at Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College. The program provides eligible students with financial support while they gain experience through community service in areas such as education, food insecurity and climate action.
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Equitable Outcomes
During the October meeting, Irvine Valley College president noted IVC's recognition as a 2026 Pathway Champion highlighted progress in transfer-level English success and associate degrees for transfer. The college's results reflect collaborative work among faculty, counselors, and student support programs to strengthen student achievement and completion.
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Economic + Social Mobility
The grand opening of Advantech at ATEP marked continued progress in developing industry partnerships that connect education with workforce opportunities. The district's collaboration with technology employers supports pathways for students to gain practical experience and prepare for careers in emerging industries.
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Community Vitality + Engagement
The Saddleback College Foundation Gala raised $316,000 for student scholarships, demonstrating the continued generosity of community partners and supporters. The event also celebrated the college's STEM programs and the role of philanthropy in expanding educational opportunities.
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Workplace Culture + Growth
District leaders shared Caring Campus and Caring District practices at the national ACCT Leadership Congress, highlighting efforts to strengthen welcoming and supportive learning environments.
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Stay Connected
Watch for additional opportunities throughout the semester to engage with the Board of Trustees and follow the District’s continued progress on student success, workforce development, community partnerships and Inspire 2035.
View District Events
| | | South Orange County Community College District | 28000 Marguerite Parkway | Mission Viejo, CA 92692 US | | | | |
