September 2026 Board Highlights & Beyond | | | |
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 September
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Celebrating Student Achievement
The Board recognized Irvine Valley College's men's tennis team for capturing its second consecutive state championship, celebrating the student-athletes, coaches and campus community whose efforts contributed to the team's success.
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Expanding Transportation Opportunities
Trustees discussed student transportation needs at the Advanced Technology & Education Park (ATEP), including assessing student need and coordinating with the Orange County Transportation Authority to evaluate future transit options.
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Strengthening Community Partnerships
Trustees approved a donation and naming agreement with Charter 100 supporting Irvine Valley College's Basic Needs Center and honoring Sandy Mitchell's legacy of service to students.
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Investing in District Facilities
The Board approved actions related to improvements at Saddleback College and Irvine Valley College, including stadium improvements, an OCTA bus stop project, and the Arts Promenade and Coffee Structure project.
Resolutions
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Filipino American History Month | October 2026
The Board recognized October 2026 as Filipino American History Month, honoring the history, culture, achievements and contributions of Filipino Americans. The resolution encourages educational activities that promote cultural understanding, inclusion, and belonging throughout the District.
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Invisible Disabilities Awareness Week | Oct 18 - 24
The Board adopted a resolution recognizing Invisible Disabilities Awareness Week, encouraging greater understanding of disabilities and health conditions that may not be immediately apparent and reinforcing the importance of accessibility, inclusion, and support.
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Undocumented Student Action Week | Oct. 19 – 23
The Board recognized Undocumented Student Action Week, reaffirming the District's commitment to welcoming and supportive educational environments for students regardless of immigration status.
Major Actions / Decisions
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Student Transportation: Approved a request to evaluate transportation needs at ATEP and explore OCTA partnerships.
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Financial Oversight: Reviewed financial reports to support fiscal accountability.
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IVC Arts Promenade: Approved a change order for the Arts Promenade and Coffee Structure project.
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Facilities Master Plans: Approved an environmental impact report addendum.
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Building Automation Systems: Rescinded a sole-source designation to encourage vendor competition and improve purchasing flexibility.
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Saddleback Stadium Improvements: Approved a construction bid for stadium improvements.
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IVC OCTA Bus Stop: Approved improvements to campus transportation infrastructure.
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Charter 100 Partnership: Approved a donation and naming agreement supporting IVC's Basic Needs Center.
Strategic Discussions
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Student Transportation and Access
Trustee Lisa Bartlett and Student Trustee Eric Shin brought forward a request to examine transportation needs at ATEP. Their proposal included gathering student feedback and exploring opportunities to work with OCTA on potential transit service. Trustees discussed the importance of student participation, reliable data and coordination with transportation partners before pursuing a possible pilot program or permanent bus stop.
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Promoting Safe & Supportive Learning Environments
The Board received an annual report on efforts to prevent and address sex discrimination across the District. The presentation outlined reporting and response procedures, educational programming, prevention activities and ongoing efforts to provide supportive learning and working environments. Trustees also reviewed information about informal resolutions, investigations and the District's responsibilities in addressing reported concerns.
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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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Supporting Community at Walk of Hope
Trustee Marcia Milchiker and Student Trustee Eric Shin joined the Irvine Valley College community for the Walk of Hope and Health & Wellness Fair, highlighting the importance of student well-being, mental health awareness, and a supportive campus environment.
See Images from the Walk
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Annual Black Chamber of Commerce Dinner & Awards
Trustee T.J. Prendergast attended the Black Chamber of Commerce Dinner and Awards with Saddleback, IVC & District staff, celebrating contributions of local business and community leaders. Their participation underscored the district’s commitment to relationships that expand educational access, workforce opportunities, and economic mobility.
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Celebrating Community Partnerships in Tustin
Trustees Carolyn Inmon and T.J. Prendergast joined Irvine Valley College President Dr. John C. Hernandez at the Tustin Public Schools Foundation's annual Celebration of Schools event. The gathering highlighted the importance of strong educational partnerships and SOCCCD's continued support for students and the Tustin Unified School District community.
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Honoring Orange County's First Responders
Trustees T.J. Prendergast and Marcia Milchiker joined Chancellor Barnes, President Cordova, and campus police leadership at the Orange County Business Council's annual First Responders Dinner. The event recognized outstanding service and celebrated the dedication of first responders who help keep our campuses and communities safe.
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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 Installation photos
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Honoring Back-to-Back Tennis Champions at IVC
The Board of Trustees celebrated Irvine Valley College's men's tennis team for winning its second consecutive California Community College Athletic Association state championship. Head Coach Ross Duncan and student-athletes joined the Board to reflect on their achievement and recognize the support of the campus community.
View the Board Meeting
| | MOVING THE DISTRICT FORWARD | |
Community Generosity Strengthens Student Basic Needs Support
The Board approved a donation and naming agreement with Charter 100 to support Irvine Valley College's Basic Needs Center and honor the legacy of Sandy Mitchell.
During the meeting, college leadership highlighted Charter 100's longstanding commitment to students, including scholarship support and contributions exceeding $617,000 to the Irvine Valley College Foundation. The agreement provides additional resources for student support and recognizes a community partnership centered on educational opportunity.
The Board's action reflects the value of sustained philanthropic partnerships in helping students access resources that support their academic and personal success.
Learn More About the Board Goals
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Student-Centered
Student Trustee Eric Shin continued bringing student perspectives into district discussions, joining Trustee Lisa Bartlett in requesting a report on transportation needs at ATEP. Their efforts reflect the Board's commitment to listening to students and considering their experiences in decisions that affect educational access.
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Equitable Access
Saddleback College leadership highlighted ongoing efforts to expand credit for prior learning, recognizing the knowledge and skills that adult learners and military veterans bring to higher education. These efforts support more accessible educational pathways by acknowledging learning acquired through professional and life experiences.
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Equitable Outcomes
During the September Board meeting, Saddleback College leadership shared progress on implementing Inspire 2035, including efforts to create a clearer, more connected student experience through its five schools and success teams. The college is also advancing strategic enrollment management and developing implementation steps to support student success.
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Economic + Social Mobility
Trustee Marcia Milchiker highlighted continued student recruitment efforts at ATEP, including outreach to local high school students through automotive events that introduce participants to career education opportunities. These activities connect students with hands-on training and potential pathways into the automotive industry.
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Community Vitality + Engagement
The Board approved a donation and naming agreement with Charter 100 in support of Irvine Valley College's Basic Needs Center, honoring Sandy Mitchell's legacy of service. The partnership reflects the important role of community philanthropy in strengthening student support and expanding educational opportunity.
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Workplace Culture + Growth
September brought renewed attention to employee engagement and collaboration across the District. Classified Senate representatives from Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College shared efforts to strengthen representation on governance committees, improve communication and encourage greater participation in institutional decision-making.
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Board of Trustees Meeting
Oct. 26, 2026 | 6:30pm
Livestream
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
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LOOKING AHEAD
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October 15 | IVC Giving Day
An opportunity for supporters to contribute to programs and resources that support student success.
More about Giving Day
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October 19–23 | Undocumented Student Action Week
Recognizing the contributions and experiences of undocumented students and supporting educational access and opportunity.
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October 20 | Advantech North America Headquarters Grand Opening
A milestone for industry engagement and workforce partnerships at ATEP.
RSVP to the Opening
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| | | South Orange County Community College District | 28000 Marguerite Parkway | Mission Viejo, CA 92692 US | | | | |
