Key Updates in July

• The Board of Trustees officially welcomed Dr. Lonita Cordova to the District as president of Saddleback College. Trustees expressed their enthusiasm for working alongside Dr. Cordova and their confidence in her leadership as she begins serving the Saddleback College community.

• Student Trustee Eric Shin shared updates on districtwide student leadership collaboration, including the inaugural ASG Summit, where student leaders from both colleges discussed opportunities to support the implementation of Inspire 2035 from a student perspective. He also announced the return of Student Trustee Open Forums during Welcome Week to gather student feedback at both colleges.

• Student government leaders from Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College also reported on leadership training, onboarding, and Welcome Week planning.

• Academic Senate and Faculty Association leaders highlighted extensive summer work underway to prepare for fall, including curriculum updates, faculty hiring prioritization, redesigning new faculty orientation, accessibility improvements, and professional development activities that support student success.

Resolutions

• None

Major Actions / Decisions

• Adopted the 2026-2027 Board Goals, aligning Board priorities with SOCCCD's strategic direction and statewide community college priorities.
  
• Approved revisions to Board Policy 4230 (Grade Point Average and Academic Record Symbols) and Board Policy 5013 (Military Affiliated Students).
  
• Approved multiple College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) agreements and appendices with regional K-12 partners, expanding dual enrollment opportunities across Orange County.
  
• Approved Saddleback College curriculum updates for the 2026–27 academic year.
  
• Approved facilities and infrastructure agreements, including:
  
• A five-year real estate brokerage services agreement supporting continued development at the Advanced Technology & Education Park (ATEP).
  
• Long-term HVAC preventative maintenance agreements for Irvine Valley College, ATEP, and Saddleback College instructional facilities at ATEP.
  
• Award of the Phase II Landscape Improvements Project at Saddleback College.

Strategic Discussions

• Advancing Inspire 2035 Through Student Leadership:
  Student Trustee Eric Shin shared how student leaders from Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College are collaborating on districtwide initiatives aligned with Inspire 2035. Through a recent ASG Summit, student leaders discussed shared priorities, strengthened cross-campus partnerships, and planned the return of Student Trustee Open Forums to ensure student voices continue to shape district decision-making.
  
• Preparing for the New Academic Year: 
  Trustees heard updates from student leaders on Welcome Week planning, student government initiatives, and engagement activities designed to help students connect with campus resources, leadership opportunities, and one another as the fall semester begins.
  
• Planning for Regional Economic and Workforce Priorities: 
  Trustees highlighted the importance of staying connected to Orange County's evolving economic landscape through participation in the Orange County Business Council Economic Forecast. These conversations help inform the district's long-term planning and ensure programs remain responsive to regional workforce needs and community priorities.
  
• Long-Term Governance and Strategic Alignment: 
  The Board adopted its 2026–27 goals, reaffirming its commitment to Inspire 2035 and providing a roadmap for governance priorities in the coming year. The goals reinforce the district's focus on student success, responsible stewardship, workforce development, and long-term planning to meet the needs of the communities it serves.