June 30, 2014
Dear Colleagues and Fellow Members of the COM-FSM Community:
From June 10-12, Kasio Mida, Chairman of the Board of Regents and I participated in a three day workshop for Board Chairs and Presidents, sponsored by the Association of Governing Boards (AGB) the program provided valuable strategies to strengthen the work of the Board and improve the effectiveness of board and president relationship.
We were among 17 colleges and universities who sent board chairs and presidents to engage with each other and with AGP representatives. The workshop focused on many of the strategic initiatives articulated by our board and were consistent with the college’s strategic plan. Further, such learning opportunities serve to broaden the knowledge and experiences of the board and president, and will prove valuable during the self-assessment in preparation for our ACCJC team visit in spring of 2016.
On June 17th the Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF) held its fifth annual Higher Education Summit in Washington, DC affording representatives from the Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs) to meet with US Department to discuss grant and other funding opportunities, to review the latest research from the National Commission on Asian American and Pacific Islander Research in Education (CARE). This year COM-FSM earned designation and was officially recognized as an AANAPISI by the US Department of Education making the college eligible for additional funding only available to the 120 designated colleges and universities. Among the many US government officials joining the summit were Mark Mitsui, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Colleges in OVAE, US Department of Education, and the Honorable Congresswoman Judy Chu from the US 27th Congressional District who is Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. In addition to COM-FSM, colleagues from American Samoa Community College, Northern Marianas College, Guam Community College and the University of Guam also participated in the summit.
During the month other events were held and information shared together with our community.
Ketiner Kenneth, the longest serving employee of the college, has retired. To thank Mr. Kenneth, the college hosted a farewell luncheon on June 20, 2014. His 43 years of service to COM-FSM serves as a wonderful example of dedication and passion to the students we serve.
An important announcement for new and returning students, early registration for Fall 2014 will begin July 7-11, 2014.
On June 23-24, 2014, two administrative staff attended the International Organization for Migration’s Essentials of Humanitarian Assistance Workshop. A briefing of the workshop was shared with the Vice President of Administrative Services (VPAS).
On June 25, 2014, the Business Office Comptroller delivered a presentation on the 2013 Audit Comments to the national administrative staff. Earlier this year, the same presentation was provided at Yap, Chuuk, and Kosrae campuses. A presentation for the Career and Technical Education Center will be confirmed and announced once the date and time are finalized.
On June 30, 2014, ten COM-FSM students and one chaperone traveled to Konan City, Japan to attend the Aichi Prefecture Konan Community College Student Exchange Program. The event is from June 30, 2014 to July 6, 2014.
New additional information has been created and posted on the COM-FSM website. The information relates to TracDat and COM-FSM Policies. COM-FSM is now utilizing TracDat.
Another major initiative that the college is undergoing is updating and revising college policies. Some college policies are available for public viewing. Policy completion is scheduled for completion before Spring 2016.
Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness and Quality Assurance (VPIEQA) with the support of the Information Technology staff will be introducing the Copley Square Program during Fall 2014. An incentive of $500 will be given to 5 faculty members who are willing to use the Copley program during this upcoming fall semester.
Important college event dates have been set for August. Faculty Workshop is on August 4-5. College Summit is on August 6-7. August Board Meeting is scheduled for August 8, and the Academic Convocation is on August 15.
Thank you for all of your work, effort and dedication this year in service to the students we serve. Each of us plays an important role in the successful implementation of the mission of COM-FSM. Together, let us continue to move forward to address the challenges we face and embrace the opportunities that are available.
It is a privilege for me to serve you as president.
Warm regards,
Joseph M. Daisy, EdD
President and CEO
