This content was published: September 27, 2017. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
President Mitsui to host ‘Fireside Chats’ on future of PCC, student success and bond
Photos and story by James Hill
Do you feel passionate about Portland Community College’s future? Then Mark Mitsui wants to have a chat with you.
Throughout October, the PCC President will visit each campus and many of the college’s centers for “Fireside Chats: The Future of PCC.” Mitsui will discuss the college’s goal to foster greater accessibility and equitable student success, through long-term visioning for PCC’s facilities and the 2017 bond measure. Students, staff and faculty are welcomed and encouraged to attend these gatherings, which will include a short presentation followed by a question-and-answer session. Coffee and light snacks will be provided.
The face-to-face conversations with Mitsui are an opportunity to come together as a community and discuss the future development of the college and its facilities. There will be plenty of chances to talk with the president as there will be a total of nine gatherings in all, with one at each campus and five more at various centers.
“Fireside Chats” Schedule:
- 2-4 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 4, in the Oak Room, College Center, Sylvania Campus.
- 10 a.m.-noon, Friday, Oct. 6, in the Rose Room, Downtown Center.
- Noon-2 p.m., Monday, Oct. 9, in rooms 203/204, Student Union, Cascade Campus.
- 1-3 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 11, in Room 115, Newberg Center.
- 10 a.m.-noon, Thursday, Oct. 12, in the Community Hall, Southeast Campus.
- 1-3 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 12, in Room 104, CLIMB Center.
- 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Friday, Oct. 13, in the auditorium, Building 2, Portland Metro Workforce Training Center.
- 10 a.m.-noon, Monday, Oct. 16, in the Event Center, Building 9, Rock Creek Campus.
- 1-3 p.m., Monday, Oct. 16, in rooms 103/104, Willow Creek Center.
What Would the Bond Do?
The PCC bond measure of $185 million would:
- improve workforce training programs to better align with current and future jobs.
- invest in training for Health and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) programs.
- upgrade safety, security, building longevity and disability access.
If passed, it is estimated to the tax rate of 40 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value for the next 16 years. Learn more about the bond!
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »
I am in full support of President Mitsui’s directives/strategies thus far, especially those to eliminate superfluous spending!
This may be wishful thinking, but I suppose this is as good of a place as any to make these statements and suggestions…
1. Many of PCC’s weaknesses stem from the fact that it is decentralized. Streamlining so we operate as a single unit (wherever possible) would undoubtedly benefit all of us.
2. This is one word I hope everyone at PCC will incorporate in their vocabulary: OPTIMIZE! I realize many of us are struggling to keep up with the day-to-day, but I see avenues for improvement e v e r y w h e r e. Just think about all of the 5 minute tasks that could be shortened to 1 minute… for everyone at PCC (including students). The little thing$ add up!
3. We should be cautious of our current model of committee based decision making. As the saying goes, “A camel is a horse designed by committee.” Seem familiar? So many bureacratic entities within PCC influence the outcome of decisions that affect us all, but how often is this process / input actually essential? How often is it actually helpful?
I know its probably not in the budget but I think a parking structure would be good. You shouldn’t have to be on campus two hours before your 10 am class starts to get a parking spot. If you get there at 9:30 you drive around looking for a parking spot. Just a thought.