Marymount California University Neighborhood Advisory Committee Spring Term Meeting Summary Report (June 14, 2021)
Condition No. 138 of the University’s CUP established a Neighborhood Committee (NAC) comprised of members from the surrounding five homeowners associations and two at- large representatives who live within 3,000 feet of the campus. The NAC is tasked to meet once during the fall term and once during the spring term, to review any campus operational and neighborhood concerns. The meeting was held on Monday, June 14, 2021 via a Virtual Zoom Meeting and followed an agenda (attached) prepared by City Staff based on input from Committee representatives. The meeting was facilitated by Senior Planner Seeraty and was attended by the following individuals:
Craig Whited, Mediterrania HOA Lois Karp, At-large City Representative John Maniatakis, Mira Catalina HOA Susan Brooks, Mira Catalina HOA Dorothy Shackelton, El Prado HOA Dwight Hanger, Seacliff Hilltop HOA Terri Glidden, At-large Marymount Representative Brian Marcotte, Marymount California University Ryan Alcantara, Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students, Marymount California University Richard Anderson, CFO, Marymount California University Hector Rodriguez, Chief of Public Safety, Marymount California University Ken Rukavina, Director of Community Development, City of Rancho Palos Verdes Amy Seeraty, Senior Planner, City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Below is a summary of the discussion that ensued based on the agenda topics:
Introductions
As there were some new participants, all in attendance on the Zoom meeting introduced themselves.
Marymount Update
Mr. Marcotte, using PowerPoint (see attachment) presented updates regarding the State of the University, information regarding the University’s responses regarding the Covid- 19 pandemic, and plans for a potential partnership with another university. He described their plans for the fall semester as well. He provided an update regarding student enrollment and retention. He also provided a status on the University’s plans for the vacant property on the southern slope and provided updates to the University’s parking strategies, the athletic associations, and the amplified sound permit application for the 2021-2022 academic year.
Class of 2020/2021 Graduation
Mr. Marcotte stated they had a successful on-site graduation for the classes of 2020 and 2021, and held a virtual graduation as well for those that did not wish to attend in-person, or who were not able to travel to attend in-person. The event adhered to the Los County MARYMOUNT – NAC SPRING 2021 SUMMARY REPORT PAGE 2
Public Health Covid-19 protocols, with graduates and their two permitted guests seated in distanced “pods” in the audience.
COVID-19 Response/Fall 2021 Plans
Mr. Marcotte stated that no students received instruction on campus during the Spring 2021 Semester. He explained the measures that the University will take in the fall to protect students, faculty, and staff against COVID-19, including contact tracing, socially distanced classrooms, and additional cleaning.
They closed the residential campus at the San Pedro Villas site for the spring semester, as well as the food service, but plan to reopen for Fall 2021. They anticipate that instruction for Fall 2021 will be a combination of modalities, including in-person sessions, hybrid (online and in-person), online synchronous, and online self-paced, with a requirement for students, Staff, and faculty who visit the campus to be fully vaccinated unless a formal exemption is claimed for medical or religious reasons. Also, their PV Senior Program which allows seniors in the community to audit classes, will likely resume in Fall 2021.
Potential Partnership
Mr. Marcotte explained that Marymount has been exploring the option to partner with another university since July of 2019, and although they cannot disclose the possible partner, the process is continuing. The timeline depends on the educational accrediting and regulatory agencies but they estimate that formal approval of the partnership could occur around December 2022, at the latest. He stated that if the partnership is approved, they would continue to meet the conditions of the Conditional Use Permit (CUP).
Enrollment and Retention
Mr. Marcotte provided the following enrollment numbers for the Spring 2021 term:
458 Total Students
Mr. Marcotte also noted that enrollment has been declining, and that the fall 2021 enrollment estimate expects between 420 and 500 total students, which includes new and returning students. He stated that they have been using digital marketing and targeted scholarships to attract new students, as well as providing a new mentorship program for undergraduates.
South Slope Utilization Discussion
The President reviewed the status of the south slope development, as they had put the project on hold while they explored the partnership possibility. They have completed a legal review of the title history and will likely restart the process by submitting the Lot Line Adjustment Application soon. As a reminder, Marymount is proposing a lot line adjustment for the two properties on the south slope, and then a residential subdivision of 15 properties, with a continuation of Ganado Drive as the single entry to the new development. Staff will keep the NAC members apprised of any developments with the MARYMOUNT – NAC SPRING 2021 SUMMARY REPORT PAGE 3
project.
Parking Management
Mr. Marcotte mentioned that the parking management strategies are continuing mostly unchanged. They will be providing shuttles again in the fall and will allow time in the schedule for disinfection, but there will be fewer evening courses and so likely fewer cars and shuttle trips. They will also be repaving the upper parking lots at the end of June, and restriping the parking spaces and curb markings.
Athletics
Mr. Marcotte stated that Marymount’s membership in athletic associations has remained the same, and the 2020-21 athletics were disrupted due to Covid-19 restrictions, with a full suspension in January 2021. They are awaiting new guidelines from Los Angeles County but plan to continue with 16 sports in Fall 2021. They are also looking for new coaches and an athletic director, as some had resigned during the last year.
2021-2022 Special Use Permit for Amplified Sound
Mr. Marcotte discussed the proposed Special Use Permit for amplified sound, which is processed each year for the outdoor events at the University that use amplified sound, including graduation. He stated they may again need to have additional “floater” or to- be-announced dates again, as they are still determining the schedule of their events based on Covid-19 restrictions.
Film Crew Parking
Per an inquiry from a member of the NAC, Mr. Marcotte stated that they did allow film crews to park on the site on three occasions, while the campus was closed to students, and believed that they met the requirements of Condition No. 139 of the CUP. One suggestion from a NAC member was to perhaps amend the CUP to allow a certain number of parking events per year, with at least one NAC member stating they didn’t believe this would be an issue. Mr. Marcotte said that they didn’t believe they needed to obtain a Special Use Permit for this parking, but they did still notify the HOAs. Mr. Rukavina stated that Staff would look into the applicability of the CUP Condition No. 139 for this use on the property.
Trees on Southern Slope
Mr. Marcotte stated that he would have his maintenance staff look into the health of the trees that were planted in the drainage areas on the southern slope, as it was reported by the member of the NAC that they appeared to be unhealthy.
Summer Programs
Mr. Marcotte stated that no summer activities or programs were proposed for this summer, such as camps that have been on campus in the past.
MARYMOUNT – NAC SPRING 2021 SUMMARY REPORT PAGE 4
Closing Remarks
The members discussed the next NAC date for the Fall 2021 meeting, as it was suggested at the Fall 2019 meeting that the NAC perhaps select some regular bi-annual dates to help with scheduling. NAC members confirmed that the second Monday in November, or November 8, 2021, should work for them.
MARYMOUNT CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY NEIGHBORHOOD ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING VIRTUAL ZOOM MEETING MONDAY, JUNE 14, 2021 9:00 A.M.
1. Opening Statements
2. Update of the State of Marymount California University
3. Enrollment Report a. 2020 Student Enrollment b. Fall 2021
4. Annual Reports a. Parking Management Strategies b. Athletic Associations
5. Miscellaneous questions a. Status of Land sale/Possible Subdivision/development update b. Enrollment numbers for Spring 2021 & projections for Fall 2021 c. Renting of parking lot for film crews d. Summer Campus Activity Rentals e. Report on the 2021 Graduation f. Health of the trees that were planted on the South Slope (Mitigation under the direction of the Corp of Engineers in the approved EIR)
6. Additional questions
7. Closing Remarks
City of Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Advisory Council
June 14, 2021 (via ZOOM)
1 Agenda: June 14, 2021
• Call to Order Ken Rukavina • Introductions Ken Rukavina/Brian Marcotte • State of the University Brian Marcotte • On-going COVID Response and Status Ryan Alcantara • 2020-2021 Graduation • Enrollment and Retention Updates Robyn Jones • Forward Plans and Expectations Brian Marcotte • Evolution of Potential Transaction • Academic Status—Spring 2021 • Academic Plans—Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 • Course Offerings and Re-start for Fall • PV Seniors • Southern Slope Development Option Brian Marcotte • RPV Issues Brian Marcotte/Amy Seeraty • Parking Management Strategies • Athletic Association Memberships and Program Status • Weight Training and Conditioning • Sound Permits • Parking for Film Crews on MCU lots • Trees on the Southern Slope Drainage • Summer Campus Activities • Adjournment Ken Rukavina 2 MCU Oceanview Campus COVID Response
• 18 member MCU COVID-19 Compliance Task Force meets bi-weekly at present • Developed COVID-19 Website • Participate on regular calls with the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health (every two weeks) • Physical space enhancements in preparation for in-person and hybrid classes to be offered • All classes since Spring 2020 have been online • Suspended Food Service • Minimal onsite support staff for the past 15 months • Tracking of activity on our campus to support contact tracing
3 Activity on the Oceanview Campus
• Campus remains closed with limited activity at the Oceanview Campus • Check-in process for everyone who visits the campus via QR Code and COVID Questionnaire • We are permitted to have essential employees on campus (IT, Facilities & Landscaping, Mailroom, Athletics, Library Services, Food Service, Registrar, Admissions) • Most faculty and staff have been working remotely but can access the campus if, and when, necessary
4 MCU Athletics
• 3 MCU sports (tennis, Esports and golf) competed in the Fall per County Guidelines but suspended in Spring with other sports • All MCU sports are scheduled to compete in the coming Fall—Only Tennis and Esports will Compete on Campus • Athletic Training room remains open by appointment and available to our athletes with Medical Clinic Protocols • New Strength and Conditioning outdoor equipment on the Oceanview Campus has been installed • Strength and Conditioning for student athletes requires Specific COVID Protocols unless guidelines change
5 COVID Response and Status
6 Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, We Have Been 100% Online since March 16, 2020
• Spring 2020 converted to 100% online • Summer 2020 was 100% online as previously planned • Fall 2020 was expected to be a Hybrid Instructional Model (some online and some in-person), but this was not allowed under the guidelines of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health • Spring 2021 was re-planned to be 100% online and due to the December-January spike in COVID-19 cases, our athletic programs and residency at the Villas was suspended and resulted in some layoffs of staff (mostly athletics, residential staff and transportation)
7 Covid-19 compliance task force
QR Codes are posted at every campus entrance and at each individual office space. QR Codes are used for contact tracing.
8 Covid-19 compliance task force
9 Covid-19 compliance task force
10 Covid-19 compliance task force
11 Covid-19 compliance task force
12 Covid-19 compliance task force
Per Dr. Ferrer, LAC DPH on 4/15/2021 she stated that she expects to be “back to normal for Fall”. New LAC DPH Guidance will be published after 6/15. Possibly no restrictions and/or guidance other than continue to recommend making the vaccine required for on-campus living and to follow ongoing hygiene practices (stay home if you are sick, etc.).
More to come after June 15th!
13 May Graduation for Classes of 2020 and 2021
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Protocols were in place and successfully implemented
14 Many Graduation Changes Were Made
• Virtual Graduation Ceremony held online—May 7, 2021 • On-site Religious Ceremony and Graduation –May 8, 2021 • Attendance limited to graduate and two guests (COVID screening) • Seating in “distanced pods” of three chairs only • Limited to four on-stage faculty and staff • No Processional or Recessional (but did play Pomp and Circumstance) • No Commencement Speaker • No Reception following the Ceremony • Parking was controlled with one car per graduate—200 maximum
15 COVID-19 & Commencement
16 Enrollment Management
Fall 2020 Enrollment New Enrollment Strategies Fall 2021 Enrollment Targets
17 Fall 2020 Enrollment Was Impacted by a Number of Circumstances • Despite our new efforts of Digital Communications, Media and Intensified Recruitment Efforts, Our Total Enrollment Dropped about 10% year-to-year • The Drop was in-part due to the Online Mode of Course offering, Housing limitations, and Athletic Restrictions—all due to COVID Protocols • No Students Received Instruction On-Campus
Traditional Day Students 508
Non-Traditional Students 60
TOTAL 568
Upper Division Students 248 (included in Traditional Day)
18 Spring 2021 was Influenced by On-line Mode of Instruction and Suspension of Athletics and Residences
• We continued to be closed to students on our RPV campus • The drop from Fall to Spring was in-part due to the Online Mode of Course offering, Housing limitations, and Athletic Restrictions—all due to COVID Protocols • No Students Received Instruction On-Campus in the Spring of 2021
Traditional Day Students 429
Non-Traditional Students 29
TOTAL 458
Upper Division Students 247 (Included in Traditional Day)
19 Enrollment for Fall 2021 Continues to Lag Expectations
• Our target for Fall Enrollment is 500 students • Our budget numbers are based on 461 students • At the present time, our trajectory is below this number but all our trend numbers are skewed by the Pandemic so projection is difficult. • Our returning students are currently 237 on a target of 300 for the semester • We expect to be between 420 and 500 students • New students have only been registering since June 1 (still early) • Athletes are just now beginning to register and were hesitant due to our suspension in January. New Letters of Intent are out to athletes now. • Deposits are currently exceeding actual registrations so we expect an uptick
20 Fall 2021 Enrollment Status (as of this morning)
Current Fall 2021 Enrollment • Students enrolled as of today: 262 • Returning students: 237 (retention rate 60.4%) • New student registration: 25
Status of New Student Enrollment • 128 deposits
Villas Occupancy • 97 housing applications (about half are new students) We expect this number to increase and have budgeted for 100 residents (should exceed his target)
Targets: • Enrollment: 500 (300 returning students, 200 new students) • Budgeted Enrollment: 461 • Villas Occupancy: 100
21 Enrollment Strategy
Marketing and Recruitment Enhancements: Target new populations without adding resources • Leverage current digital marketing techniques to attract new students for the graduate programs as well as traditional programs • Use new targeted scholarships to open doors to new relationships • Entered into two new international student commission-based contracts, but activity was curtailed due to COVID • Additional recruiting resources activated without additional employees by temporarily reassigning current staff members to assist in recruitment activities such as corporate recruitment, partnership development, and social media strategies
22 Enrollment Strategy
Leveraging Financial Aid (now being implemented) Create scholarships for targeted student populations to aid in recruitment: • Catholic High School Scholarship: $2000 • Local Palos Verdes High School Scholarship $2000 • California Community College Transfer Scholarship: $2000 • Transfer Scholarship (out of state): $1000
23 Enrollment Strategy
Elevate the Student Experience • Distinguish between the traditional student experience (immersive and connected) and the graduate, non-traditional student (convenient and flexible)
• New mentorship program for undergraduates (faculty, staff, local professionals and alumni)
• Develop new advising strategies for the working professional (a new emphasis)
24 Plans and Expectations
An Evolving Transaction Academic Status—Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 Course Offerings and Restart Plans PV Seniors 25 Our Most Important and Significant Current Activity
Now Underway
26 A Transaction between MCU and Another Institution of Higher Education Has Been Investigated for Quite Some Time
• Initial Preliminary Investigation Began July 2019 • Contact with Multiple Institutions October 2019-Feb 2021 • Initial Contact with Current Option September 2020 • Non-disclosure Agreement Signed December 10, 2020 • Letter of Intent Signed March 5, 2021 • Contact with Accrediting Agencies March 15, 2021 • Began Due Diligence mid-March 2021 • Multiple site visits (including Chairs/Vice Chairs) February – June 2021 • Environmental/Structural Inspection June 3-10, 2021 • Completed Due Diligence June 4, 2021 • 1st Consulting Agreement (Enrollment) signed June 4, 2021 • Enrollment Team On-site June 5, 2021 • Agreement for Review June 12, 2021 • Still Much to Do Ongoing
27 This Potential Transaction is Covered by a Mutual Non- Disclosure Agreement that is in Full-Force and Effect
28 Attributes of Potential Partner
• Like-minded mission and philosophy • Successful history in higher education • Similar educational and operational culture • Broader potential and prominence in the United States • Expanded program offerings for students • Expanded degree offerings for students • Additional “draw” for prospective students • Extended opportunities for MCU Faculty and Staff • Increased Financial Resources • Economies of scale • Opportunity for a smooth and efficient transition
29 The Precise Timeline will be Dependent on Educational Accrediting and Regulatory Entities
• Sign definitive agreement (expected) July 2021 • Formal Application to Accrediting Agency September 1, 2021 • Acceptance of Application by Accreditor December 2021 • Approval Date TBD • Begin Integration of the Institutions January 2022 • Latest Expected Formal Approval December 2022
30 Academic Status Spring 2021
31 GUIDING PRINCIPLES as We Move Forward
• Offer a solid schedule of freshman and sophomore classes with in-person sessions where possible and appropriate • Cap in-person sessions to no more than 15 students (or less) for distancing— unless County rules change on June 15 • Adhere to university’s on-site safety protocols and cleaning schedules • Identify online classes with scheduled Synchronous meetings vs. Self-paced • Develop all classes for potential online pivot • Provide training and support to the faculty for improved course design • Work within or close to normal instructional budget
32 Revised Class Schedule
4 Modalities Identified in the Schedule: With in-person sessions: Face-to-Face HY Hybrid: Meets once a week in person + Online Remote: SY Online Synchronous (scheduled times, no classroom) OL Online self-paced (no pre-scheduled times)
In-Person Class Times Allow for New Cleaning Hour (this could change with new County Guidelines: Morning Class Cleaning Mid-day Class Cleaning Afternoon Class Cleaning Hour Hour Time 9:50-11:30 12:30-2:10 3:20-5:00
33 Planning “Phased” Return to Campus—Fall 2021
• Began a “soft” reopening for Staff June 1, 2021 • Staff will be fully on-site July 15, 2021 • Athletes return August 1, 2021 • Residences open end-July 2021 • Faculty on-site August 16, 2021 • Academic Start-up and Convocation week of August 16, 2021 • First Day of Fall Classes August 23, 2021
Students, Staff and Faculty are expected to be fully vaccinated before returning to campus unless they formally claim an exemption for medical or religious reasons. We expect approximately 90% of faculty and staff to be vaccinated. We do not yet know about students’ status but they must be vaccinated for on-site classes or services. 34 Covid-19 compliance task force-Students-Exemption Options (from Policy Statement)
35 Return to Campus Class Schedule
Face to Face: • College Algebra, Statistics, Calculus, Chemistry, Anatomy, Spanish, Theater, Career Class HY Hybrid meeting once a week in person: • General Education Classes: English, Speech, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Sociology • Most Psychology and Criminal Justice Classes • Most Lower Division Accounting, Business and Economics Classes • Operations Management, Project Management, Accounting Information Systems SY Synchronous Online: • Business Communication, Marketing, MBA • Media • Biology OL Online: • Management, Finance, Business Strategy, Org Behavior • Some Courses in Other Majors The MBA is: SY Synchronous online Weekdays 6-9pm & Sat 9am-noon
36 There is Some Downside to All Online Course Offerings
• Freshmen and some Sophomores tend to struggle more than Upper Classmen when 100% online • These age-groups do better in face-to-face environments with their peers • It is incumbent on faculty to be more proactive in reaching out to students who may be struggling—must stay very pro-active with students
37 Student Academic Support Services Remain In-Place and Active
LIBRARY & LEARNING SUPPORT SERVICES → On-Site: Study spaces, Computers, Research support → Online: Tutoring, Study Hall SUCCESS CENTER → Academic Advising: Degree plan, course selection, liaise with faculty → Career Services: Resumes, Internships, Professional Mentor Program → Disability Services TECHNOLOGY → Student Orientation to Information Technology → Classroom, Faculty & Student Support has been enhanced → Laptop policy has been expanded to help students, faculty and staff REGISTRAR → Digital forms & communication
38 PV Seniors Class Audit Program
39 The MCU PV Seniors Program will likely be Resumed in the Fall Semester 2021
• MCU suspended the Program for the 2020-21 Academic Year • Course offerings will depend on course registration by our student population • We are focusing more on Synchronous course offerings; i.e., scheduled day and time with classmates and professors • We look forward to Senior Community participation
40 Southern Slope Development Option
Our approach is being finalized
41 42 Excess Property Development Review is Underway but Was Put “On-hold” as the Current Transaction Developed
• Retained Land Use Planning Consultant • Retained Civil Engineering firm to prepare general site information • Legal review of Title History Complete • Propose to redefine the two existing parcels with a lot line adjustment • Lot Line Adjustment Application will likely be initiated with the the City of Rancho Palos Verdes soon • Expected Timeline 6-9 Months from time of submittal
43 RPV Issues
44 Parking Strategies
45 Parking Management Strategies Are Mostly Unchanged • We will be doing a ”slurry seal” on our upper parking lots at the end of June and this includes “re-lining” parking spaces and curb markings • The campus will be closed for two days during this time • Early launch of parking services • Staffing in Security and Parking services has been sufficient • Hybrid and online course offerings will lower parking demand • Will only serve Breakfast and Lunch Food Service to limit traffic • Electronic message boards are effective in getting parking and safety news to students • Enrollment and class scheduling will lead to fewer evening courses this Fall • Shuttles for residents and “park and ride” to campus have been effective. Technology applications allows students to know the location of shuttles in real time. • Depending on County guidelines, we will allow time for disinfecting shuttles should this continue to be necessary.
46 Athletic Associations Memberships
47 MCU has an Active Athletics Program but We Were Hurt by the COVID-19 Pandemic • The 2021-22 athletic events (practice and competition) will continue to be held off-site through contractual arrangements with the exception of Men’s and Women’s Tennis which are held at on-campus tennis facilities and Esports which are held in the MCU Computer Lab. • We are very proud of the progress of our athletic programs and the success of our student athletes. We were hurt badly by the COVID-19 Pandemic when we suspended our Athletic Programs and residencies at The Villas • As a result, we have had some departures of our Athletic Staff. Assistant Coaches were laid-off. Two Coaches have resigned as has our Athletics Director. We are filling positions now. • Ranked very well in the NAIA “Return on Athletics” survey of peer universities but we are in a position of re-building the program.
48 Athletic Association Memberships Have Remained the Same The University continues to compete as a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics institution in the California Pacific Conference. • The 2020-21 athletics were significantly disrupted by COVID-19 restrictions • In January 2021, at the height of the pandemic in Los Angeles County, we suspended all athletic programs. COVID metrics have now improved and we await new guidelines expected on June 15 and from CalOSHA on June 17 (CalOSHA has just withdrawn its plan for continuing restrictions). • Most of NAIA continued competition and Championships with strict protocols. More than 29,000 on-site COVID tests with fewer than 20 positives. A few teams were not allowed to travel due to positive tests before traveling • Last two class valedictorians were student-athletes: one volleyball and one soccer.
49 MCU Plans to Continue with 16 sports In Fall 2021
Men’s Sports Women’s Sports Co-Ed Sports Men’s Soccer Women’s Soccer Esports Men’s Track and Field Women’s Track and Field Surfing Men’s Cross Country Women’s Cross Country Men’s Golf Women’s Golf Men’s Tennis Women’s Tennis Men’s Baseball Women’s Fast-Pitch Softball Women’s Indoor Volleyball Women’s Beach Volleyball
50 Sound Permits
Permits are Not Yet Finalized as we Redesign Programs with Changing County and State Guidelines
51 Events with Amplified Sound Still To Be Determined for 2021-2022
Expect to be similar to a Pre-COVID year Some restrictions in Fall 2021 Much more normality expected by Spring 2022
52 Film Crew Parking on Campus
53 Question Regarding CUP Provision #139
Section 139: The use of the campus by groups or organizations unaffiliated with the College’s educational or recreational programs listed above that would have less than 100 participants or visitors present on campus at one time or would occupy less than 20% of the 463 required parking spaces during such use is also allowed. Any and all other uses and activities on the College campus that do not meet this threshold are prohibited unless approved with a revision to this Conditional Use Permit or a Special Use Permit is obtained, whichever is applicable based on the request. • Groups for filming or parking for filming are fewer than 100 (generally 15-25) • When used for parking for off-site filming, there are less than 100 visitors spaced throughout the day. Security is provided by the film company. • Funds received as a result are used for student scholarships • Parking was provided on three occasions during 2020-21 when the campus was not being used for instruction. There was no amplified sound for this activity. • Trucks and trailers were left overnight but cars came in the morning and left in the evening with people transported to the Portuguese Bend Club and back. No interior spaces were accessed on campus • Permits were granted for the film shoot.
54 Trees on Southern Slope and Brush Clearance
Noted
55 Summer Campus Activities
None Planned
56 57