Mt. San Jacinto College

MT. SAN JACINTO COLLEGE Office of Student Services

Convocation/Graduation Committee

Amended Minutes November 17, 2004 – 3:00 p.m. Instructional Services Conference Room (#1111) – San Jacinto Campus

Members Present: Roger Schultz, Laurel Jones, Kathie Wellington, Jackie Velkoff, Jennie Ragsdale, Susan Loomis, Elida Gonzales, Jim Davis, Lesia Navarro, Eva Franco, and Charlie Bermudez

Recorder: Becky Mitchell

1.0 Welcome and Introductions

Roger Schultz welcomed all members of the Convocations/Graduation Committee and each member in attendance introduced themselves.

2.0 Scholarship Breakfast

The Scholarship Breakfast was tentatively scheduled for Thursday, May 19, 2005 at 8:00 a.m. in the Milo P. Johnson Library on the San Jacinto Campus. The event will be coordinated by Lesia Navarro and Jackie Velkoff. Jennie Ragsdale will assist.

3.0 Honors Convocation

The Honors Convocation was tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, May 17, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. in the Milo P. Johnson Library. This event will be coordinated by the Student Life Coordinators, two permanent positions soon to be filled in the Outreach Department.

4.0 Graduation/Commencement

A. Date

Commencement is scheduled for Saturday, May 28, 2005. It is tentatively scheduled for 10:00 a.m.

B. Request for consideration of two separate ceremonies

1. Jim Davis spoke in favor of dual commencements. The soccer field at the Menifee Valley Campus could accommodate the MVC ceremony if chairs are rented and the large white tent erected.

Graduation Committee Meeting – Page #1 Since Commencement 2005 is scheduled on a Saturday, we could possibly accommodate a second ceremony later in the day.

2. It was the consensus of the committee to form a task force to investigate the possibility of two commencements. We cannot discuss negotiated items pertaining to college employees; however, we can discuss logistics, costs, etc.

3. Kathie Wellington, Susan Loomis, Jim Davis, JoAnna Quejada (or one of the Student Activities Coordinators) and one evaluator from the Menifee Valley Campus will form the task force. Roger and Becky will not participate in the task force; however, will assist in addressing questions and concerns.

4. It was suggested that we survey summer and fall 2004 graduates to see if they would attend commencement if we have separate ceremonies.

5. Kathie Wellington reported that most Menifee Valley Campus graduates consider MSJC a steppingstone only; therefore, do not attend commencement.

6. Records reflect that 171 gowns were sold at the Menifee Valley Campus Bookstore and 138 gowns were sold at the San Jacinto Campus Bookstore last year.

7. Several questions arose from discussions pertaining to dual commencements. Do we need to rent the Ramona Bowl if we hold separate ceremonies? Could the San Jacinto Campus Stadium accommodate the SJC ceremony?

C. Location(s)

The Ramona Bowl in Hemet has been secured for commencement on May 28, 2005.

D. Commencement Speaker(s)

We need to start the selection process immediately. During the last several years, Roger has had to step in to secure a speaker. Political speakers are more prevalent. Motivational speakers are cost prohibitive. Laurel Jones will research affordable and quality speakers. Jim Davis suggested that we consider a faculty member as was done in the past.

Graduation Committee Meeting – Page #2 E. Music

Stephen Torok and the Menifee Jazz Band will be invited back to perform at commencement.

F. Student Speakers

Historically, Rich Rowley and Suzanne Uhl have auditioned students and made a selection for two student speakers for the opening and closing remarks. The 3rd and 4th runner-ups are asked to lead the pledge of allegiance and tassel turning.

G. Photographers

The possibility of using other photographers will be explored.

5.0 Future Meetings and Schedule

We will meet monthly beginning Tuesday, December 14, 2004 at 3:00 p.m. The committee will not meet during the month of January, but will continue monthly meetings from February through May 2005.

6.0 Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 3:55 p.m.

Graduation Committee Meeting – Page #3