Welcome to Foothill College!

Welcome to the 2008-2009 academic year at Foothill College! As we go to press for this catalog, funding for community colleges in the state budget remains uncertain for the upcoming year. What is certain, however, is the Foothill College commitment to excellence through inclusion, and ensuring that our students receive outstanding service and access to educational opportunities. Foothill will navigate the current fiscal challenges under the strong leadership of its faculty, classified staff, administration, board of trustees and chancellor. These steps include, but are not limited to: Strategic use of limited resources; addition and expansion of external partnerships; and cultivation of a campus climate that engenders innovation and creativity.

In the coming year, Foothill will continue to focus on improving customer service through a project that began last year. We conducted a series of student surveys at that time and have gathered a wealth of information regarding student satisfaction to use for analysis in guiding program improvements. In a separate initiative, our program review processes have been revitalized to forge a clearer connection between planning and evaluation efforts and resource allocation. In the coming year, Foothill College is serving in a leadership role for the statewide implementation of the Basic Skills Initiative and has engaged in meaningful self-assessment to better support student success. This is the third year Foothill has provided leadership in improving Basic Skills programs statewide.

To extend our capacity of meeting the needs of our highly diverse students, Foothill collaborates with a broad range of educational institutions, community organizations, businesses, industries, foundations and public agencies. Collaboration has given us the inspiration to develop noncredit programs that complement existing offerings in the community, as well as the credit programs available at Foothill College. Articulation and university-transfer agreements pave the way for admission and success at highly competitive institutions. Advisory councils for career programs ensure currency of curriculum and pathways to employment. Foundation assistance, grant opportunities and individual donor support provide resources that are essential to the educational excellence for which Foothill College is noted.

We are deeply grateful to our community for passing Measure C in 2006, which allows us to complete maintenance, renovation and construction projects that could not be funded by Measure E in 1999. Classrooms are being renovated, educational technology updated and dilapidated furnishings replaced. Measure C also designates funding for the acquisition of a permanent site for the Foothill College Middlefield Campus.

In saving the best for last, let me reveal that the secret of our creativity and innovation at Foothill College is our people! Community supporters, employees and students come together to create a vibrant, welcoming place of learning. Our community supporters contribute their time, money and good will, and they are an integral part of Foothill College's achievements. Our beautiful facilities and grounds are cared for by colleagues who take great pride in a job well done. Our programs and services are delivered by dedicated individuals who are often local heroes and heroines, or state and national leaders in their fields, or winners of prestigious awards. Our students excel in academics, creative and performing arts, athletics, student government and community service. They are our raison d'etre and they are our reason for joy!.


Office of the President, Foothill College