YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE POLICE DEPARTMENT OCTOBER 2024 ANNUAL SAFETY & SECURITY REPORT REVEALS MINIMAL CRIMINAL ACTIVITY AT ANY COMMUNITY COLLEGE CENTERS OR CAMPUSES IN YAVAPAI COUNTY OVER LAST THREE YEARS

By R. Oliphant
Thursday, October 3rd, 2024

There were 10 non-arrest referrals for alcohol violations (nine in Prescott dorms) and three referrals for drug violations (two in Prescott dorms). There was one case of intimidation reported at the Prescott campus in 2023 and a similar report in 2021 at the Verde Valley Campus

The Yavapai Community College Police Department released its annual safety and security report in October, revealing minimal criminal activity leading to arrests across both campuses and four centers during the reporting period.

The report highlights 10 non-arrest situations in 2023 involving alcohol violations, nine of which pertained to residence hall students. Additionally, three non-arrest situations related to drug violations were recorded, with two incidents involving residence hall students. One case of intimidation was also reported on the Prescott Campus in 2023 and one similar report in 2021 at the Verde Valley Campus.

For more details, please refer to the full report reproduced below that was prepared by the Campus Police Department, which outlines arrests and non-arrest referrals over the past three years.

Categories : Yavapai Community College

ROCK HOUSE ON YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE PRESCOTT CAMPUS GETS $300,000 UPGRADE AMID QUESTIONS

By R. Oliphant
Sunday, September 29th, 2024

All three of the recent Community College presidents have invested in the Rock House upgrades, which is a facility used a half dozen or so times during the year for District Governing Board meetings and little else

OPINION: All three of the recent Community College presidents have invested in upgrades in the Rock House on the Prescott Campus over the past several years. This facility is used, as far as the Blog knows, for about a half dozen or so times annually to hold Community College District Governing Board meetings and little else.  Are these upgrades worth it, especially when there is little to no transparency regarding the actual final total costs?

The most recent renovation, completed in September under current President Dr. Lisa Rhine, is estimated to have cost approximately $300,000—though the College has not disclosed an official overall cost figure. According to the College, the upgrades were intended to enhance “acoustics, capacity, comfort, and communications (ACCC).” Specific improvements included the installation of new television cameras, advanced microphones, HVAC system replacements, new technology, acoustic wall panels, and the relocation of the tech booth to the kitchen. Yet, despite these enhancements, the Rock House remains heavily underutilized outside of its role as a venue for board meetings.

Dr. Rhine’s renovation follows a similar investment made by former President Dr. Penelope Wills in 2018. Dr. Wills spearheaded an earlier renovation that introduced sophisticated electronic lighting, a state-of-the-art video recording system, plush carpeting, mechanical upgrades, and additional features. Once again, the total cost of these upgrades was not disclosed to the public, raising questions about the level of transparency in how taxpayer funds are being allocated for such projects.

This trend of costly renovations began with Dr. James Horton, who oversaw a complete overhaul of the Rock House in 2009. Dr. Horton, aware of the significant investment, expressed an intention to recoup part of the renovation expenses by renting the facility to outside organizations. However, 15 years later, there has been no public report on whether any of those costs were recovered, or if the Rock House has been utilized as a revenue-generating asset in any meaningful way over the years.

The recurring renovations and lack of clear financial accountability have led to growing concerns about the College’s stewardship of taxpayer money. Despite substantial investments, the Rock House appears to continue serving a limited function, raising questions about whether these ongoing expenditures, while nice, can be truly justified.

 

Categories : Taxes

FIRST BOARD MEETING IN FOUR MONTHS AVOIDS PROVIDING SEDONA/VERDE VALLEY RESIDENTS WITH SPECIFIC INFORMATION REGARDING STUDENT ENROLLMENT (TRENDS) IN 2023 OR FALL 2024

By R. Oliphant
Thursday, September 26th, 2024

President’s report avoids any details on student enrollment, status, or future plans for Sedona Center and Verde Valley Campus; main focus was on renovation of Prescott Pines camp

The Yavapai Community College Governing Board convened for its first public meeting since May 2024 on September 24. However, during President Dr. Lisa Rhine’s report to the Board, scant information was shared regarding past and present student enrollment figures for the Sedona Center and Verde Valley campus.

For many residents, student enrollment trends are a critical indicator of the institution’s vitality and its role in serving the community. Yet, this key concern remains unresolved, leaving residents in the dark about the current status of enrollment—a matter that directly impacts the college’s ability to fulfill its mission.

The lack of transparency raises questions about whether the publicly funded community college intends to provide clear and comprehensive data to the taxpayers who support it. Without this information, there remains a growing sense of frustration among residents who deserve to understand the college’s operational health and the effectiveness of its educational outreach.

Categories : Enrollment data

YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE PATTY MCMULLEN-MIKLES ART GALLEY ON VERDE VALLEY CAMPUS TO FEATURE AN WABI-SABI EXHIBIT OCTOBER 3 – 31

By R. Oliphant
Wednesday, September 25th, 2024

The opening Reception is Thursday, October 3 from  5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. At 5:30 there will be a dedication ceremony for Dick Marcusen sculpture

The Patty McMullen-Mikles Art Gallery on the Verde Valley Campus of Yavapai Community College will feature an exhibit of Wabi-Sabi  artwork that is imperfect, irregular or asymmetrical. Wabi-Sabi is the mindset of accepting and finding beauty in the imperfect, impermanent and incomplete.

The opening reception is scheduled for Thursday, October 3 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. It will include a dedication ceremony for the Dick Marcusen Sculpture at 5:30 pm. Marcusen is a local sculptor and foundational artist.

The new sculpture will be installed by Building “F” near the gallery. It is a metal artwork created by Dick Marcusen from the beginning of his art career. One of the founding members of the Yavapai College Art Department, Marcusen began teaching at the Community College in 1971. Over the course of 30 years at Yavapai Community College, he taught Jewelry, Sculpture, Three-Dimensional Design, Welded Metal Sculpture, and Woodworking. He welcomed digital media into the art program and was instrumental in creating the beautiful Prescott Campus Sculpture Garden. The sculpture was donated by Albert Kaminski, an adjunct science instructor at Yavapai Community College  who also enjoyed art classes. The dedication, as noted above,  will take place at 5:30 p.m.

Categories : Art programs, Verde campus events

VERDE VALLEY JOB FAIR TO BE HELD AT COTTONWOOD RECREATION CENTER OCTOBER 1 FROM 3:30 TO 6:00 P.M.

By R. Oliphant
Tuesday, September 24th, 2024

More than 20 local employers in a variety of vocations are seeking new employees

Yavapai Community College’s Regional Economic Development Center and the city of Cottonwood will hold a Verde Valley Job Fair, Tuesday October 1 from 3:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the Cottonwood Recreation Center, 150 S. Sixth Street in Cottonwood. Admission is free to all job seekers. Early 3 p.m. admission is provided to veterans 55 and older, and those with disabilities.

The Fair brings a wide range of local employers and possible vocations into one place, including: Abrio Home Care, Ambiente Sedona, Angels Care Home Health, Angels Care Hospice, City of Cottonwood, Cottonwood Police Department, Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District I, the Department of Corrections, Foothills Bank, Hilton Grand Vacations, Jones Ford Verde Valley, Mold In Graphics, NACOG-EWD, NACOG Head Start/Early Head Start, Northern Arizona Healthcare, Rainbow Acres, Steps to Recovery Homes, Verde Valley Humane Society, Yavapai College, Yavapai County Government, and Y.E.S. The Arc.

Attendees will meet potential employers and receive  the latest information about careers. They may be able to apply for part-time, full-time, temporary and seasonal employment. Job seekers are encouraged to dress for success.

Categories : Event

FAKE $150 TICKETS BEING SOLD FOR OCTOBER 19 VERDE VALLEY CAMPUS WINE AND DINE EVENT

By R. Oliphant
Wednesday, September 18th, 2024

Online registration closed by September 18 as event appears sold out

Yavapai Community College has posted a warning on its website about fake $150 tickets being sold for the Verde Valley Campus Wine and Dine event to be held Saturday, October 19. Only tickets purchased through the Community College Foundation will be honored.

 It is noteworthy that the College has also closed online registration for the event as it has apparently already been sold out. 

The following were the announcements found on the Community College website:

Categories : Foundation

YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE ATTACKS STUDENT FOOD INSECURITY WITH HEAVY FOCUS ON PRESCOTT CAMPUS

By R. Oliphant
Wednesday, September 18th, 2024

Food pantry, plus special programs such as  partnering with  St. Mary’s Food Bank and Manzanita Outreach seek to reduce the stress of food insecurity

Yavapai Community College is addressing the significant issue of food insecurity among its students. One key initiative was the establishment of a Food Pantry on the Prescott Campus in 2019. This past academic year the Food Pantry served 897 students and their family members. The pantry is available to any student enrolled in at least 3 credit hours who is facing food insecurity.

In addition to its regular food offerings, the Prescott Campus Food Pantry occasionally hosts special events. For instance, on September 9, students had the chance to pick up freshly harvested  vegetables on a first-come, first-served basis from the Pantry.

Tackling food insecurity is a top priority for Yavapai Community College President Dr. Lisa Rhine. During the August convocation, she emphasized, “Our college cannot be a pathway out of poverty if we are not willing to support our students while they are in poverty.”

On September 27, the college will hold another special event in partnership with St. Mary’s Food Bank and Manzanita Outreach for students and the Prescott community. Thousands of pounds of non-perishable food will be distributed on the Prescott Campus. As per the Community College’s press release, “Everyone who could use some extra food in their home is welcome to participate. Participation will be easy! All area residents need to do is drive onto Yavapai Community College’s Prescott campus via North Washington Avenue, open their trunks or backseats to volunteers loading bags and boxes of food, and drive off, exiting via Marsten Avenue onto Sheldon Street.”

The drive-through food distribution will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., or until supplies run out, so organizers encourage participants to arrive early.

Students attending the Sedona Center, Verde Valley Campus, and Chino Valley Center are advised to utilize local food shelf organizations, as these campuses do not currently have food pantry programs similar to the one on the Prescott Campus in place (as far as the Blog is aware).

Categories : Event

VERDE VALLEY CAMPUS ALREADY PLANNING FOR NEXT WINE AND WAGS EVENT

By R. Oliphant
Tuesday, September 17th, 2024

“We are a community college,” Verde Valley Campus Dean Dr. Irina Del Genio said. “It is important that we remain connected to our community.”

Dean Del Genio

Yavapai Community College’s Verde Valley Campus announced in a press release on September 12, 2024, that it is already preparing for its second annual Wine and Wags event as part of its open house program. The inaugural event, held Thursday, August 8, successfully combined the Campus Open House with the Wine & Wags celebration.

For a $25 admission fee, attendees could access the College pavilion, where they enjoyed live music, a glass of wine, and a charcuterie boat. Alternatively, guests could choose to relax outside near the pavilion and listen to the live music.

The event featured programs on dog grooming and pet photography plus an opportunity to adopt an animal from the Verde Valley Humane Society. In addition there were  efforts to inform residents and potential students of the academic opportunities and scholarships offered at the Campus.

The event also raised $2,000 for the Verde Valley Humane Society, according to Dean Irina Del Genio. In the press release, she emphasized the college’s commitment to community, stating, “We are a community college, and it is important that we remain connected to our community.”

Categories : Event

YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD SCHEDULES FIRST MEETING SINCE MAY FOR TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 BEGINNING AT 1:00 P.M. AT THE ROCK HOUSE ON THE PRESCOTT CAMPUS

By R. Oliphant
Friday, September 13th, 2024

Board may  most likely allow an open call to the public at the beginning of the meeting where a citizen may address the Board for up to three minutes; the entire event will be live streamed

The Yavapai Community College District Governing Board will hold its first public meeting since May 2024 at the Rock House on the Prescott Campus on Tuesday, September 24.  The meeting is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. and will run an estimated three hours.  It will be live-streamed on YouTube.

There is likely to be an opportunity for residents and others to address the Governing Board at the beginning of the meeting for about three minutes.  A citizen wishing to address the Board is normally asked to complete a “Request to Speak” form before speaking, and give it to the Recording Secretary.  The speaker should be prepared to limit his or her remarks to the designated time (from one to three minutes although typically three minutes).

Under Arizona law, a citizen has a right to attend, listen, tape record, or videotape all of these meetings. The public may not disrupt, but may speak during the Call to the Public at the beginning of this meeting if the call is on the agenda. See Ariz. Att’y Gen. Op. No. I78-001.

 

Categories : Meeting Notice

PIMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE FALL ENROLLMENT INCREASES FOR SEVENTH CONSECUTIVE SEMESTER

By R. Oliphant
Wednesday, September 11th, 2024

No information yet about Yavapai Community College fall enrollment

In a press release, Pima Community College announced that its enrollment had increased for the seventh consecutive semester, making it the first Arizona community college to release data on fall 2024 enrollment. As of now, Yavapai Community College has not issued a report on its fall enrollment figures.

According to the Pima press release, first-day enrollment for the fall semester rose by 4% compared to the same day last year, extending the college’s upward enrollment trend over the past two years. Fall classes began on Monday, August 26, 2024.

First-day fall credit enrollment, which measures the number of courses students take, was 53,896, up 4.08% from last fall. Fall headcount, the number of students taking classes, was 17,918, up 1% from last fall.

First-day enrollment numbers don’t reflect what’s expected to be another sharp increase in dual enrollment students, where students take classes in their high schools for PCC credit. Last year, 6,027 high school students enrolled in PCC’s dual enrollment classes.

 

Categories : Enrollment data
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