NOCCCD Board Meeting Highlights for February 24, 2026

Chancellor's Report

Chancellor Dr. Byron D. Clift Breland provided an update on digital accessibility in relation to state requirements under Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 and stated that efforts are underway to strengthen accessibility across the District.

An update on budget management was also provided, stating that the District remains focused on disciplined stewardship and strategic alignment. Decisions are increasingly anchored in shared priorities, and he thanked those contributing to the ongoing discussions.

Student success remains central to all major initiatives. Chancellor Breland emphasized the importance of aligning enrollment strategies and noted that teams are using data and student voice to refine practices and support sustained student success.

Chancellor Breland concluded his report by addressing questions on ICE-related communications and reported that the District is working to streamline protocols to ensure consistency across campuses. He thanked those involved in the ongoing work.

Presentations

MAAS Companies

A representative from MAAS Companies provided details regarding the request for change orders tied to the Fullerton College Wilshire Chiller Relocation Project. The changes reflect delays related to Southern California Edison’s response to the Eaton Fire, which moved the substantial completion date to March 2, 2026, and final completion to April 14, 2026.

Board Actions

The Board of Trustees acted on agenda items, including those highlighted below:

• Authorization to amend the agreement with MAAS Companies for additional project management services and increase the contract amount for the Fullerton College Wilshire Chiller Relocation Project.
• Authorization to adopt Resolution No. 25/26-36 to approve Change Order #3 with Plumbing, Piping & Construction, Inc. (PPC) to extend and increase the contract amount for the Fullerton College Wilshire Chiller Relocation Project.
• Authorization to re-adopt the Board of Trustees Assessment Instrument.

Chancellor's Staff Reports

NOCE

NOCE President Valentina Purtell shared that NOCE’s Disability Support Services is collaborating to host the Second Annual Countywide Transition to College event on March 10, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Irvine Unified School District Learning Center. The event will connect students with disabilities and their families to college and community resources.

She reported that NOCE celebrated Lunar New Year at the Anaheim Campus and continues to support students through scholarships, book awards, grant kickoffs, and Rising Scholars workshops. She also noted that representatives from Modesto Junior College will visit to learn from NOCE’s noncredit and workforce training models as they explore establishing a standalone noncredit institution.

President Purtell concluded by inviting the community to attend the NOCE Spring 2026 Power Up and Career Fair Mega Event on March 3 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Fullerton College

Fullerton College President Dr. Cynthia Olivo announced that the men’s basketball team won its fifth consecutive Orange Empire Conference championship and is ranked number one in the state with a 14-0 league record. She shared that the team maintains a 3.5 GPA with a 100 percent transfer rate, and several players and Coach Perry Webster received conference honors. She also reported that the women’s basketball team advanced to the 3C2A Southern California Regional playoffs for the second consecutive year.

President Olivo invited the everyone to Black History Month events, including a presentation by author Danez Smith and the first annual African American High School Conference, with 600 students registered. She thanked the Capital Projects team for completing the Wilshire Chiller Project, as well as campus staff who restored Wi-Fi service following last week’s storm.

She concluded by sharing highlights from her recent professional development visit to universities in Mexico as part of a higher education delegation.

Cypress College

Cypress College President Dr. Scott W. Thayer shared that the campus hosted UndocuAdvocate training to deepen understanding of the lived experiences of undocumented and mixed-status students in higher education. He shared ongoing Black History Month events, including a basketball event with Saddleback College and an upcoming program commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Black Panthers, organized by the Department of Ethnic Studies.

President Thayer reported that the College held its first Ramadan awareness event in partnership with accounting faculty Samreen Manjra, her students, and the APIDA Resource Center.

He concluded by inviting the community to attend the Americana Awards on March 21 and by sharing that he recently presented at the ACCCA conference on leadership lessons learned from crisis communication.

Resource Table Reports

District Management Association

District Management Association Vice President Elect Rosanna Islas provided an update on meetings with District, AFAC, CSEA, and United Faculty. The meetings aim to strengthen collaboration and communication. Meeting discussions are focused on new manager orientations, shared understanding of the collective bargaining agreement, consistent interpretation of updates, and alignment across groups. She expressed appreciation to United Faculty leadership and noted that conversations will continue.

Academic Senate

North Orange Continuing Education Academic Senate President Michelle Patrick-Norng reported that the Senate election cycle concluded this week and that results will be announced at the next meeting. Upcoming agenda items include the WASC mid-cycle report and revised action plan, appointment of the next WASC faculty co-chair, discussion of reassigned time for faculty leadership roles, and a first read of the joint collaborative consultation understanding among the three Senate bodies and two unions.

Cypress College Academic Senate President Jaclyn Magginetti previewed the upcoming Senate meeting and shared that it will include a second read of the Strategic Enrollment Management Plan and action on the Guided Pathways program mapping project. The Senate will also review the Starfish course inactivity auto-flag initiative, receive updates on improvements to Banner registration and class search tools, and hear from the AP and BP workgroup regarding accessible restrooms.

Fullerton College Academic Senate President Bridget Kominek reported that the Senate adopted revised committee descriptions for the Distance Education Advisory Committee and Campus Collaborations Committee. The Senate conducted first reads on proposals from the Professional Learning Committee to partner with the Office of Institutional Effectiveness to provide faculty with retention and success data, and from the Pathways Steering Committee to improve the certificate application process. Both items will return for action at the next meeting.

She shared that the Senate received a presentation from Interim Executive Director of Information Technology, Khaoi Mady, on improvements to the registration and class search tools. She added that the March 5 agenda will also include discussion of potential AI policy language and a draft joint collaborative consultation understanding among the District’s faculty senates and faculty unions.

United Faculty

United Faculty President Steven Estrada spoke about two areas of negotiation. He shared that some faculty roles, including coaches, require work beyond the traditional academic calendar and that those expectations should be reflected in contract structures.

He also discussed the Automotive Technology program at Cypress College, part of Toyota’s national training partnership. He concluded by sharing that the work includes year-round responsibilities that extend beyond the current contract and concluded that long-term program strength depends on aligning these responsibilities with the institutional structure.

CSEA

CSEA President Elaine Loayza reported that the District Negotiating Team and CSEA have met twice since the last update. An MOU renewing extended-release time for the CSEA President and Second Vice President was signed and is pending.

She shared that initial conversations have begun with District Professional Development staff regarding classified flex time. Surveys will also be distributed to gather employee input, and CSEA will continue outreach efforts across campuses.

Board of Trustees Reports

NOCE Student Trustee Kristine Nacu reported conversations with Trustee Evangelina Rosales about a potential partnership with the Fullerton Public Library to provide on-campus book access for NOCE students. She shared that access to a library was feedback received during student meetings and campus surveys.

She also reported that student leadership training was held on February 19, including an NOCE ambassador training led by Campus Communications. She added that she looks forward to attending the APALI Conference in April.

Fullerton College Student Trustee Samiy Castillo Bolivar reported that the Associated Students (AS) will reconvene in the coming weeks and shared that AS executive board members will attend the Student Senate for California Community Colleges Federal Advocacy Academy in Washington, D.C.

He shared that the campus hosted a blood drive and reported on a new gallery exhibit featuring artist Phung Huynh. He concluded by highlighting recent athletics successes, including the men’s basketball championship and a baseball victory over Sacramento City College.

Cypress College Student Trustee Zachary Colinco reported that the Associated Students discussed immigration enforcement and plans to partner with Fullerton College Associated Students to share support resources with students. The Distance Education Committee also collaborated with AS senators to gather student feedback on AI policy, including concerns related to academic integrity and false accusations of AI use.

He concluded by sharing that recent campus events included a welcome back event featuring more than 30 campus resources and a successful Club Rush.

Trustee Evangelina Rosales shared that she recently connected with NOCE Student Trustee Kristine Nacu about student feedback on library resources at NOCE and offered to help facilitate conversations and explore potential partnerships. She stated that she is committed to supporting the effort if it reflects student needs.

Board Secretary Mark Lopez shared highlights on the “Topographics” art exhibit he attended at Cypress College. He also shared updates on recent Cypress College basketball games and provided feedback on a recent Fullerton Museum Board meeting. Secretary Lopez highlighted several upcoming events at the Fullerton Museum, including a Women’s Festival on March 7 and the OC Made exhibit. He concluded by sharing that the museum is currently seeking volunteers and encouraged interested students to get involved.

Trustee Dr. Ryan Bent shared that he recently met with elected officials at Disneyland to discuss education and tuition partnership programs. He reflected on his time as a Fullerton College student in the Disneyland management program and the significance of returning to the same space years later.

Trustee Bent also reported touring the Ironworkers Training Center and learning about its partnership with Cerritos College, which offers apprenticeships to earn associate and bachelor’s degrees, and noted the potential for similar career technical education partnerships within the District.

Board President Dr. Barbara Dunsheath thanked the Fullerton Senate for the opportunity to attend a recent meeting and expressed appreciation for the work being done on curriculum, strategic planning, and faculty governance.

She provided highlights from her AACC Legislative Conference and noted that she met with elected representatives who expressed interest in partnering with the District and visiting the campus. She also shared that senators discussed concerns about immigration enforcement activities and their impact on students.

Board President Dunsheath concluded by inviting trustees and the community to attend the International Women’s Day event, Celebrating Phenomenal Women, at Fullerton College on March 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Next Meeting

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the NOCCCD Board of Trustees will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.