Mission College Classified Senate Constitution and Bylaws: First and foremost I want to express my gratitude to Barbara Weigel, who as chair of the Constitution and Bylaws taskforce, brought into existence the first Mission College Classified Senate Constitution and Bylaws. Collaborating with Barbara on the taskforce were Linda Angelotti, My Loi, Randy Wu, Bill Dacanay, and myself.

Reconstitution of the Senate Units and reviving the Election Processes: Once the Constitution and Bylaws were in place we found direction to accomplish many other responsibilities of the Senate. Proper election processes were long over due, so in its preparation, new senate groups were reconstituted. We now have ten official Classified Senate Units posted in our website. Find your Senate Units here.

75% increase of the senate budget: In addition, I was able to negotiate an increase in the Classified Senate budget with Dr. Robles, our College President. Dr. Robles graciously approved a 75% increase of the senate budget ($4000.00 to $7000.00). We have used this budget for staff development training, conferences, general meetings, and for various other important senate expenses. Thank you Dr. Robles for this increase!

First Classified Senate Office: Jim Burrell, the chair of Facilities Master Planning Committee, has been able to real-estate the room N2-603 for the senate. With some coordinating and following-through with various departments we now have our own dedicated work space to archive records and documents. With the wonderful furniture donated by Paulette Lino and Admissions and Records and the computer and phone installed by Dung and Charles of the IS department, we now have a great office to call our own! Thank you folks!

Classified Leadership Institute: Leadership training is a much needed skill of vital importance for the staff of Mission College. For this 2008 year, we have put together a group of ten highly enthusiastic classified staff who have stepped up to take advantage of leadership training offered by the Classified Leadership Institute at Granlibakken, Tahoe City. I want to thank Chancellor Arterberry, President Robles, and the Staff Development Committee for providing the financial support that has allowed an additional 6 staff members to attend this conference.

Classified Employee of the Year: We had the opportunity to honor three outstanding staff members with Classified Employee of the Year Award on May 29, 2008. The senate plans to create a tradition of holding two General Meetings and to find opportunity to honor at least one exceptionally outstanding classified staff at one such meeting. Thanks to the committee members: Debbie Domenici, Tim Karas, Cathy Cox, Liz Pelayo, and Shoba Singh for assessing and selecting these 3 special award winners from 30 nominations: Aileen de Guzman, Maria Ochoa, and Kim Phillips.

Mission College Classified Website: We had the opportunity to pose for the all-classified photo posted on our homepage. of our. My gratitude goes to Ken Oda, college webmaster, web editor for our first ever Mission College Classified Website.