Day 1

8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Day 2

7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Room Location: Carousel Ballroom

Welcome from the Host – Valentina Purtell, President, North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE)

Welcome to the City of Anaheim – The Honorable Ashleigh Aitken, Mayor of Anaheim

Welcome to The Westin Anaheim Resort – Paul Sanford, CEO of Wincome Hospitality / The Westin
Anaheim Resort

Welcome from the Host District – Dr. Byron Clift Breland, Chancellor, North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD)

9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

Listen to a dynamic panel of students as they share their stories on the profound and transformational impact of noncredit education. Discover how these programs are changing lives, breaking barriers, and opening doors to new opportunities.

Moderator: Dr. Byron Clift Breland, Chancellor, NOCCCD

  • Miguel Soto Troccoly, NOCE
  • Jennifer Nunez, Pasadena City College
  • Magally Castillo Melendez, San Bernardino Valley College
  • Haydee Zuniga, San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE)

10:20 a.m. – 10:35 a.m.

Vision 2030 Overview and Update – Dr. Sonya Christian, Chancellor, California Community Colleges

10:40 a.m. – 11:25 a.m.

Campus presidents share their insights on noncredit education’s critical role in their communities and their efforts to amplify its presence on their campuses. Discover the bold steps being taken to transform educational landscapes and empower students through noncredit programs.

Moderator: Dr. Sonya Christian, Chancellor, California Community Colleges

  • Dr. Lena Tran, President, Columbia College
  • Dr. Martha Garcia, President/CEO, Mt. SAC
  • Dr. Ajita Talwalker Menon, President & CEO, Calbright College

11:30 a.m. – 11:55 a.m.

Discover the power of collaboration in advancing noncredit education through strong community partnerships. This panel brings together voices from diverse sectors, including non-profit organizations, employers, and community service providers, to share strategies for building successful alliances that support adult learners. Learn how these partnerships create pathways for inclusive education and workforce development, benefiting students and the broader community.

Moderator: Dr. Madelyn Arballo, Vice President, School of Continuing Education, Mt. SAC

  • Lisa Berghouse McPheron, Director of Organizational Advancement, Pathways of Hope
  • Frank Pancucci, Assistant Director of Strategic Partnerships, United Domestic Workers (UDW)
  • Caroline Do, Program Lead, UDW Resource Center
  • Kenny Chiu, Manager, Pharmacy and Retail Operations, Walgreens Company

12 p.m. – 12:55 p.m. Lunch will be served in the Carousel Ballroom

Getting Grounded in the Community

1 p.m. – 1:50 p.m. Breakout Sessions (choose one)

  • Room Location: Gloriana A/B

    Noncredit 101: Foundations and Future

    Join the California Community College (CCC) Chancellor’s Office team as they dive into key regulations, innovative strategies, and essential resources for establishing robust noncredit programs on CCC campuses. Gain expert insights
    and practical guidance to elevate your institution’s noncredit offerings and drive student success.

    Presented by:

    • Gary W. Adams, Dean of Apprenticeship and Adult Education, CCC Chancellor’s Office
    • Mayra Diaz, Program Lead, California Adult Education Program, CCC Chancellor’s Office
    • Dr. Lisa Mednick Takami, Director, CC TAP
  • Room Location: Gloriana C

    Campus Champions

    Join this insightful panel discussion to learn tangible strategies for building a team of champions dedicated to supporting noncredit programs on college campuses. This session will discuss how to foster a culture that embraces noncredit, ensures equitable access to resources, and promotes inclusion in campus life and operations.

    Moderator: Dr. Jorge Gamboa, Dean, Social Science Division, Fullerton College

    • Dr. Graciela Vasquez, Dean of Continuing Education, Cerritos College
    • Dr. Dione Carter Hodges, Dean, Academic Affairs, Santa Monica College
    • Dr. Allison Tom Miura, Dean, Academic Affairs, West Los Angeles College
  • Room Location: Delicia

    Community Connect: Mastering Outreach Strategies for Noncredit Programs

    Discover the secrets to effective community outreach strategies for noncredit programs. Learn proven techniques to connect, engage, and inspire your community, driving enrollment and success for your noncredit offerings.

    Moderator: Michael Mahin, Ph.D, Creative Director, Graduate Communications

    • Laura Sherwood, Special Project Manager, Noncredit Engagement, Mt. SAC
    • Brenna Leon Sandeford, Public Information Officer, SDCCE
    • Jennifer Perez, Director of Campus Communications, NOCE

10 MINUTE TRANSITION BREAK

2 p.m. – 2:50 p.m. Planting and Nurturing Noncredit Programs – Breakout Sessions (choose one)

  • Room Location: Gloriana A/B

    Fast-Tracking Success: Articulation Agreements for Noncredit and Credit Courses

    Unlock the future of seamless education through the development of articulation pathways from noncredit-to-credit
    courses. Learn how to accelerate time to completion and empower students to transition smoothly while maximizing
    their academic and career potential.

    Presented by:

    • Dr. Osiel R. Madrigal, Faculty Coordinator/Associate Professor/Department Chair (Career Education)
    • Claire Coyne, Professor/Department Chair (Geology) and President/Academic Senate of Santa Ana College
    • Alejandro Moreno, Associate Professor/Department Co-Chair (Counseling Department) and Parliamentarian/Academic Senate of Santa Ana College
    • Dr. Jesus Miranda, Dean, Instruction and Student Services, Santa Ana College School of Continuing Education
    • Lorena Chavez, Dean, Instruction and Student Services, Santa Ana College School of Continuing Education
  • Room Location: Gloriana C

    Creating a Welcoming Campus: Enhancing Belonging through Strategic Facility Design

    Explore strategies to enhance a sense of belonging for noncredit students through intentional campus design, strategic placement of noncredit programs, and inclusion in the facilities’ master plan. Join us to discover how thoughtful planning can create welcoming spaces that support and empower adult learners.

    Presented by:

    • Fred Parker, Owner’s Representative, Program and Project Director, PM-CM Operations for MAAS Companies, Inc.
    • Mario Violich, Principal, Moore Ruble Yudell, Architects and Planners
    • Gabriel Strzepek, Associate, Moore Ruble Yudell, Architects and Planners
  • Room Location: Delicia

    Pathway to Prosperity: Bridging Noncredit Programs to Credit and Career Success

    Discover how to bridge noncredit-to-credit programs and career success through effective course mapping and warm hand-off services. Join us to explore actionable strategies that ensure a smooth transition that help students achieve their academic and professional goals.

    Presented by:

    • Chrissy Gascon, Dean of Instruction and Student Services, Santiago Canyon College Continuing Education
    • Cristina Morones, Assistant Professor/Coordinator, Career Education Healthcare, Santiago Canyon College
      Continuing Education
    • Patty Sanchez, ESL Healthcare Pathway Coordinator, Santiago Canyon College Continuing Education

15 MINUTE COFFEE AND TRANSITION BREAK

3:05 p.m. – 3:55 p.m. Serving the Diverse Needs of Adult Learners – Breakout Sessions (choose one)

  • Room Location: Gloriana A/B

    Creating Resilient Learners: The Impact of Trauma-responsive Practices in Noncredit Education

    Noncredit adult students often navigate a complex landscape of educational barriers, many of which stem from past traumas, socio-economic challenges, and systemic inequities. To foster meaningful academic success and personal growth within this population, it is imperative that institutions address these underlying issues through a holistic approach. This breakout session will delve into the profound impact of focusing on basic human emotional needs, integrating trauma-responsive practices, and supporting nervous system regulation.

    Presented by:

    • Dr. Erin Sherard, President, Essential Connections and NOCE Faculty
    • Jamie De La Mora, Vice President, Essential Connections and NOCE Faculty
  • Room Location: Gloriana C

    Beyond the Books: Holistic Support for Adult Learners’ Success

    Explore essential student support services tailored for adult learners in noncredit programs, focusing on effective onboarding and addressing basic needs. This presentation will highlight strategies to enhance student success, retention, and persistence by providing comprehensive and personalized support from start to goal completion.

    Moderator: Martha Gutierrez, Vice President, Student Services, NOCE

    • Renu Katoch, Professor, Noncredit Counseling, Mt. SAC
    • Maria Lopez, Counselor, CAEP Transitions, San Bernardino Valley College
    • Sany Ramirez, Professor/Counselor, SDCCE
  • Room Location: Delicia

    Inclusive Futures

    Learn the key findings and actionable recommendations from the white paper, “Best Practices to Include Students with Disabilities in Higher Education and Postsecondary Programming Supporting Competitive, Integrated Employment (CIE).” This presentation, resulting from a collaborative effort between the Orange County Local Partnership Agreement Steering Committee and the California Association for Postsecondary Education and Disability, will showcase insights from 13 California community colleges and five universities.

    Presented by:

    • Dr. Adam Gottdank, Associate Dean, Disability Support Services, NOCE and President, CAPED
    • Michelle Patrick, Counselor, Disability Support Services, and Academic Senate President, NOCE
    • Christine Moody, Director of Research, UCLA Peers Clinic, Postsecondary Education and Employment Specialist, UCLA Tarjan Center
    • Linda O’Neal, Transition Specialist, Chapman University, Thompson Policy Institute on Disability, and Transition Programming Consultant, Regional Center of Orange County

4 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.

Room Location: Carousel Ballroom

Day One Wrap-Up – Valentina Purtell, President, North Orange Continuing Education

Fall leaves in assorted colors for decoration but upside-down
Fall leaves in assorted colors for decoration

7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Breakfast and Visit Sponsors

8:30 a.m. – 8:55 a.m.

Room Location: Carousel Ballroom

Welcome from the Host – Valentina Purtell, President, North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE)

Welcome from Host District – Evangelina Rosales, President, Board of Trustees, North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD)

Welcome from CC TAP – Dr. Lisa Mednick Takami, Director, Community College Technical Assistance Provider (CC TAP), North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE)

Welcome from ACCE – Dr. Emma Diaz, President, Association of Community and Continuing Education (ACCE)

  • Dr. Madelyn Arballo, ACCE Partner Liaison

9 a.m. – 9:40 a.m.

Join us for an insightful panel discussion on how advocacy-driven policies are transforming adult education. Our expert panel will delve into the impact of advocacy efforts on policy development and the ways these policies are reshaping the landscape of adult learning. Hear from educators, policymakers, and advocates as they share strategies, successes, and challenges in driving meaningful change.

Moderator: Ashley Walker, Nossaman LLP

  • Josh Newman, Senator, California State Senate, District 29
  • Stewart Knox, Secretary, California Labor & Workforce Development Agency
  • Eloy Oakley, President & CEO, College Futures Foundation

9:45 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.

In the second part of our discussion, you will enjoy the conversation focused on the role of key decision-makers. This session offers a unique opportunity to understand the intersection of governance and advocacy in educational policy, providing valuable takeaways for anyone involved in shaping the future of noncredit education.

Conversation with:

  • Amy M. Costa, President, California Community Colleges Board of Governors
  • Evangelina Rosales, President, Board of Trustees, NOCCCD
  • Cheryl Aschenbach, President, Academic Senate for California Community Colleges
  • Anthony Cordova, Vice Chancellor of Workforce and Economic Development, California Community Colleges

10:30 a.m. – 11:10 a.m. Nuts & Bolts – Breakout Sessions (choose one – 100 max per room)

  • Room Location: Gloriana A/B

    Crafting Success

    Discover the keys to curriculum development and innovative program design for noncredit programs in this engaging presentation. Learn how to create cutting-edge, relevant content that meets the evolving needs of learners and drives success in noncredit education.

    Presented by:

    • Maryanne Galindo, Academic Senate President, Department Chairperson, ARCC Institute, LA Mission College
    • Richard Gholson, Academic Senate Curriculum Chair, SDCCE
  • Room Location: Gloriana C

    Credit Where It’s Due: Credit for Prior Learning

    Explore the essentials of prior learning assessment and course mapping for noncredit students in this insightful presentation. Get an introduction to credit for prior learning tools and practices that can help you effectively recognize and validate students’ prior experiences, paving the way for academic and career advancement.

    Presented by:

    • Sam Lee, Senior Advisor to the Chancellor, Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) and Chief Ambassador, California MAP Initiative
    • Virginia “Ginni” May, Senior Advisor to the Chancellor, Office of Equitable Student Learning, Experience, and Impact, California Community Colleges
  • Room Location: Delicia

    Bridging Pathways to Livable Wages: Transforming Access and Inclusion through Noncredit Programs

    This session explores data how noncredit education improves access, inclusion, and economic mobility for California’s adult learners. It will focus on transitions between adult education and community colleges and offer strategies for leveraging non degree credentials to enhance livable wage attainment. Participants will examine Promising Practices data from 12 exemplar institutions from high-performing CAEP regions.

    Presented by:

    • Dr. Monique O. Ositelu, CEO, Founder & Data Strategist, ITÀN

10 MINUTE TRANSITION BREAK

11:20 a.m. – 12 p.m. Showcasing Existing Triumphs – Breakout Sessions (choose one – 100 max per room)

  • Room Location: Gloriana A/B

    Apprenticeship Pathways: Multi-Agency Collaboration Model

    This session will delve into successful collaboration models, featuring strategic partnerships between Santa Rosa Junior College, College of Marin, and the Local Bus Driver Union. Learn how these institutions work with the Division of Apprenticeship Standards to create robust programs that meet industry needs. Gain insights into effective student recruitment and outreach strategies, tracking success and ensuring continuous improvement and student achievement.

    Presented by:

    • Gustavo A. Sanchez Sanchez, Faculty Associate/Outreach Coordinator, Santa Rosa Junior College Adult Education
  • Room Location: Gloriana C

    Measuring Success

    Dive into the recommended Vision 2030 implementation metrics for noncredit programs and discover how to effectively measure success and progress. This presentation will also cover professional development strategies for equipping practitioners with the tools and skills needed to drive successful implementation and achieve transformative outcomes.

    Presented by:

    • Erik Cooper, Vice Chancellor of Workforce and Research, California Community Colleges
    • Dulce Delgadillo, Director, Office of Institutional Research and Planning, NOCE
    • Jesus Rivas, Associate Dean, Research, Planning, and Innovation, SDCCE
    • Dr. Lisa Mednick Takami, Director, CC TAP, NOCE
    • Maryanne Galindo, Academic Senate President and Department Chairperson, ARCC Institute, LA Mission College
  • Room Location: Delicia

    Transformative Success through Equity-Based Approach

    Join Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) School of Continuing Education (SCE) and learn about students’ achievements
    from noncredit academic support courses. In this session, you will discover equity-focused approaches to serving
    underrepresented students across the campus community. You will also gain insights into strategies for engaging
    campus partners to empower the diverse adult learner population.

    Presented by:

    • Dr. Madelyn Arballo, Vice President, Mt. SAC School of Continuing Education
    • Landry Chaplot, Professor, Adult Basic Education, Mt. SAC School of Continuing Education
    • Dr. L.E. Foisia, Professor, Basic Skills, Mt. SAC School of Continuing Education
    • Lesley Johnson, Director, Adult Basic Education, Mt. SAC School of Continuing Education

10 MINUTE TRANSITION BREAK

12 p.m. Lunch served in the Carousel Ballroom Lobby

12:15 p.m. – 1 p.m. Featured Speaker

Room Location: Carousel Ballroom

In an era of rapid change and uncertainty, higher education institutions must evolve to stay ahead of the curve and secure long-term success for their students. This breakout session will explore the Futurism of Student Success, focusing on innovative strategies to future-proof your institution, adapt to unpredictable environments, and enhance student outcomes.

Presented by:

  • Dr. Ed Venit, Managing Director, Strategic Research, EAB

1 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Room Location: Carousel Ballroom

Day Two Wrap-Up – Valentina Purtell, President, North Orange Continuing Education