Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: What does the Consortium do?

A: The Consortium provides services and assistance to community colleges faculty, staff and administrators in the Inland Empire. It provides support to individual colleges to design programs and courses that will be used region-wide to meet student needs for workforce competence and advancement. The Consortium strives to strengthen leadership and communication across colleges and public and private partners. It also provides professional development opportunities, disseminates best practices, and increases the visibility of vocational and technical education, and economic development opportunities throughout the region.

 

Q: Can other Colleges become members?
A: No, regions were defined by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. The Desert Consortium comprises the 11 colleges listed on this website. Other colleges in California are served by their own regional consortium.

 

Q: I am not in the Inland Empire; how can I find out how to contact the Consortium serving my region?
A: They are listed at: http://cccaoe.org/Colleges/consortia-contact.html

 

Q: Who leads the Consortium?
A: Riverside Community College District was awarded the leadership grant and the administration of the Consortium through a competitive process. The project coordinator is Julie Pehkonen. She can be reached at (951) 222-8026 or julie.pehkonen@rcc.edu

 

Q: What happens at Regional Consortium’s meetings and should I attend?
A: Three groups meet separately at 8:30 AM: (1) Regional Occupation Deans, (2) CalWORKs administrators and staff, and (3) Economic and Workforce Development professionals (including Contract Education Practitioners and Initiative Center Directors). They then meet all together from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Meeting minutes and agendas are available on this website. If you would like to attend, talk to your college’s representative listed in the “Consortium Members” section.

 

Q: Where can I find Consortium meeting minutes and agendas?
A: Information is posted in our Calendar of Events.

 

Q: Where can I find information on the program approval process?

A: They are available in the “Downloads” section of this website.