Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the consortium do?
A:The Consortium provides services and assistance to community college faculty, staff and administrators in the Inland Empire/Desert Region. 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 career and technical education, and economic development opportunities throughout the region.
Q: Can other colleges become members?
A:No, regions are defined by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. The Desert Consortium comprises the 12 community colleges in Riverside and San Bernardino counties and are listed on this website. Other colleges in California are served by their own regional consortium.
Q: I am not in the Inland Empire/Desert Region; how can I find out how to contact the Consortium serving my region?
A:You can find information about the different regions at RegionalCTE.org
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 director and regional consortium chair is Julie Pehkonen. She can be reached at (951) 222-8221 or julie.pehkonen@rccd.edu
Q: What happens at regional consortium meetings and should I attend?
A:Two groups meet separately at 8:30 AM: (1) Regional CTE Deans, to review and endorse new CTE programs and (2) Economic and Workforce Development/Contract Education professionals (including not-for-credit practitioners and Regional Directors, Employer Engagement). All groups meet together at a general session beginning at 10:00 a.m. 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 Regional Meetings.
Q: Where can I find information on the program approval process?
A:It is available in the “Career and Technical Education” section of this website.