What's Going On At PO?

Sunday, March 14, 2010

What's happening at Pacific Oaks - a Community Perspective

Betty Jones and Louise Derman Sparks denied access to Board meeting.

The Pacific Oaks Board of Trustees met on Saturday morning, October 26th. Betty Jones and Louise Derman Sparks were denied admission to the meeting. Derman-Sparks requested 5 minutes to address the Board. Betty Jones requested that she and faculty observers be permitted to come into the room to observe silently in support of the faculty representative's presentation. Julio Ramirez, President of the Board, refused them entry. They then stood outside and observed the meeting through closed glass doors along with other faculty members and students and friends who stood in silent protest. Friends and students held paper dolls with the names of those who were unable to attend. Perhaps 40 to 50 friends, students and faculty were present .

What can you do to help Pacific Oaks? Write or call the Board of Trustees. See the What You Can Do page for more suggestions.

Silent Protest, Saturday, October 26th, 8:00 AM, 5 Westmoreland Place. Students, alumni, faculty and friends invite you to join them in support of Pacific Oaks and to protest the management crisis at the college. They will be holding paper dolls with names of students and others all over the country who cannot attend the protest and have asked to be symbolically represented.

Karin Davalos has been elected Student Representative to the Board.

History of this crisis: In June President Carolyn Denham sent this memo to faculty and staff. In it she announces a "Contingency Plan for a Teach-out of the College"; i.e., to close down the college. She alleges a serious financial situation as the rationale for developing a plan to shut down PO. The Board of Trustees will decide the fate of Pacific Oaks at its fall board meeting on October 27th! Please take a moment to read the memo and the materials we have assembled here. We must act quickly to Save our School. Read more below . . .

My parents, Phillip and Marguerite Wells, were among the seven founding families of the Children's School who laid the foundation for the sustaining philosophy of the College. I was a child in the Children's School and a student in the college, receiving my Master's degree in 1979. I have taught in The Children's School in Pasadena and at The Little School in Seattle when it was affiliated with PO. The principles I learned both as a child and as an adult at Pacific Oaks have been an invaluable resource and guide for me through out my professional career in Early Childhood Education . . . In the voices of the faculty and of their students lay the richness of Pacific Oaks' educational history. They have held to the original values even as they work on enriching new ideas. They are what make Pacific Oaks the effective leader in education that it is.

Martha Wells Foster
Instructor, Education/Child and Family Studies
Linn Benton Community College
Albany, Oregon

Student Teach In Tuesday, October 23rd. Pacific Oaks students will conduct a teach in from 4 to 8 PM at the Friends Meeting, 526 East Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena. See linked Teach In flyer for details. Online students can go to PO Community Center for details.

Just In - On September 27th the Pacific Oaks Core Faculty sent the following letter to the Board of Trustees. It details in specific terms the nature and seriousness of the problems at the college.

IMPORTANT - STUDENT ELECTIONS: An election for student representative to the Board is currently being conducted through the Pacific Oaks website. The election dates are 10/8 - 10/18 - now extended to 10/22 because of many complaints. Publicity of the election has been minimal and the voting process is extremely difficult. (Datatel has been down so no voting was possible for several days; the format of Datatel has been changed and is unfamiliar; students need to know their student i.d. numbers - and only Datatel knows and uses i.d. numbers so most students do not have access to their i.d. numbers without a lengthy process requiring returned phone calls --always problematic

Friends of Pacific Oaks hopes to help facilitate the election by posting the candidates' statements (click here) which are not visible on the PO website without a student i.d. number. We also want to make note of the many difficulties and roadblocks which are causing students to be upset and to question the good faith of this election process.

JUST IN: American Association of University Professors responds to PO Core Faculty letter of complaint. Robert Kreiser urges President Denham and Board Chair Julio Ramirez to restore academic freedom to the faculty, to restore a consultative governance model, to restore appropriate institutional decision-making powers to the faculty, to restore faculty input on budgetary matters. Read the full text here . . .
For more on academic freedom see Threats to Progressive Education.

On September 24th President Denham fired the Vice Provost for Enrollment, without explanation. President Denham is now President of the College, Acting Provost, and Vice Provost for Enrollment.

What can you do? For suggested actions go to the What You Can Do and Updates pages.

Correction: Ray Cortines, Life Trustee, was recently added to the Paciic Oaks Website's Board Directory. His address is 356 West Del Mar Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91105. Please include him in your letters to the Board. If you've already written to the Board, send a copy to Mr. Cortines so he knows what you think!

September 20th Update: Julio Ramirez, President of the Board of Trustees has sent a letter to all students and has posted the same letter on the Pacific Oaks website under "Updates". Following is an Open Letter from the Friends of Pacific Oaks to Julio Ramirez acknowledging the Board's communication and re-stating our concerns. For more updates and responses to the Chairman of the Board's letter please see the Updates page on this website.

September 20, 2007

Dear Julio Ramirez,

We are gratified by your response to the concerns voiced to the Board by hundreds of constituents, and by your shared passion about Pacific Oaks and its mission and future. We sincerely hope that, as per the Guide to Governance, the Board and other administrators (Provost or Academic Dean, Chief Financial Officer) work together in a consultative manner to move forward with plans for this coming semester. We see four major issues facing Pacific Oaks today: 1) the closure of the cohorts; 2) the absence of an Academic Dean or Provost; 3) the need for a community-wide evaluation of the President; and 4) the demands being placed on the seriously understaffed student services offices.

The cohorts: We continue to believe that the “shortfalls in enrollment and other problems with our off-site programs” and the “risks they raised”, were generated by the abrupt cessation of enrollment in those programs sometime in January. We also believe there was no “noncompliance” with the college’s standards. The President was notified in weekly or bi-monthly reports about the cohorts which were approved by several Board committees and the full Board. They were generating enough income to pay for themselves and contribute 50% of their income to the college. If there are “setbacks”, they are because the President, under the guidance of the Board, unilaterally shut down income-generating programs. How can this have been perceived as a risk to the college? The risk is to keep them closed. What are the plans for re-opening these valuable programs?

The Provost: Pacific Oaks is in violation of the principles and standards of the American Association of University Professors, formulated in conjunction with the American Council on Education and the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges. Faculty must have representation and the decision-making powers generally set forth in the AAUP guidelines. The President’s major work should be in fund-raising and in administrative oversight of the entire institution to insure that all support services are functioning well so that the programs of the college can be carried out. When the President attempts to serve as acting Provost, all aspects of the college suffer. When will a Provost be hired?

Evaluation of the President: Pacific Oaks is in violation of the standards set forth by its own By-Laws, the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, and WASC all of which require annual evaluations of the President in addition to a community-wide evaluation of the President which should occur every five (5) to seven ((7) years. President Denham has never been evaluated (or at least the community has never been informed of an evaluation) and the Pacific Oaks community has a right to participate in the evaluation just as the Board of Trustees has a responsibility to the college to conduct an evaluation. When will a community-wide evaluation of the President be conducted?

Student services: Student services are woefully understaffed because of the President's hiring freeze. Most offices are down at least one and sometimes two full time employees. To effectively recruit new students, process new admissions, bill for tuition, handle registration and advising issues, and otherwise meet students' needs these offices must have the staff and support they need. When will these positions be filled?

We are gratified that the Board intends to keep us informed of what will be a thorough, open and data-based process. We strongly support and want to join with you in your efforts to restore Pacific Oaks to academic and financial viability.

Sincerely yours,

Friends of Pacific Oaks

September 2, 2007 Update: Betty Williams, Pacific Oaks College Life Trustee and former Board Chair, sent this letter to President Denham and the Board of Trustees:

President Carolyn Denham
Pacific Oaks College & Children’s School
5 Westmoreland Place
Pasadena, CA 92203

Dear Carolyn, Board of Trustees and Life Trustees:

I am writing to you to express my deep concern about what is transpiring at Pacific Oaks. It has come to my attention through the Friends of Pacific Oaks website and letters from and conversations with constituents of the college that you and the Board are preparing plans for a possible teach-out or closure of Pacific Oaks.

As you know, I am a Life Trustee. I was a board member for 20 years and chairman for seven. My daughter Barry attended Pacific Oaks, as have several of my grandchildren. I have strong ties to the school and do not take lightly plans to shut down any portion of Pacific Oaks.

As a friend of P.O. for over fifty years, I recommend that you and the board reconsider your position and go back to the Guide to Governance drafted in January 1979, which clearly states that decisions concerning the college “should be made by a process that is consultative rather than authoritarian” and that “the president shall have the leadership and initiative regarding institutional focus” but that “changes or revisions shall be made in consultation with others …” I’ve attached a copy of the guide for your perusal.

In my time, communications between the board and faculty worked well. The school is after all rooted in Quakerism, which works on the principle of shared beliefs and activities. As a former Chair of your board, I urge you to listen to faculty and students, as their guidance is important.

Sincerely,

Betty Williams

History of this crisis:

In June President Carolyn Denham sent this memo to faculty and staff. In it she announces a "Contingency Plan for a Teach-out of the College"; i.e., to close down the college. She alleges a serious financial situation as the rationale for developing a plan to shut down PO. The Board of Trustees will decide the fate of Pacific Oaks at its fall board meeting on October 27th! Please take a moment to read the memo and the materials we have assembled here. We must act quickly to Save our School.

Fact: There is NO financial crisis, as documented by the Pacific Oaks IRS FORM 990 (NOTE: to view the Form 990 you must register with the linked site, then search for Pacific Oaks, then scroll to the bottom of the page), and the PACIFIC OAKS FINANCIAL STATUS document.

Question: Why would the president assert a serious financial situation when none exists?

In her June 2006 “President’s Annual Report,” Denham said: “We are in a sound financial position, the College is growing, and a recent accreditation report gave us rave reviews!"

In a June, 2007 memo to staff, Denham, referring to the “seriousness of the current financial situation”, states that she has been directed by the Board to prepare three plans: a short term plan to “stabilize” the college, a longer term plan to make PO “sustainable,” and a “contingency” plan to negotiate a Teach Out.

Fact: There is no need for a "Teach Out". There is a plan. There is no financial crisis.
Question: How could the President announce in June that the college was growing and in good financial health and nine months later declare a financial crisis and call for a Teach Out plan?

After a glowing WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) report and a June 2006 surplus of $900,000, President Denham forced the resignation of the Provost, under whose guidance the WASC report was implemented, and seems to be dismantling the innovative off-campus programs that bring in a significant percentage of our tuition, and that directly reflect and honor the college's Mission Statement, .

Question: Why would the president force the resignation of the person responsible for the best accreditation report in PO history?
Question: Why would the president close down financially successful programs that she authorized and approved?

We believe that President Denham is leading Pacific Oaks College in a frightening and potentially fatal direction. We encourage the Board of Trustees to review this website. We are concerned that the Board may not have seen President Denham's June memo that threatens a Teach Out. Click here for actions you can take.

Friends of Pacific Oaks College, July, 2007

Pacific Oaks is experiencing a crisis!

While the faculty, staff and alumni of Pacific Oaks continue to work towards the realization of the college's stated mission, we have become increasingly concerned that the present leadership of the college does not share that vision. Faculty and staff are working in an atmosphere of fear and unpredictability. Here is a list of Actions and Outcomes that have taken place since December, 2006 when the Provost was forced to resign.

Action: December 2006 - The President forced the resignation of the Provost who was responsible for the best Accreditation Report in Pacific Oaks' history and who developed the PO growth plan that was on target to double the college's enrollment by 2010. The President then declared herself Acting Provost with no plan to hire a replacement for the Provost. Since Carolyn Denham has been Acting Provost she has made program changes that contradict our representations to WASC in 2005.
Outcome: A consolidation of power and work load in one person which is inefficient and inappropriate, and a violation of WASC Academic Governance Standards.
Outcome: The faculty is without representation and has been forbidden to talk to the Board of Trustees.

Action: March 2007 - President Denham denied the validity of the PO Faculty Policy and Procedures Manual, approved by the Board of Trustees in 1989, that contained the equivalent of a tenure system.
Outcome: Academic freedom is no longer protected, faculty work on a year-to-year basis with no guarantee of being re-hired regardless of their length of employment with Pacific Oaks.

Action: March 2007 - Despite having sent her an intent-to-renew letter President Denham informed faculty member Dr. Martina Ayala that her contract for next year would not be renewed. Dr. Ayala was given no explanation for the non-renewal notification.
Outcome: Faculty wrote an Articulation of Concerns to the President.

Action: December 2006 - June 2007 - Many positions have been left empty for months; the Director of Advancement, the Provost, the Librarian. A Director of Advancement and a Librarian were just hired in July. There is still no Provost, leaving the faculty without representation.
Outcome: The faculty and staff have been struggling with work overloads in the absence of these vital resources.
Outcome: Students have protested claiming their rights to, among other things, a Librarian.

Action: January 2007 - The President closed the Center for Off-Campus Education.
Outcome: Insufficient staff support for the Cohort Programs and termination of recruiting efforts. Four people terminated, three of whom were Spanish speaking.

Action: January 2007 - The President cancelled any further enrollment in off-campus programs; Visalia, Chico, Santa Cruz, Salinas, Sacramento, San Diego, Porterville, Palm Springs, and Oakland.
Outcome: These programs, combined with Distance Learning, contribute approximately 40% of tuition income to the college, which is 95% tuition dependent and cannot afford this loss.
Outcome: Chapman College has now recruited the 20 students in the Visalia MFCC Latino Family Specialization program, a dollar loss to Pacific Oaks of around $880,000.
Outcome: The sudden termination of programs has resulted in great damage to Pacific Oaks' credibility and recruting potential as well as disruption to the lives of students ready to enroll. Oakland students sent this letter to President Denham articulating their concerns.

Action: January 2006 - Faculty asked the Board of Trustees for an Evaluation of the President.
Outcome: The Board rejected the Faculty request stating they had evaluated her in June 2005 and renewed the President's contract for another five years. This is contrary to standard procedure for a Board of Trustees. It is customary and prudent to conduct a "360" evaluation - a confidential evaluation in which all constituencies participate - every 5 to 7 years and before renewing a President's contract.

Action: June 2007 - The President is developing a plan for a Teach Out, and a closure of PO.
Outcome: Widespread student fear and incalculable loss of new students.

Student Concerns: Students are increasingly dissatisfied. Pasadena students planned a demonstration outside the Board meeting on April 15, 2007. Although the meeting was cancelled by President Denham, the demonstration took place. Students presented a list of eleven concerns and demands to the Board, noting the dramatic increases in tuition, the racist overtones of recent firings and program closures, and demanding additional faculty and staff support. Here is the President's response to the students.

About the Academic Centers:
The college serves a growing number of students in Pasadena, but a far larger number of students, particularly non-traditional students, can be reached through distance programs. Between 2002 and 2006, twelve cohort groups averaging 15 to 20 students each were created and enrolled at nine academic centers throughout California. The academic centers, described by the President in 2006 as “the fastest growing part of the College, [that] respond to community requests for Pacific Oaks degree programs,” served a significant number of Spanish bilingual students.

Center for Off-Campus Education (COCE)
Recruiting for academic centers has stopped. In January 2007 the President abruptly closed the Center for Off-Campus Education, fired its Spanish bilingual staff, and closed the recruiting/admission process for cohorts, including those in process. The Extended Education staff was eliminated and the faculty member who directed the program was let go.

A scheduled cohort in Visalia was precipitously closed in the spring of 2007.

Faculty has been denied access to the institutional budget. It is impossible to know if the financial crisis is real, or what steps have been and could be taken to alleviate a crisis if one exists.

Lawsuits and worker’s compensation claims have been filed against the college by employees and former employees and a student class action suit is threatened.

Pacific Oaks NorthWest (PONW)

In 2003 Pacific Oaks Northwest (PONW), a large and vibrant campus, was closed, despite protests and petitions from students and faculty at PONW and Pasadena. Six core faculty, an Associate Dean and support staff who served large numbers of students were “phased out.” Faculty drafted and presented to President Denham and the Board of Trustees a vote of No Confidence in the President.

This is an independent website created by the Friends of Pacific Oaks. The contents of this website do not represent the views or official position of Pacific Oaks College and Children’s School or have any official affiliation with its administration or employees.

The materials posted on this website represent the ideas of an independent group of individuals who have come together out of concern for Pacific Oaks College. We would be happy to correct any errors of fact contained on this website. If you believe that there are factual errors, please email Friends of Pacific Oaks -- and provide us with your name, relationship to Pacific Oaks College and Children’s School and documentary evidence showing the error you seek to have us correct. It is our desire to provide accurate information and to foster the well-being of Pacific Oaks.