The Classified Leadership Institute (CLI) is the largest, most comprehensive learning conference and professional development opportunity aimed at California Community College Classified Professionals. CLI seeks to promote leadership training while strengthening the classified presence in participatory governance at the local and state level. The conference is open to all Classified Professionals working at the 116 California Community Colleges.
Why CLI?
Our annual conference brings Classified Professionals across the state to share their tools, models, and accomplishments that lead participants to increase their confidence, enhance their professional skills, and knowledge of our California Community Colleges.
Activities include both interactive and informational sessions presented by our fellow colleagues. The conference also provides ample time for networking. CLI is designed to meet the educational needs of today’s California Community College Classified Professionals.
Presenter Registration: March 31, 2023 – $700 ($25 Discount)
Early Bird + Presenter Registration: February 15, 2023 – $650 ($75 Discount)
Regular Registration: May 26, 2023 – $725To register click here
The below schedule is subject to change.
| Tuesday, June 6, 2023 | |
| 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Senate President’s Retreat |
| Wednesday, June 7, 2023 | |
| Breakfast on your own | |
| 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Registration/Check-in |
| 8:30 a.m. – 9:15a.m. | Newcomer to CLI Session |
| 9:45 a.m. – 10:30a.m. | Using the Conference APP |
| 10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Welcome & Housekeeping |
| 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | General Session |
| 12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. | Lunch |
| 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Concurrent Sessions – 6 sessions |
| 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Concurrent Sessions – 6 sessions |
| Dinner on your own | |
| 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Social Gathering & Spirit Contest |
| Thursday, June 8, 2023 | |
| 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | General Session and Annual Business Meeting |
| 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Concurrent Sessions – 6 sessions |
| 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Lunch and Opportunity Drawing |
| 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Concurrent Sessions – 6 sessions |
| 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Concurrent Sessions – 6 sessions |
| 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | 4CS President Hosted Social Hour (all welcome) |
| 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | Dinner, Awards, and Dancing |
| Friday, June 9, 2023 | |
| 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Breakfast & Legislative Update, CLI Wrap-up and Final Drawings |
The Marriott Visalia at the Convention Center. The Marriott is sold out, if you still need a room, please call the Hampton Inn or Comfort Suites directly and ask for the conference room rate. It is past the date to book a room, hopefully they will still honor the group rate:
The Hampton Inn, located at 4747 W. Noble Ave, Visalia, California 93291, is the official conference hotel. A special contracted room rate of $150/per night has been reserved for conference attendees. Under “Special Rates – Group Code” add CCL.
The Comfort Suites, located at 210 E. Acequia Ave, Visalia, California 93291, is the official conference hotel. A special contracted room rate of $145/per night has been reserved for conference attendees. To reserve your room, call the property directly at 559-738-1700 and ask to be in the Classified Leadership Institute (CLI) block.
A link to make a hotel reservation at the contracted room rate will be sent to registered attendees in their registration confirmation email. If you do not receive a registration confirmation email or the link, contact Sadie Brown at sadie@ccleague.org.
Family Members
If you plan to bring family members, please be sure to reserve a single room. If more than one room is needed, please book the additional room(s) directly with the hotel and not within the CLI room block. Family members are not included in reservations for CLI meals or activities, so please plan to pay for their meals and hotel services separately. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Keynote Speaker & Session Information
Dr. Abdimalik Buul is currently serving a two-year visiting executive of educational excellence and equal employment opportunity programs role at the California Community College Chancellor’s office. During this tenure he will assist in ensuring equal employment opportunities and initiatives are connected to the classroom for the largest system of higher education in the nation comprised of over 116 colleges. He is also an award-winning professor, antiracist activist, and emancipatory educator. Known as an international keynote speaker and innovative dynamic leader. He completed his bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a master’s degree in education with an emphasis in community-based counseling and social justice, both from San Diego State University (SDSU). He completed his doctorate work in Educational leadership with an emphasis in Educational Psychology from the University of Southern California (USC). Dr. Buul is also a lecturer at San Diego State University (SDSU) where he teaches Restorative Practices and Conflict Transformation to students in the Advanced Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Recovery & Trauma-informed Care MA in Education with concentration in Counseling program. He co-chairs the Statewide Equal Employment Opportunity Diversity Action Committee (EEODAC) and oversaw its deployment of the 2022 EEO Best Practices handbook. Under his leadership he crafted a funding allocation for $20 million-dollar EEO funding to improve hiring practices.
Dr. Cynthia Herrera is currently the Vice Chancellor of Institutional Effectiveness, Strategic Partnerships, Enrollment and Advancement for the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD). Prior to this position she served as the Associate Vice Chancellor of Strategic Partnerships and Planning for the VCCCD and Dean of Institutional Effectiveness at Oxnard College after maintaining the role of the Director of Project ASCENSIÓN, an initiative to enhance STEM educational programs and partnerships throughout the P-20 (Pre-school through Graduate level) pipeline. A few of her recognitions include: Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson as the “Woman of the Year” in Ventura County, recipient of the Chairman’s Award of Excellence from the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce two consecutive years, received the Latino Business Award sponsored by the Pacific Coast Business Times and acknowledged by the Ventura County Star 25 over 50 Award.
Dr. Herrera offers a wealth of experience in organizational development, project management, institutional effectiveness and systems design. She is a founding member of the Ventura County STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) Regional Network and has a successful track record in leading collaborative projects with community non-profits, businesses and education. She is an experienced grant writer, authoring more than thirty-six million dollars ($36,000,000) in State and Federal Grants for the Ventura County Community College District.
Prior to joining the Oxnard College team, Dr. Herrera maintained a successful consulting business; working with large public and private sector organizations and educational institutions. She is a passionate advocate for education, actively engaged in political and community constituencies as well as a published writer and collaborator of higher education presentations. Dr. Herrera serves as a Director on multiple educational and business Advisory Boards, as well as a dedicated volunteer to support countywide events and activities
Presentation
Wednesday, June 7, 2023 10:30am
I see you, do you see yourself? Maybe you’re struggling to find your purpose or are unsure about your path in life…Maybe others have placed you in a “box” …Maybe you just had a bad day and need a reminder that tomorrow’s a fresh start…Maybe you think others are right, you can’t do it…Or maybe, just maybe you CAN! This session will motivate you to stand tall and show the world what you are made of, knowing that you leave your mark on the world by being a part of something that is bigger than yourself. Going from classified to administrator, if I can do it, anyone can!
Thursday, June 8, 2023 8:30 – 10:00am
Keeping it Classy Classified – How we can continue to transform our institutions to be student centered with not just a sense of belonging for our students but truly enact the community part of community college. This is session will focus on service delivery and authentic engagement meeting our students and employees where they’re at.
Andrew Martinez – Friday, June 9, 2023 8:30am
Under the Dome: Legislative and Budget Update: The first year of the 2023-24 legislative session is moving quickly through the first-year deadlines for legislation. Staff from the League will provide an update on key legislative measures of interest for community colleges. Staff will also provide an up to the moment update on the 2023-24 State Budget, which will be inching closer to a final deal between the Legislature and Governor Newsom.
Guided Pathways Development Series
As Guided Pathways is expanded and transformative processes are designed and implemented, the need to further catalyze the classified professionals community is vital. The series outlined below is designed to facilitate deep discussion with the classified professional’s at the Classified Leadership Institute in a 3-part series. Utilizing the professional’s many years of experience, education, and wealth of institutional knowledge to expand and restructure student supports is key in moving forward with the Guided Pathways model. The series of workshops will provide opportunities for partnership and moving towards the Vision for Success in support of students completing their goals to graduation.
Part 1
Introductory Presentation: Classified Professionals
My Role in the Big Picture
We will explore how classified professionals make an impact on Guided Pathways and student services work at the college and how critical their roles and leadership will be to ensure the success of those efforts. They will explore and reflect how their positions and individual actions will lead to the success of students and building a stronger college community.
Part 2
Guided Pathways through an Equity Lens
Guided Pathways depends on a critical review of college processes in order to better serve the needs of our students. With such changes, your expertise as Classified Professionals plays a critical role to ensure success in this process. This session will utilize an equity-lens tool that infuses equity and assesses how operations and processes have a ripple effect. The goal is to streamline, prioritize, and focus our work on the tasks that best supports student achievement.
Part 3
Coming Together to Support the Work and Students
Learn about how other colleges and regions are leveraging their classified networks to deepen Guided Pathways efforts and improve the academic, personal, and professional outcomes of students at the systems level. Then, discuss how you and your classified peers can activate your collective power to create, engage in and own your space in the Guided Pathways movement!
Workshops
Call for Presentations!
The California Community College Classified Senate (4CS) announces its Call for Presentations for the 2023 Classified Leadership Institute (CLI). You are invited to submit a presentation proposal for a panel/group discussion or small group breakouts.
Application Link – Deadline to submit your Presentation Proposal: March 31, 2023
Why Present?
- Incredible professional development opportunity.
- Collaborate with colleagues throughout the state
- Presenters receive a $25 conference registration discount.
- Expand your professional portfolio.
- Be part of a vibrant community that has made CLI’s conference the “must-attend” event
- Be part of the only state-wide leadership conference for California Community College Classified Professionals
Presentation Types:
- Panel Discussion – Invited panelist provides multiple perspectives on an issue/topic. Generally, with a Q&A session at the end
- Group Discussion – Group Discussions provide a more personal and interactive setting for exploring key issues. Discussion leaders facilitate substantive discussions.
- Small Group Breakouts – Breakout Sessions feature a successful practice, program, or key issue.
Conference Workshop Strands
4CS is excited to announce the seven workshop strands that continue to evolve in response to the new opportunities facing community colleges. These primary strands help to create a dynamic program related to Classified Professionals improving student success.
- Participatory Governance
- Leadership
- Senate Building
- Personal Development & Wellness in your Persona/Professional Life
- DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility)
- Professional Development
- Guided Pathways
- Accreditation and Classified Involvement
- Program Review
- Grant Writing and other Funding Sources
- Senates and Unions
- Caring Campus
Additional Information
- Presentations will be reviewed for relevance and purpose to provide a balanced informational program.
- Presenters must register and pay the conference registration fee by March 31, 2023 to confirm participation.
- Presenters are paid neither honoraria nor expenses.
- 4CS reserves the right to make changes to proposed presentation titles and descriptions, to place sessions in alternative topic areas, and to encourage joint presentations if multiple proposals are
- submitted on similar topics.
All applications for scholarships are due by February 24, 2023
Classified Leadership Institute Scholarship Application:
How do you define leadership? Why do you want to attend the Classified Leadership Institute? If you identify as a Classified Professional with strong leadership skills or just want to build your skills, then this is the conference for you. Click here for more information and to apply.
All applications for awards are due by March 17, 2023
Classified Senate President Service Award:
Do you know an exemplary Classified Senate President? One who models strong leadership skills, inspires others, and shares a strong vision of excellence for students, staff, and the college? Nominations can be submitted by clicking here.
Recognition of Excellence in Servant Leadership:
This award recognizes a non-classified individual who is a strong advocate for Classified Professionals and Senates. Servant leaders support cross-functional collaboration, work with others to enrich the educational experience, and recognize the value of Classified participation. Nominations can be submitted by clicking here.
Website Competition
Think you have the best Classified Senate website in the State of California? Show us your stuff by entering the 2023 annual Classified Senate Website Competition. Click here for the entry form.
2023 Classified Leadership Institute Wed, June 7, 2023, to Fri, June 9, 2023 Visalia Convention Center
Exhibitor Opportunities
The California Community Colleges Classified Senate (4CS) 2023 Classified Leadership Institute (CLI) offers a great opportunity to exhibit your products and services while gaining brand recognition through advertising and sponsorships. The Annual CLI Conference has proven to be a highly effective way to reach those within California’s 116 community colleges; more than 200 community college classified professionals throughout the state attend this premier event. This year’s conference will be held June 7-9 at the Visalia Convention Center. All opportunities are on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage you to make reservations as soon as possible! The deadline to register as a sponsor is Friday, April 29, 2023, or until space fills. Exhibitor opportunities are limited and will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis. No refunds will be issued for cancellations. To inquire about exhibitor opportunities, please contact Kathy Matthies at area-b-rep@ccccs.org.
Table Fee: $700: includes one space with a table and two chairs. Meals include two lunches on Wednesday, two of each breakfast, lunch, and awards dinner on Thursday.
Credit Card Payment: Click Here
Event Details
- Setup: Wednesday & Thursday, June 7-8, 7:00 am–8:00 am
- Exhibitor Hours: Wednesday & Thursday, June 7-8, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Please mail the completed form with payment to California Community Colleges Classified Senate (4CS): 2037 W Bullard Avenue, PMB 387 Fresno, CA 93711
- Checks payable to California Community Colleges Classified Senate (4CS)
- 4CS and CCLC will not be held responsible for any items lost, stolen, or damaged.
- Confirmation of participation/space will be sent via email. Please notify us of any special needs that you may have.
Click here for our exhibitor form: Exhibitor Flyer and Application CLI 2023
2023 Classified Leadership Institute Wed, June 7, 2023, to Fri, June 9, 2023 Visalia Convention Center
Sponsorship Opportunities
Businesses and organizations that sponsor the Classified Leadership Institute activities have an impact on hundreds of community college leaders and affect more than two million students. Sponsorships are essential to further the work of educating California’s current and future workforce. The deadline to register as a sponsor is Friday, April 29, 2023, or until space fills. Sponsorship opportunities are limited and will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis. No refunds will be issued for sponsor cancellations. To inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Kathy Matthies at area-b-rep@ccccs.org.
Click here for our sponsorship form: CLI Sponsorship Letter and Form
Conference Sponsor:
One at $10,000
- Introduction at the opening general session and opportunity to introduce the company (3-minute max)
- Complimentary Exhibitor Table for two (includes all conference meals)
- Listing with name and/or logo on the 4CS website, 4CS social media, and conference mobile application
- Prominent placement of company signage at the conference (supplied by the company)
- List of attendees prior to the conference
Awards Dinner Sponsor:
One at $5,000
- Recognition at the Awards Dinner and dinner for two.
- Listing with name and/or logo on the 4CS website, 4CS social media, and conference mobile application
- Prominent placement of company signage at awards dinner (supplied by the company)
- List of attendees prior to the conference
General Session Sponsor:
Two at $2,500
- Recognition at the General Session
- Listing with name and/or logo on the 4CS website and conference mobile application
- Prominent placement of company signage at the general session (supplied by the company)
- List of attendees prior to the conference
Breakfast Sponsor:
Two at $2,000
- Listing with name and/or logo on the 4CS website and conference mobile application
- Prominent placement of company signage at breakfast (supplied by the company)
- List of attendees prior to the conference
Evening Social Mixer Sponsor:
Two at $1,500
- Listing with name and/or logo on the 4CS website and conference mobile application
- Sponsored by signage at the mixer sponsored (supplied by the company)
- List of attendees prior to the conference
Coffee Break Sponsor:
Four at $1,000
- Listing with name and/or logo on the 4CS website and conference mobile application
- Sponsored by signage at the coffee break sponsored (supplied by the company)
- List of attendees prior to the conference
Badge Sponsorship:
One at $750 – Note: The Badge Sponsorship has been claimed & is no longer available.
- Name and logo listed on the back of attendee’s name badges
- Listing with name and/or logo on conference mobile application
- List of attendees prior to the conference
One-Page Flyer Placement:
$500
- One full-page flyer placed on the information table near registration
- Listing with name and/or logo on conference mobile application
- List of attendees prior to the conference