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To TCC Faculty and Staff:
I want to update you on the current state of affairs
concerning some full-time faculty colleagues who are proposing to form a union
at Tallahassee Community College. Everyone should be aware of the facts around
the situation so they can make educated decisions moving forward.
TCC is an incredible institution. I credit this to a shared
passion we all have to see our students succeed. Our faculty members are key to
this success and it is my desire to work with the faculty so we can continue to
provide a quality education to our students.
The College has always fostered an atmosphere of support for
our faculty. Although state funding for colleges has decreased over the
past several years, enrollment has declined and we have been unable to enact
tuition increases, I have advocated strongly to maintain the same level of
support. In fact, the base salary of our full-time faculty at TCC is the
seventh highest among the 28 institutions within the Florida College System,
and we offer an excellent comprehensive benefits package to all our full-time
While I respect the right of our employees to unionize,
faculty must recognize this is an important decision that could fundamentally
change the culture of our campus. In a unionized environment, we will lose the
flexibility we now have to address the unique needs of our faculty members,
communications with administration will be limited and we will not be able to
work together on an individual basis to resolve issues. This is not the type of
relationship we have enjoyed through the decades. I am concerned that the
College will not function as productively or efficiently if a union emerges.
The best way to move forward is together. The task force to
examine faculty reassignments has been convened and will report back to the
Board. In the meantime, as I pledged at the town hall meeting in April, I will
be more accessible to faculty and staff, with town halls held in the fall and
spring, regularly scheduled coffee conversations and more frequent classroom
and office visits across campus. I consider my accessibility to faculty and
staff a priority.
I also urge you to consider the costs of union membership,
including dues, fees and assessments. While the union may make promises in
order to obtain a vote, no such promises can be fulfilled unless the College
agrees. It is important to note that a union cannot guarantee certain benefits
or wages, or even that employees will continue to receive the same benefits
they have today.
Please also be aware that it will be the majority of faculty
members who actually cast a ballot, not the majority of faculty members, who
will decide on unionization. Silence on this issue could result in something
you do not necessarily want. When the vote occurs, please be sure to
participate so that a minority does not make a decision for the majority.
In closing, as we celebrate our 50th anniversary
and continue our Foundation's campaign to support the College and student
success, it's never been more important than now for us to work together. I would
like to continue to communicate and collaborate. If you have any concerns or
questions that you would like to share on this issue, please do not hesitate to
email me.
As most of you know, 2016 is our 50th anniversary as a college. Over the course of those 50 years we have grown and changed, sometimes in response to changing needs and often as a result of inspired leaders whose vision and leadership guided the college through periods of great challenge.
As we moved into our 50th anniversary year, I learned things that have been especially moving for me. In the past three months, I've heard stories from our rich history that I had never heard and established many new relationships with people who have all been impacted by TCC in one way or another throughout the years.
I've gotten to talk personally with some amazing people like Helen Harvey, Dot Binger and Judy Jolly, all of whom helped found TCC and educated some of our first students, as well as Sam Cunningham and Charlie Macon, who were leading this College as trustees as far back as 1966. What a humbling experience to learn their stories and how they shaped our college over the past decades.
Our milestone year presents us with an excellent opportunity for everyone to rally around the College and help us lay the groundwork for the next 50 years. So after months of thorough planning and hard work our Vice President for Resource Development and Executive Director of the Foundation Heather Mitchell officially announced our comprehensive campaign for the College, "TCC. We Rise.", at the Foundation's First Annual Cleaver and Cork Event on March 4. The campaign includes six areas of focus:
I'm thrilled to say today that our campaign has already reached $5.3 million of our $10 million goal. I attribute much of that success to Heather's skilled leadership with an amazing team behind her, as well as the leadership of two other power women – the unstoppable Pam Butler, president of the Foundation Board of Directors, and the dynamic and passionate Karen Moore, TCC trustee and campaign chair, a pillar in our community and one of the most gracious and accomplished people I've ever known. I commend these three for their leadership.
As our campaign continues to develop, I have had the opportunity to meet with alumni, donors, and potential donors. Every single person I have spoken with made it clear that this community believes in what we're doing at TCC. They all have family or friends of employees who went here, or they went here themselves. Theirs is a deep and universal gratitude for our College. They want to invest in the future of the College because of their past with the College, and they are as delighted to give recognition as they are to receive it. Their philanthropy is about their personal connection.
TCC is not just a community college, it's a community institution. I know that, the students know that and everyone who works here knows that. Please join us this year because together we rise!
Taking time to be retrospective is a wonderful exercise. Months ago when we started preparing for TCC's 50th Anniversary year we spent a lot of time looking back, from the foundation of the College to today, and who helped us along the way. The photos and documents we pulled from the archives, some of which dated back years before the doors even opened, were a wonderful reminder of our rich history and the significance of our institution.
With our anniversary year now well underway, everywhere I go there are people who have been impacted by TCC and express to me their heartfelt gratitude for the tremendous work we do. They ask, "Is Professor so-and-so still at the College?" or they tell me how much they loved a certain advisor or class. Some days it seems like most of our community either was a student, or knew a student, or hired a student. I can't begin to tell you how rewarding it is that these remarkable people, some of which I work with on a regular basis, have such a positive impression of this institution.
It continued last Thursday evening when we honored 50 such alumni as part of our 50 for 50 – a profile series that celebrates each of their achievements since graduation. The excitement in the room as each of them received their recognition was palpable. There was so much pride in being a part of TCC at such a momentous time.
For one of the honorees, TCC was as much a part of their family history as they are a part of ours. David Chapman's mother, Ruth, had served on our founding Advisory Board which organized the new College and would later become the District Board of Trustees. His father, Harold, was one of our celebrated early faculty and taught from 1967-79. David graduated in 1972 alongside his wife Diane and they were married the year after. A generation later, their two sons would attend here. They all take pride in TCC.
We could go on and on about the number of students we've served or the economic impact we've had on our community in 50 years, but this is what really matters – improving the fabric of our community, touching individual lives, being a part of the foundations of students' success. That is why we're here.
I can't wait for what's next. I hope all our faculty, staff, students and alumni will take the opportunity to join us for one of our many upcoming events.
On January 28, I will be hosting the Archive Gallery Exhibit Opening in the Fine and Performing Arts Center from 5:30 - 7 p.m. In addition to the many pieces of photography from 50 years of history that we will have on display, we will also be premiering the 50th Anniversary short film, "Celebrating a Legacy, Building a Future."
We also have our first ribbon-cutting ceremony of the year on February 15 at the Wakulla Environmental Institute. More details on that to come.
Visit 50.tcc.fl.edu for more information.
Every organization has a certain amount of inertia or velocity with which it moves steadily forward. This forward momentum is almost never the result of one massive push, but rather many small and determined pushes that are motivated by a collective desire for progress.
I have the honor of being at the helm of Tallahassee Community College as we celebrate our landmark 50th anniversary. This institution has seen some of the most hardworking, most dedicated people come through its doors over the last 50 years, students and employees alike. Each of them have shaped the College in their own way.
Where we are today and where we are going is the direct result of their small and determined pushes forward.
Every morning I pass the portraits of my predecessors on my way to my office. They hang on the wall just outside the Board Room and always remind me of the tremendous legacy of our College as well as that of the Office of the President. I am humbled to be counted among their ranks.
Our founding president Dr. Fred Turner was hired when we were nothing more than a legislative act and a service district and over the course of fourteen years, built us into one of the fastest-growing, most respected colleges in the state. It is said that he knew how to put people at ease, the type of man who "just got things done" which probably explains how he managed to not only create such a solid institution from scratch but also hire some of the region's best teachers and staff. After Turner, Dr. Marm Harris significantly expanded the student experience with cultural and athletics programs though he was only here for two years.
Our third president Dr. Jim Hinson fostered record-setting enrollment and faculty retention rates while simultaneously expanding the footprint of the College. A World War II veteran honored with a Bronze Star, Hinson was well-known as a man with integrity and a great reputation in higher education circles. Over the course of his 12 years at TCC, he was able to secure some of the best legislative support to date and the highest faculty salary average in the Florida College System.
Dr. T.K. Wetherell was and still remains one of the most esteemed members of our community. His impact on TCC can be seen in the scope and beauty of our campuses and the strength of our community relationships. Never before was there a president who accomplished so much, so quickly and with such quality. And finally our fifth president Dr. William Law – a gifted leader and strategist, his passion for academics led to a substantial expansion in programming as well as the establishment of groundbreaking student support services like the Learning Commons.
What is important to note is that none of these leaders had a truly blank slate to work from. They were each faced with a unique set of pre-existing challenges when they came into office. There were countless budget cut-backs and reorganizations, legislative issues and construction delays. But there were also opportunities – to adapt, to grow, to serve.
Looking back, each president was successful in navigating the challenges, leveraging the opportunities and progressing the College, even if the hours were long and progress was incremental.
The future we build for TCC will be on the foundation laid by these men.
Looking ahead I know that while many things will change, our College's core values will not.
One of our foremost responsibilities has always been to be responsive to the needs of our community, not just in the kinds of degrees or certificates we offer, but also in the method with which we offer them and the level of support and auxiliary programming we provide alongside.
The state of higher education today is such that we often find ourselves serving some students who possess better technology than the College itself alongside other students who have no access to technology or even reliable transportation and depend on our Centers and computer labs to access their classes. The technology landscape changes so quickly that we are often faced with having to choose long-term improvements over short-term enhancements as was the case with our new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. We chose Workday because we needed a forward-looking solution, not one that was built for the present.
Similarly, whole workforce industries are disappearing every year while others are just coming into existence. Tomorrow's fast growing careers don't exist today. How do we adapt? By staying nimble enough to make adjustments according to demand. Two years ago, no one would have ever thought we would be teaching students how to fly unmanned vehicles, but a need was expressed and we are now on our second class.
It is also vital that we teach skills that are transferable. For example, I just recently took the Presidents for Entrepreneurship Pledge as a uniquely effective way to provide students with the tools they need to succeed and help support our local economy. Entrepreneurship is not just a career path, it's a mindset that spurs innovation and job creation.
Most importantly, we have to make sure whatever program we offer leads to a career. To this end, we have made major commitments to our service district through our county-specific workforce institutes – the Florida Public Safety Institute in Gadsden, the Ghazvini Center for Healthcare Education in Leon and the Wakulla Environmental Institute in Wakulla. These dedicated facilities are entirely focused on providing an advanced level of career training in public safety, healthcare and the environment, respectively, which are the sectors in our workforce that we have identified as strategic to the success of our district, our College, and our students.
Access is the hallmark of a community college. At TCC, we don't have GPA minimums or extracurricular requirements, we have an open door. We keep college affordable by maintaining one of the lowest tuition rates in the state. We have always placed an emphasis on teaching as was indicated by our very first catalog back in 1966:
"The truest measure of the worth of any college is its faculty. The Tallahassee Junior College faculty is a TEACHING faculty… Their major efforts are directed toward the student in the classroom, toward helping him master his subject matter and toward helping him realize his potential."
Access does not just mean the first step, though. Every semester we welcome a vibrant and diverse group of students with unique needs. We are here to bring out the best in them, to help them succeed from their first class to graduation and beyond. Last year, I requested an evaluation of the Black Male Achievers (BMA) program, a TCC student organization designed to empower and educate its black male students on the importance of the successful completion of their postsecondary education through the practices of academic, social and occupational excellence. I was delighted to learn that BMA members have higher course success rates, higher retention rates and higher graduation rates compared to their non-BMA peers. Furthermore, five of the program's participants were active members of Student Government Association and of the 12 members who graduated from TCC that semester, most transferred on to a state university. We consider support for these types of programs a duty and a privilege.
Responding to our communities' needs, keeping that door open for our students, focusing on the classroom experience, constantly seeking ways to position ourselves at the forefront of industry advancements, these are the ways we are able to stay true to our founding principles.
It is certainly strange to think that one day our successors will look back on this year as part of our College's history much like we are now looking back at the past half century. I hope their connections to this institution will run as deep as those who have come before them.
Part of our preparation for the 50th Anniversary has involved us combing through records and inviting many visitors from the past back to our campus. I've had the privilege of meeting some of them and hearing their stories. Some are funny, many are touching, but all are full of pride, and for good reason.
Over the past 50 years, this organization has represented the community with distinction both locally and nationally. For example, in 2011-12 we were ranked number one nationally among two-year colleges for graduating students with Associate in Arts degrees, and in a recent survey, 83% of respondents in our community rated the quality of education at TCC as "good" or "excellent."
What we've done, we will continue to do because we are proud of what's been built here. We will continue to be demand-driven and student-centric, we will continue to maintain a high level of quality both in the way we provide education and the way we run our enterprise, and we will continue to be your college of choice.
In honor of this momentous year, I want to thank all of our community, past and present for making TCC such a special place. We would not be where we are today if it weren't for the efforts of so many who care about the success of our institution.
Here's to the next 50.
As we approach our winter break and the end of another calendar year, I would like to take a moment to share just some of the many highlights from 2015 and express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who make this College a success each and every day.
To read more about these and all our most recent honors, visit Our Accolades.
I wish I could recognize each of the hundreds of other success stories that have occurred this year thanks to the wonderful faculty and staff of this college. With that said, I just want to wish the entire TCC family a joyous holiday season. I hope you will enjoy the time with those you care about, laugh a lot, and remember that the best things in life are not things.
Tallahassee Community College is shocked and extremely saddened by the shooting that took place yesterday at Umpqua Community College. While their institution may be across the country, we are united by our core values. Our deepest sympathies go out to the victims, their families, and the entire Umpqua community. Please join with me in keeping them in your thoughts and prayers.
Our TCC Police Department has already taken measures to increase security on our own campuses and will be providing a strong law enforcement presence in the coming days. The safety of our students, faculty and staff is paramount and we will remain vigilant in our commitment to ensuring our community's protection.For more information on our security measures, please visit the Chief's Blog.
It's Welcome Week at Tallahassee Community College, when we
get to greet a new class of thousands of new and returning students to our
College and get excited about beginning another new academic year.
I want to thank each of our students, faculty and staff for
choosing TCC. This will be my sixteenth year employed at the College, and my
fifth year as President, and yet the enthusiasm from our campus family for what
we do here still continues to amaze me. The talent of our faculty, the
dedication of our staff and the determination of our students reminds me every
day of what makes our College so great.
I'm also proud of our community. Tallahassee is an ideal
place to learn and earn, and I have worked hard to develop our local economy so
our graduates can find employment. In my capacity as Chair of the EconomicDevelopment Council of Tallahassee/Leon County, I had the opportunity to recap
some of the progress we have made at the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce Conference, as well as lay out my hopes for the next few years. We
have so much going on in Tallahassee and as long as we focus on what makes us
great and don't lose the momentum we've been generating, I see big things in
our future.
Here at TCC, we've got even more on the horizon. We are
currently building two new facilities, the Gadsden Center, which will expand
our efforts in Gadsden County, and the Wakulla Environmental Institute, which
will help establish Wakulla County as a world-class ecotourism destination. And
we are also in the process of reimagining the Capitol Center to become a place
of synergy between the private and public sectors.
Soon we will get to announce a big project that will
solidify our commitment to be an entrepreneurship college. As of yesterday's
District Board of Trustees meeting, we are one step closer to adding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree which we hope to begin accepting students for this
spring. And I have also welcomed to our ranks several new team members this
year including our new Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Feleccia Moore-Davis and our new Chief Business Officer and Vice President for
Administrative Services Barbara Wills.
But perhaps most important of all, in 2016 TCC will be
celebrating our biggest milestone of all, our 50th anniversary. It
will be a time to reflect upon and commemorate our past, and start the process
of building what we want to become. I am thrilled to be leading this College on
the eve of something so special.
As we move into a new semester and a new year, I want to
reiterate my commitment to this College. I am dedicated to maintaining and
expanding upon this institution's reputation as the college of choice for
students, the employer of choice for faculty and staff and partner of choice
for the community. I work hard every day to make this happen, and I welcome
your input. Have ideas or questions? Please feel free to join the conversation
and interact with me on my Facebook page.
With that said, best of luck to everyone this semester and
all the semesters ahead. Let's have a great year!
With summer upon us, I have enjoyed hearing about the range of activities from exotic vacations to stay-cations that many of you have planned. I have also heard from some who haven't yet made plans and from others who don't intend to take any time off at all. Those latter conversations concern me.
We all know that what we do here is important. Not only to those we serve but also to ourselves through the sense of accomplishment and joy that comes from our work. We have both the difficult challenge and rewarding privilege of changing the lives of our students and their families, as well as making an impact in our community. Like you, I am fiercely proud of what we do, but I am mindful that for us to be at our best we must take care of ourselves.
Plan to do what works best for you to refresh yourself. Some of us need significant blocks of time away. Others are at our best after short, frequent breaks. Still others have learned the benefits of daily meditation. Some of us do all of the above. Regardless of what works for any of us, we all need to figure out how to disconnect and spend time with ourselves and those we care about.
I know how difficult it is for many of us who get our greatest satisfaction from helping others to put ourselves first. I also know that if we don't take care of ourselves we cannot take care of others.
Please take care of yourself and I look forward to seeing you in August!
It is my pleasure to announce that Tallahassee Community College has named Dr. Feleccia Moore-Davis as our new provost. Her selection follows a very thorough process involving the vetting of candidates by an eight-member screening committee, followed by onsite visits by all four finalists that included time for questions and answers with a number of college constituencies. Feedback from those meetings was very helpful and much appreciated.
Dr. Moore-Davis comes to TCC from Lone Star College-CyFair in Houston, where she served as vice president for instruction from 2008 to 2014. She previously worked as LSC-CyFair's dean of business, math, communications and computer information technology.
Dr. Moore-Davis supervised strategic planning, outcomes assessments and institutional effectiveness measures, leading student success initiatives that transformed the culture of LSC-CyFair. She was the college's chief academic officer and oversaw six instructional divisions. She also initiated a Diversity and Inclusion Council on LSC-CyFair's campus.
We are thrilled that Dr. Moore-Davis will be joining the TCC family, and we look forward to welcoming her to campus in her new role in early August.
Thank you,
Be a leader worth following.
This was the theme of Leadercast, a one-day leadership conference we simulcast last week at the Ghazvini Center for Healthcare Education. That message was particularly significant for me as I reflect on where we are heading with some of the leadership changes happening at the College.
I am currently in the unprecedented situation of having to replace three members of our Executive Team in the next eight months. Theresa Smith, our Vice President for Administrative Services and Chief Financial Officer, retired last month. And Barbara Sloan, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Sally Search, our Vice President for Student Affairs, will also be retiring this year.
Parting is not easy, especially from those who have contributed so much to the College. Collectively, these three leaders have served at TCC for more than 50 years spanning four decades and as many presidents. They helped build who we are today. I am deeply appreciative of the legacy that are leaving behind.
But with all these changes also comes opportunity. We are presently in various stages of conducting, setting up or planning for interviews of all these positions.
Now is a time when we need to have an honest dialogue about our future.
It comes down to two questions: 1) where do we go next, and 2) what are we looking for in those who will get us there? To answer these, we must take a good look at ourselves and examine what we have done that we like and what we want to do going forward that will be different. These conversations are especially important as we approach our 50th anniversary, a time to reflect on our past as well as to our future.
To that effect, I am looking for new leaders with strong skill sets, experience that speaks for itself and a passion that will add value to our College. They must be capable of asking good questions but also be ready to work to find the answers.
I feel very strongly that anyone I hire must understand that the executives at this College are a team, not a committee, not a group. In that there is an obligation to each other as well as to the College as a whole.
Finally, and perhaps more importantly, I want to see this organization embrace the possibility of a new direction. With new leaders comes new perspectives. I am relying on our existing campus community to welcome these new perspectives with an open mind. We are in a time of change. That does not mean we will sacrifice our ethos. It means we need to accept the challenges as they are presented and appreciate a fresh set of helping hands.
I hope to have a new Chief Business Officer on board by this summer, the new Provost before classes start in the fall and a new Vice President of Student Affairs by the end of the year. I hope you will join with me in helping these individuals, whoever they turn out to be, to transition into their new roles. Only together we can achieve what we could not as individuals.
This is when we gather together and celebrate the successes
of our wonderful graduates, the class of 2015. It is also an opportunity to
reflect on individual accomplishments. Students, as well as the instructors who
teach them and the staff who support them, have spent the last several months
and years working steadily toward this moment. I know there's been a lot of
homework, a lot of late nights studying for tests, a lot of hours spent
commuting to and from class.
Trust me, it was well worth the effort.
That's because graduation is not a last stop on the road, it
is just the first. With the skills and credentials TCC has given our graduates,
they will be able to take advantage of a multitude of different opportunities
after their time here. They will go on to a four-year institution or enter the
workforce to become nurses, police officers, software developers, and business
owners. And they will earn more. For every dollar students invest in themselves
at TCC, their future income is increased by about $6.50. It was for this
reason, our College was recently ranked among the top ten two-year schools in
the nation.
Of course, graduation is also a little bittersweet as we say
goodbye. I've met quite a few extraordinary individuals in the past year that I
know I will miss. I always hope that the students we send off will not become
strangers. With the launch of our new Alumni and Friends Association, our
graduates will now have more opportunities than ever to stay in touch. Please
sign-up to become a member here.
We also have our 50th anniversary in 2016 during
which I hope all of our campus family, including alumni and friends, will take
part in a very special year-long celebration of our College.
But in the meantime, I look forward to shaking each of our
graduates' hands and give them a heartfelt 'congratulations.' I know I speak
for all of my colleagues when I say that we wish them the very best in all their
future endeavors.
Congratulations to TCC's class of 2015!
The value of any community college to a student lies in their
ability to provide not just opportunity, but equity of opportunity. Without understanding
that students are individuals who chose our institution for unique reasons, we
can fool ourselves into assuming that all students are alike.
Where they come from, how they got here, and what their
plans are for their future are all factors that influence a student from their very
first day of class to the moment they receive their degree at graduation.
I am proud to say that at Tallahassee Community College (TCC),
we provide an environment designed to help all students thrive. You may have
heard about our recent ranking as a top ten community college in the nation for our focus on college affordability,
an impressive return on investment and a high success rate among our graduates.
As access and success are strategic priorities for our College, we have worked hard to keep tuition low while
maintaining the quality of our instruction, and this ranking demonstrates we
are on target.
We know that a student's success at TCC often starts before
they ever arrive at our doors.
During this week's Board of Trustees meeting, several
important leaders representing eight different College divisions or programs in
Gadsden County presented on each of their respective areas – from the Florida Public Safety Institute (FPSI) to the Quincy House to Workforce Development. Collectively, these organizations serve thousands of individuals
ranging in age from middle school students to seniors.
Why so many programs and why are they so important?
Gadsden is a county that faces many challenges. As of this
past December, the unemployment rate
stood at 6.1%, nearly a full percentage point higher than the state and
national average. The school district has the 16th highest high
school drop-out rate in the state. According to the 2010 census, about
one in four people were below the poverty line, and nearly one in three subsist
on public assistance and supplemental security income.
During the presentation it was mentioned that last year FPSI
welcomed over 4,000 students and 20,000 visitors to its campus, and they are
currently partnering with 32 different law enforcement agencies across the
state with plans to expand their national and international training.
The College Reach Out Program (CROP) and Take Stock in
Children (TSIC) programs offered through the
college serve nearly 100 middle and high school students with advising,
mentoring and scholarships. In 2014, 100% of those who participated graduated
from high school and 88% now attend TCC. The Educational Talent Search program serves nearly 500 of the same age, most from
low-income, disadvantaged households and they also saw a high school graduation
rate of 70% last year with 80% going on to TCC. By comparison, Gadsden County
graduation rate overall was 56%.
We have also broken ground on a new Gadsden Center in Quincy
which, when it opens later this year, will further support both the academic
and the workforce sides of the house. The important point is that we are
putting down permanent roots in Gadsden and we are making a difference.
These facts and figures do not adequately convey the
tremendous amount of work that is done to make each area a success. What we accomplish
through the leadership of our talented men and women who deliver these programs
is more than a job, it's a passion and as Trustee Kilpatrick put it, "pride."
TCC has made a commitment to finding solutions and making a
difference in Gadsden County. Federal grants expire and there will always be
adversities to overcome, but with the help and cooperation of County officials
and the School Board, I believe we can continue to impact our community in a
positive way. Let's keep moving forward.
This week, I had the pleasure of serving
as the speaker at the Gadsden Re-Entry Center's first GED graduation.
For those of you who aren't aware, the Center is located on TCC's Florida Public Safety Institute campus and is
one of just five such facilities in the state and the only place in the country where a prison sits on a
college campus. It serves the entire Panhandle in preparing inmates to
re-enter society and the workforce.
One of my goals as a leader has always been to create equity
of opportunity so any student can become a responsible citizen. So bringing a
re-entry center to our region back in 2012 was an important project to me, and
one I felt fit wholly in line with our mission as an open education
institution. The graduation certainly affirmed this. In fact, it reminded me
why I love the work we do here at the College.
Everyone's journey to success is different, and that journey
is never a solo one. Our job as educators is to help remove roadblocks, give
hope and provide the support system each student needs to achieve their full
In my remarks, I spoke to the fact that there is no straight
line to any goal. To obtain a degree, whether it is a high school diploma or a
PhD, you must be dedicated and willing to make sacrifices. It's not for the
lazy or weak. These particular graduates had to study in a prison setting with
the weight of their past on their shoulders. I imagine there was no small
amount of self-doubt that they could even finish.
But they did and because of that, I have the utmost respect
for these individuals. They were adults, many of them parents, who had made a
conscious decision to improve their lives and be a role model for their
families. And with their GED, they now have choices they never had before.
When we fail to appreciate everyone's journey, we lose sight
of who they are as people. At that ceremony, I
saw men who
knew why they were there, but also knew they wanted a better future. The pride I saw in their
eyes and heard in their comments was something I am grateful to have
experienced firsthand. Helping students who choose TCC is why all of us at the
college get up every morning and do what we do. Seeing the impact of our
efforts is the ultimate paycheck.
Every year, I look forward to observing Christmas as part of my personal faith. I also take the time to try to learn something new about the many different nationalities and beliefs represented in our College and throughout our community. With students, faculty and staff from over 80 countries, I think it is important to take a moment and recognize the great diversity of holidays that are also celebrated in December from Hanukkah to Kwanzaa. There's so much good cheer going around this time of year. Let's keep that going by embracing this season not just for each individual holiday, but as a larger celebration of diversity and acceptance. I want to wish our TCC family and friends a joyous holiday season. If you are traveling, be safe on the roads. Otherwise, I hope you share your time with those you care about, laugh a lot, and remember that the best things in life are not things.
Every morning, before the rest of my household is awake, I pour myself a cup of coffee, sit down (lately in front of the fire) and practice what I like to call daily gratitude. This is the time I take to reflect on the things I am thankful for that day. Some items on this list repeat, but others I am reminded of from the previous day's events, maybe during a staff meeting or at a reception or even just by a chance encounter with an old friend.
This exercise has changed the way I approach all the relationships in my life for the better. I find that the more appreciation I practice, the easier it is to empathize and understand others.
Thanksgiving is not just a celebration reserved for once a year, it is a verb and it should happen every day. Repeated actions become habits and our habits are what make us who we are. As we approach the holidays, I want to invite all our campus family to practice daily gratitude. I believe it was Plato that once wrote, "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle." This couldn't be truer of our campus family. The longer I am in this position, the more I get to hear others' stories and the more I realize we all need to pause and appreciate those who we work with because many are fighting harder battles.
With that said, I want to express my gratitude to all those who make our campus a great place to learn and work. Thank you for all you do and have a happy Thanksgiving!
In my last blog, I wrote about taking the next few months to
recognize each of the key stakeholders of our College and explain the view
ahead for them leading up to some big changes our College is preparing for. In
light of last week's Open Forum with classified staff, I would like to continue
the conversation by addressing my vision for the staff here at TCC, one of the
most important stakeholder groups of the College.
In 1999, I was hired as the Executive Director for Pat
Thomas Law Enforcement Academy, now known as the Florida Public Safety Institute (FPSI). The Gadsden County campus was much smaller 15 years ago than it
is now. With only a handful of leaky buildings and not much to speak of by way
of curb appeal, over the course of the next few months we spent hundreds of
thousands of dollars just cleaning up, repairing the facilities and hauling
away truckloads of trash.
Going in, my intention had been to simply get the campus in
order, but the result was much greater than that. The more I invested in the
Institute, the more the staff took the lead and the more the place began to
shine. An element of pride began to seep into the culture that was contagious
to everyone, including the students. It became easier to upkeep the facilities,
easier to enforce instruction, and by extension, easier to motivate the whole
team to excel.
That's when I realized something I have not forgotten since.
In an educational institution, the staff are the people who shape the entire
learning environment. And the learning environment is what sets the
expectations, far before any actual learning takes place.
Imagine a new college student coming to TCC and seeing
overgrown trees and crumbling buildings. Imagine by the time they get to the
Admissions Office, they've had to walk past overflowing trash cans and dirty
classrooms. When they try to register, the Web site is broken, or when they
visit Financial Aid, there aren't any advisors working.
Without adequate and talented staff, the student isn't able
to discover if the instructors at our College are good or not because they'd
never get that far.
We ask our staff to do consistent, meaningful work day after
day all year 'round. Last week at the open forum, one of the most striking
conversations was about professional development which speaks to this point.
TCC has a strong commitment to professional development. In
addition to being the college of choice, we want to be the employer of choice
and as such, we endeavor to provide opportunities for our employees to grow.
When our employees are allowed to grow, they keep the College thriving, and
when the College is thriving, everyone benefits.
However, there is more than one type of professional development
– the kind where you go to a workshop or conference and come back "developed",
and the kind where you get involved with projects that allow you to stretch
your skills while learning new ones. I see the latter as an often misunderstood
form of professional development, though one our College does exceptionally well
Getting involved here on campus is easy. Aside from
development programs like Leadership TCC, there is important work carried out
by standing committees, volunteer opportunities and mentorships with students
or junior staff. We've got multiple technology implementations happening right
now as well as new initiatives like the Alumni and Friends Association,
launching next year, and the 50th anniversary fast approaching in
It is my desire that each member of our team pitches in on one
of these projects. It's an opportunity to not only grow as a professional, but
to play a significant role in the decision making of the College.
Furthermore, I know many of you don't plan on being in your
current position forever. In fact, I have had many people tell me they want my
job someday. I love to hear that. Advancement in a career is one of the most
rewarding experiences for any professional. My advice to those individuals is
similar to the "dress for the job you want" expression, except instead you
should seek out ways to learn the job you want before you get it. If you want a
promotion, start cultivating the relationships and learning the job
responsibilities now.
Another discussion at the open forum I feel is important for
this topic had to do with personnel hiring, compensation and discipline. The
Strategic Plan addresses this subject as a priority. We want to "hire,
develop and retain the best talent" for our "present and future needs."
To be an employer of choice is something I take quite
seriously. Who we hire to what positions with what tools is the most important
decision we make. The evolution of human resources has taken us into a new age
where job descriptions are adaptable, and bright talent with broad skill sets
are in high demand. Those with dedication and aptitude should be hired quickly
and compensated fairly.
It is also important who we choose to keep. Not everyone is
cut out for where they are. Not everyone is a good fit for who they work with. Any
personnel action sends a message as much to the College as a whole as it does
to the individual. Each decision must be weighed carefully and deliberately
before it is made to protect the enriching work environment we have worked hard
to achieve here.
For years we have said that if your job isn't to teach, it's
to deliver students to the classroom prepared to learn. I appreciate the work
our staff does year round in delivering our students to the classroom. Our
campus is beautiful, our facilities are well kept, our classrooms clean and our
doors are always open to those students who are ready to walk through them.
Last week I traveled to Orlando where I took part in the Future of Florida forum and was a part of a panel discussing the state of higher education and how to assess and meet the needs of Florida workforce moving forward. Later in the week I attended another forum back in town on the Future of Higher Education in Florida in which participants discussed attainment, accountability and challenging status quo ideas of post-secondary learning.
These are the conversations I love to have – outlook, opportunity and how we can position ourselves to leapfrog ahead and meet the students where they will be instead of where they are now.
As many of you are now aware, Tallahassee Community College is in the process of implementing a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. What many of you may not know is that it took us years to find the right system, not only because of the massive scope of such a project, but because it seemed as though most of the systems we looked at represented incremental progress. When we selected our new system, it was because it was an innovative, cloud-based system that would provide solutions to problems students, faculty and staff have today as well as those they would have years from now. That's leapfrogging ahead.
There is a shift happening in higher ed. A few short years ago, degrees were considered a proxy for job-applicable skillsets. You went to college, earned your degree, interviewed for jobs, and then were hired, all on the assumption that if you had a degree you had everything you needed to perform the duties assigned. Today, employers are in need of more well-rounded professionals and are telling us graduates are in serious need of more soft skills like networking, email etiquette or how to conduct a productive team meeting, things that are often neglected in non-business degree tracks.
There is also disruption in evaluation and instructional formats. Traditionally, teaching is assessed in brick and mortar classrooms where time is considered a constant (one semester) and learning a variable (grades A down to F). That model is now being challenged. Learning needs to be assessed more than teaching, in spaces when and where the students are. And time, not learning, needs to be seen as the variable.
Our focus will move towards measuring learning outcomes. We need to provide a variety of teaching modes to fit the content, the student's capability and our rapidly diversifying labor market.
To be fair, these changes have been a long time coming. When I got my first promotion into a management position, I started in my new role the following day but was told the next training workshop wouldn't be for another six months. Unfortunately, by the time that workshop rolled around, it was too late to be helpful and worse yet, it was a waste of time. What I needed was "just enough, just in time" training.
Students should be able to brush up on skills or add new ones. They should be able to work on customizable micro-credentials while earning their degree. And they should be able to start anytime, learn anytime, finish anytime.
To add another layer to all this, we need to also consider the changing landscape of technology. New platforms and products crop up every day. Most fade, but some go on to become indispensable to everyday life. Think the POP3 server, Facebook and blogs (like this one!)
At our College, I feel it is essential to choose technology solutions that move us to the head of the industry and not restrict us to the minimum of innovation. This was why I couldn't be more excited for our landmark partnership with Workday or this year's Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) focus on digital literacy.
These are just two of the projects our College has embarked on to transform the way we align with the new face of education and the tools of tomorrow. There is much more to come. Our College is poised for some big changes ahead and this is just the beginning of what I see as a tremendous future.
My job is to identify the changes and help guide us to that future. With my next few blogs, I will be writing on the role I see each of us as stakeholders of TCC playing in the coming years and how we will all coordinate to embrace the new era of higher education. These groups include, but are not limited to, students, faculty, staff, trustees, board members, community leaders and our education partners. My hope is that through these and other discussions, we can better understand where we are headed and continue our dialogue of how we will get there. Stay tuned.
What makes us successful? Is it the number of students we
enroll or the number of students we graduate? Is it how many faculty who have
Ph.D.'s or how many awards our faculty have won? Is it the percentage of the
state budget we receive or the percentage of the community who support us?
The faculty and staff of TCC have been asking these and
other questions and having a lot of conversations about our values and how we
can further strengthen student success leading up to the start of the fall
Two weeks ago, I authorized the closing of the entire
College for our Student Success Summit, an important day-long event that
brought together all employees, from groundskeepers to adjuncts, executives to
advisors. It meant a great deal of extra work for many personnel and was a
commitment not many campuses would be willing to take on right before the
beginning of a new academic year, but it was crucial that each team member was
there to add their unique perspective. The Summit was a resounding success and
at the end of the day, many approached me to say how energized they were for
the new semester.
That being said, no matter how much faculty or staff are capable
of helping, student success requires the student be willing to help themselves
as well. It's a responsibility I hope each of our students take seriously. To
aid in that I've identified my top five tips to ensure a successful college
We can't force students to come to class or take advantage
of our campus resources; you have to want to be here. The truism that life is
mostly just showing up applies to your education. It's simple. Go to class, see
an advisor, visit the Learning Commons, whatever you do just be here and
As talented as our employees may be, not a one of them are
mind readers. That means if you have a question, you have to ask for an answer.
We have experts on campus in virtually every aspect of higher education. Whether
it's about the application for admission or about your coursework (or anything
in between), someone here can help.
Teachers are people, too. Getting to know them is a great
way to gather what is expected of you, engage in the class, and learn how to
excel. Every instructor has office hours where you can go if you are needing
help understanding what was taught in class or you just need some general. They
are excellent resources for navigating your College experience. This is also a
great way to find a mentor.
For students who tell me they feel disconnected, I always urge
them to join a student organization. Though we are a commuter campus, we are
fortunate to have many great clubs for all interests and aspirations. Not only are
these a great way to meet friends, research suggests students who engage in
student orgs perform better academically and are more likely to graduate.
Not just being here in person, but being an aware and active
participant in your education. Seriously, it's important.
With that I just want to say, welcome to TCC! No matter if
you are returning or new, it is my privilege to congratulate each of our students
on making the decision to attend Tallahassee Community College. Best of luck
this semester and all the semesters ahead.
We've reached one of my favorite times of the year. Spring is in the air, the semester is winding down and another great academic year is wrapping up. But most importantly, next weekend, we will get to gather together to celebrate the successes of our wonderful graduates, the class of 2014.
Graduation is bittersweet, of course, as we are also saying goodbye. I always hope that the students we send off will not become strangers. There are many benefits to staying in our community and giving back. Whether it is continuing an education at any of the world-class universities in town, or securing a public or private sector job and putting down roots, Tallahassee offers lots of opportunities.
And TCC has given our graduates the skills and credentials to take advantage of any of these opportunities. We pride ourselves in teaching not just academics, but citizenship and service as well. Our students become nurses, police officers, water quality technicians, and software developers. Their education makes them competitive in their chosen markets and highly employable. For every dollar students invest in themselves at TCC, their future income is increased by about $6.50, or an average of 17% return on investment. Likewise, for every dollar of state tax money invested in TCC, $3.60 is returned to the taxpayers and overall, our College boosts the local economies in our service area by $387.7 million annually.
However, though our impact can be seen on a large scale, it is only achieved through individualized experiences. Our students are not just another number here. We are so very proud of each and every one of them. Students like Candace Tibbetts, who was recently named to the All-Florida Academic Team, or Anthony Johnson, this year's commencement speaker, or the TCC Model United Nations group or the TCC Softball team or Theatre TCC!, whom have all represented our College with distinction this year. But also the students who come to class every day and do the work that will benefit themselves and their families. We recognize the drive in each of them and are continuously inspired by their determination. Our doors will always be open to them, even after graduation, and we hope they will feel welcome to come back and say hello, attend a community event, maybe even take another class or two.
Finally, to the TCC class of 2014 I want to say, graduation is not the last stop on the road, it's the first stop. That's why it is called "commencement." My advice is to recognize that the future will bring challenges as well as rewards so prepare accordingly. Continuing your education, informally or formally, will help you along your journey no matter where your ambitions take you.
Congratulations, graduates, and best wishes!
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Rated 3.8 out of 5 by 433 reviewers.
Rated 4 out of 5 by PESO Wow comes thue Best location, great/hightech/design rooms, nice bar, China Town just few ateps... December 5, 2012
Rated 4 out of 5 by StayattheW Great Hotel, Great Location Great location for this fab hotel. Only issues were: 1 - You couldn't check in until 3pm - doesn't help customers flying in from the US whose flights almost always land in the morning. It turns out Housekeeping was slow to start - 1pm!? 2 - The sink where you would wash/shave etc had minimal water pressure and was shared with a workdesk. Rate found = $240 per night. Expect better for ths rate to 1) and 2) elsewhere in simiiar locations. December 1, 2012
Rated 2 out of 5 by Stavros dissapointed I am a fanatic of the W hotels. this one is a failure. i booked for a corner room. i was promised a view to soho but was looking at a dirty street begining of chinatown. room layout bad. the worse, due to the look of the hotel from the outside a second glass front is added. so from the room you have no view at all. the windows cannot be opened, not even declined. you feel in a closed box. to find the way to switch off lights i spend 5 minutes. design is good but a hotel room must be functional. this one wasnt by far. by far not what i expcectes November 30, 2012
Rated 4 out of 5 by Poulette Nice touch The staff is always very welcoming when they see me and always add the extra touch to make my stay even better. November 26, 2012
Rated 1 out of 5 by markap Pre-booked early morning arrival room given away! It is incredibly frustrating and annoying to book a hotel room, to state clearly on the booking that it is reserved for an 04:30 flight arrival, to arrive off a long-haul flight and find that the hotel has declared you a No Show, that is has given away your room and has NO ROOM AT ALL for you when you turn up at 06:00!!! When I was checking in, the receptionist's - Dominc, face dropped. He clearly could see the booking and the note of an early arrival and yet some earlier, less careful person had overridden the booking and sold it!!! The early morning team were very apologetic, and tried their best, yet had nothing to offer!! I had to wait until 08:30 until guests checked out and a room could be cleaned. What was worse, is that the hotel expected that I still pay for this room (when they have sold it twice now!), and relented by offering a 50% reduction. Good on you W. November 14, 2012
Rated 3 out of 5 by Stefan12 Bar Security unfriendly and out of line We went to the bar and I ran into a friend by accident and hugged him. Within 20 seconds a security guy came over and threatened to remove me from the premises for rowdy behavior. The 5 of us looked at each other and started laughing. We still have no idea what he was talking about. Later we sat in front of the dj booth. The speakers were so loud that we couldn't even hear one another. A security guy came over again and told us to be quiet. I wonder if they want some drones in there that won't laugh or have fun at all. Worst experience in London. Thinki9ng about it, now I don't wonder anymore why there were only 4 girls, including ours and about 75 guys. Girls don't deal with that, they rather go somewhere else. Also, next day I talked to the GM, he offered us a free massage, but I never got an apology for the situation or any form of resolve. Very sad. Won't stay there again. If the security guys would have approached us with courtesy or respect, that would have somehow be tolerable, but the way they treated us is just straight out unacceptable and just extremely rude. I am German and I am used to rudeness. November 13, 2012
Rated 2 out of 5 by zztop THIS TIME DISAPPOINTING Been to this hotel a couple of times, the last stay was disappointing. Could get the room at 6pm due to "full occupancy" as I've been told by the receptionist which I believe to be unacceptable. November 11, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by berny Excellent service, excellent people, excellent hotel! I chose to stay at W London for a very special birthday for my partner, and I got more than I expected: they were very helpful and they catered to my needs. They even upgraded me as a surprise and they made the event perfect. The staff were very cordial, polite and always with a genuine smile on their faces, and I particularly loved the smallest details: from changing the mat in the lift depending on the time of the day (check in the morning, afternoon and evening and you'll see what I mean!) to the matching gadgets and fine details in the room. It was an amazing experience, one I will never forget and one I will always cherish. I definitely give W London a 10+ vote and I'm definitely coming back! November 10, 2012
Rated 3 out of 5 by Trutty Overpriced and overrated The location was great, really central to everything. The rooms are completely unpractical. the hotel needs to rethink the sink/desk situation and take the heavy chair out of the way, move the trash can to the sink side, it is very annoying to have to go around the desk over and over. My room was dirty and they had to move me to a different one. For a high rated hotel, it is incredible that I had to call somebody to change the sheets... This W does not match other Ws around the world. The price is outrageous for what the hotel offers. The hotel while relatively new, looks a little tired... in my first room, the plugs and electricity did not work correctly, it as almost dangerous that the hairdryer kept turning on and off. There are no amenities whatsoever. No shower cap, no q-trips, no nothing. Expect to find 1 soap, 1 face wash and 1 shampoo and hair conditioner. Nothing else, not even sleepers like in any other W hotel. I would definitely not recommend the hotel for the price unless you get a super discounted rate. the hotel is not too bad, it is just too bad for the price. The front desk staff was very nice, the beds, as always in W were great! November 9, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by Poulette Nice upgrade Loved my corner room and the welcome sweetie November 8, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by Chazz3712 Simply the Best! Had another perfect stay at a W Hotel. This was my first stay at the W Leicester Square, but it definitely will not be my last one. The location is right in the heart of London and couldn't be in a better location. Easy access to shopping, food, sights etc is first rate. The hotel itself is typical W style. Always trendy and hip, yet comfortable and luxurious. The staff there is second to none. I had arranged for a package to be delivered ahead of my arrival and the Concierge held the package for me and immediately I had it upon arrival. Check in staff was very helpful. When it came time to getting assistance on a car or things of that nature, the staff went WAY above my expectations. Sergio helped make arrangements for a car for the event I was attending and set up a driver to pick me up 6 hours later. Again, first class all the way. I've been staying in London for over 15 years now and this was by far the best hotel experience I've ever had. November 7, 2012
Rated 4 out of 5 by SNYC W London I stayed at W London mid October and the customer service was great. Andrew checked me in and was very accomodating. All the concierges on staff were very helpful and attentive. Josh checked me out made sure I was taken care of on my way out to Heathrow. The rooms are cool and functional. November 5, 2012
Rated 1 out of 5 by Hutch64 Stayed on 28/10/2012 I have stayed at many 4 and 5 star hotels and this one is not much better than an ibis !!! The entrance and reception are just not impressive...the staff very average bar one girl who was good. We arrived 10 minutes early. Told room not ready... Go wait in the bar...we were just left like lemons...we returned to the Poor reception desk and were told yes it ready now... Should we be chasing ?? Who is the customer here .. Remember 5 star luxury is what we paid for!! Then just told second floor. Well I have never stayed in a hotel that does not escort you to your room before... But I have now!! When you get out of the lift you are in darkness , no idea where to go?? We had to ask a fellow guest how to get in,,she explained the swipe card system to the corridor and to the room. Would have been nice to have been told before!! This hotel is poor not a 5 star experience...don't come here there are better 3 star hotels in London . November 1, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by AF71 wow hotel Great Hotel to have a cool wekend in London. Stylish Location, firendly stuff. Extreme WOW Suite... just fabulous !!! October 30, 2012
Rated 3 out of 5 by Cons69 Love location, not crazy about service Called downstairs because I had a problem with the lighting.... 15 minutes and no one answered my call, called for a shower cap.... Had to wait.....was invited down for a drink with my corporate account rep..... No one on staff knew where to send me ... Never did get my drink. Tried using the business center.... No one to help figure out how to print, no instruction.... Nothing Last night , I had to be up for 4 am to make a flight..... Loud music from the lounge til 4am .... That made it impossible to sleep. Love the location. But no so impressed with the service October 29, 2012
Rated 4 out of 5 by billybob8 consistency Room was nice,clean and comfortable. Checked in on 17th late evening as a walk in and the receptionist (australian?) was very helpful and she didn't rush checking me in, taking time to explain everything. Unfortunately didn't get her name! The guys at the door not so friendly! Feeling it necessary to mention in public at a crowded front door how much it would cost me. Same could be said for the morning receptionist. Efficient rather than friendly. Overall though doesn't take away from the fact the hotel is stunning as are most W hotels! October 18, 2012
Rated 2 out of 5 by CynthiaSPG not so w having been so many w(s), this is by far the most disappointing one. the room is small and design is awkward. wheatever ppl focuses on their personal images than useful for suggestion. no pool no headsets in the gym! walking out is the china town without the shops or good restaurants around. worse yet? the internet is for 2 devices only and cost 30 pounds. i say go somewhere else .... :) October 13, 2012
Rated 2 out of 5 by Gawnastray Staff Incompetence Visited restaurant for breakfast. I had a continental breakfast. Staff presented an overpriced bill. I explained my Platinum status and said the breakfast should be included. The staff asked for my ID. The staff tried to explain that Platinum guests have a choice of free internet or a breakfast not both. I knew this was wrong and I I asked for the manager and had a similar discussion. Eventually after a spending 10 minute on the matter I told the manager to check with the front desk and departed for my meeting. The bill was not included in my final invoice but rather than be frequent an establishment where it would be an embarrassing daily aggravation, I had breakfast for the rest of week at Starbucks much friendlier service! October 13, 2012
Rated 2 out of 5 by surprise Did not meet expectations Overall the level of service was a let down and the size of the rooms especially small and disappointing. Having staff that are cool should not mean that service is also cold. October 12, 2012
Rated 4 out of 5 by Poulette There is never anybody around to help with the luggage Most staff is very helpful but I just wish there would only once be somebody around to help with the luggage......... October 11, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by RUNEM Fantastic location... Over all a great experience October 8, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by KevRaf W = Wonderful Once again a fantastic stay at The W Leicester Square. Having stayed at many London Hotels over the years The W Leicester Square is now almost like our home from home in London. There is always a ward welcome from staff who welcome you as if they remember you from last time, the rooms are fabulously chic and the bar area goes from chilled out for a morning coffee to a buzz of activity in tehevenings. We have stopped shopping around for stays in London and The W is now firmly on our favourites toolbar October 4, 2012
Rated 2 out of 5 by traci1106 Always expect more from a W... I really went out of my way to stay at a starwood property, as my trip was last minute and my company has contracts with other preferred hotels. After asking for assistance from SPG to find me a rate that was the same or lower than my company's preferred hotel, I was disappointed that nobody could help me. To my delight, a rate change went into effect the next morning and I was able to stay at the W. Well...I really wished I didnt go to so much trouble. I arrived at the hotel around 9 am and was told a room wouldn't be too long. ASfter waiting 2.5 hours, I went back to the front desk and was shocked to hear that a room was ready yet they had not come to tell me as I waited in the lounge area. I basically lost the entire morning that I had hoped to sight see. And I could not have been more upset when I realized I waited 2.5 hours for a room with dirty sheets. And when I say dirty, I mean hair and stains from bodily fluids on the sheets. To make matters worse, my mobile phone went missing after the cleaning crew came to change the sheets. Thankfully it was returned when I called to see if they had taken it. BI honestly wonder if I would have seen it again had I not called. The staff did nothing over the remainder of my stay to ensure my visit went well.Considering I am a goold member and almost always stay at SPG properties when traveling, I was quite shocked that a manager never called to see if things had improved. Other things to mention: The showers are very difficult to use and lights go out mid-shower. They also flood the room if you are in there for more than a few minutes. Food from room service was cold and undercooked. I didnt bother to call as I could tell they wouldnt do very much October 2, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by snadur Fun, frivolous and friendly hotel We booked 3 rooms at W as part of the celebration for a significant birthday of my partner. They joined in the fun by decorating our room before we arrived and ensured the check in process was smooth and relaxed. The rooms are up to the frivolous and comfortable standard W is known for around the world. The staff, in particular Roberto and the door men, were very friendly and ensured, among other things, that our bags were deposited in our rooms after a taxi they arranged collected us at home took us to dinner elsewhere. All in all a fabolous night! September 26, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by Mark66 Pure London Show Stay I stay here quite often, the hotel is in a great location near China Town and Soho, the staff here are really cool and The Spice Market within the hotel is a great place to eat... I stayed here 6 days and ate there twice. September 24, 2012
Rated 2 out of 5 by CLO100 More than a generation thing I recognize this hotel is not targeted at my demographic, but attention to the details are age/demographic independent. Room was funky but well done...but small thing missing is a coffee maker or even a tea pot. When I called the whatever line, I was told this is London, "we drink tea here" but Enrique did not even offer to send me a tea pot, much less a coffee. An attitude of "don't you know?" OK, I also did not get a welcome note or anything in my room for my Platinum status ...that I can live without but no coffee in the AM? Or even tea? Finally, Checking out in the AM, 5 people in line, one attendant who is tangled up with a client problem. No one checking on the front desk situation, we wait. One area where I can safely say the hotel met and even exceeded expectations was the restaurant where i had breakfast - but it is apparently an independently run franchise. September 24, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by Bingodog Perfect in (almost) any detail The W London is a wonderful hotel, in a perfect location (it couldn't be more central!). The standard rooms are smartly designed, with lots of mirrors and curtains that make them seem larger than they actually are. In any case, for London they are actually large! And the design is just fantastic, ultra chic. As with any W, the bar and lounge are very relaxing during the day, and become very lively at night. It's great to be in a trendy and very cool bar and then being able to just take the lift to go back to your room, which is also perfectly sound proof (I was on the third floor and didn't hear anything). The fitness room is very well equipped and there are also a sauna, steam room and showers available. Too bad there isn't a swimming pool! Service is of high standards, although during my stay two little things made it less than perfect: I asked for a coffee maker in my room, and they delivered two kettles with tea, and no coffee; and on the last day of my stay the Internet in the lounge wasn't working, and the staff was helpless (and actually unapologetic) at finding out what the issue was. But this are small glitches that can happen anywhere - although I was a bit surprised to find them at a W. The Spice Market restaurant is very very nice and they have also a pre-theatre dinner menu which is good value for money. All in all a great hotel perfectly in line with the W brand, which means wonderful design, very comfortable room and bed, great facilities, and lively action at night. I can't wait to be back! September 18, 2012
Rated 4 out of 5 by Camayu An excellent addition to the London Hotel Scene The WOW suite that we enjoyed in the W was exactly as it's name implies. The W is a great new place from which to enjoy London. The location is amazing, but noise from outside ( one side of the hotel) can be an issue. Ask for a quiet room when you arrive. The decor, ambience and attentiveness of the staff was excellent and we were impressed with the eating facilities and especially breakfast. September 16, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by ChiRoadWarrior AMAZING Stay! This hotel is absolutely amazing! I was blown-away from the minute I walked in the door. The room (although I didn't get upgraded, they were sold out of the Cool Corner) - was really cool. the layout and design are amazing. I was really impressed wit hthe fact that it felt like someone really thought about the functionality in implemented a well planned room! The gentlemen at the door REALLY made my stay memorable. (Chris and...)The remembered me by name every time I came through (ok, so I gave them a reason to remember me!). I will be back in November for 8 more days - and this time, I paid a little extra for the Cool Corner - I can't wait to enjoy it! YEAH! September 12, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by sazzysan2 Concierge / Rooms Hello This comment is on behalf of all my friends regarding our stay 8th September. The hotel is beautiful, we booked 5 rooms, one of the rooms was not available until 3pm: which is very frustratrating, as we needed to be ready to leave quite early for the Lady Ga Ga Concert. Adam he looked after us, he was brilliant, he couldn't do enough for us, very charming and polite, we wanted to take him home, please send on our thanks to him, we didn't get chance to say thanks, we were the ladies from the Midlands. September 12, 2012

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Self Catering Apartments / Flats Oban
Included below are 4 star, 5 star and luxury Self Catering Apartments / Flats, such as Gardener's Cottage, in Oban. Britain's Finest selection of self catering apartments and flats are located throughout the UK in country, city and coastal locations. Beautifully furnished with all modern amenities.
Gardener's Cottage
South Chesthill Estate, Glen Lyon, Aberfeldy 53.2 miles away
This attractive holiday cottage dates back to the 1800's and is located with wonderful views of Glen Lyon. The area around the cottage is particularly enchanting as some of the photographs show, including dramatic hills, open fields, mature trees and... more
Dollar Residence
3 High Street, Dollar 70.8 miles away
The Dollar Residence is a stylish self-catering accommodation found in the foot of the Ochil Hills, offering scenic surroundings for visitors looking to enjoy a private and relaxing time away. With modern wood and leather furnishings, the property... more
Belstane Cabins
Belstane Cottage, Leyden Road, Kirknewton 86.0 miles away
Belstane Log Cabin is a modern timber-built self-catering holiday cottage. Small but perfectly formed it is set on its own in 14 acres of tree-fringed fields on the edge of the Pentland Regional Park. Deeply rural yet only a dozen or so miles from... more
Seagulls Nest
8/9 Upper Milovaig, Glendale, Isle of Skye 86.6 miles away
Seagulls Nest is a self-catering unit available for visitors to the Isle of Skye, sleeping two people in homely and fully-equipped interiors. An open plan lounge and kitchen is complimented by leather furniture and a bedroom with built-in wardbrobes.... more
Rocpool Apartments Edinburgh
10 Atholl Crescent Lane, Edinburgh 92.1 miles away
Rocpool apartments, set within Edinburgh's historic townhouses, encourage you to indulge in life's luxuries. Seconds from the bustle of Prince's Street and Edinburgh Castle, theses serviced apartments feature nothing but the best: think walnut... more
The City Bothy
Jamaica Mews, Edinburgh 92.1 miles away
The City Bothy is a self-catering option for visitors to Edinburgh, which sleeps two people and is only a short walk away from the shopping streets, historic sites, bars and restaurants that make up one of the UK's most delightful cities. Service... more
Forbes Residence
7/1 London Street, Edinburgh 92.5 miles away
The Forbes Residence is a recently renovated Georgian terrace house sleeping 8, a stones throw from the historic centre of Edinburgh. Designed by renowned Edinburgh designer Emily Black, this stunning example of modern living with appreciation... more
The Gibson Apartment
10 London Street, Edinburgh 92.5 miles away
The Gibson Apartment is a luxury apartment that gives visitors to the Scottish capital a versatile and comfortable stay in self-catering accommodation. Situated five minutes from the train station, The Gibson is ideal for visitors wanting to... more
Pilrig House Apartments
30 Pilrig House Close, Edinburgh 92.6 miles away
Pilrig House Apartments (2015/16 Scottish Thistle Regional Award Winner for Best Holiday Accommodation, Scotland South East) are uniquely located in a tranquil park, yet just a short stroll from the city centre and all its main attractions, featuring... more
Travel Ideas containing Pilrig House Apartments
Rosehaugh Estate Cottages
Rosehaugh Estate, Avoch 93.7 miles away
Rosehaugh Estate Cottages are located on the Black Isle of Ross-shire, a place of great heritage and natural beauty. Three cottages are available that sleep between four and six people, ideal for a family holiday and for those who enjoy the freedom... more
Broadmeadows House
Yarrowford, Selkirk 113.5 miles away
Situated in the scenic peaceful Yarrow Valley historic Broadmeadows House is the perfect location for romantic getaways, walking,fishing,golf and biking activity holidays or family get togethers and celebrations. This lovingly restored Georgian... more
The Apartment
Castle Hills House, Berwick-upon-Tweed 138.8 miles away
The Apartment of Castle Hills House, in Berwick, allows visitors to this historic location to enjoy the freedom of their own self catering accommodation. The Castle Hills estate is known to be built in the ruins of Berwick Castle and situated in... more
Wellington Terrace Apartment
3a Wellington Terrace, Berwick-upon-Tweed 139.8 miles away
The Wellington Terrace Apartment is a self-catering holiday retreat in historic Berwick-upon-Tweed that has both an Elizabethan and Victorian setting, and is situated between many places of scenic beauty of Northern England and Southern Scotland. The... more
Craster Tower Apartment
Craster, Alnwick 161.5 miles away
Craster Tower Apartment offers luxury self-catering accommodation for those looking to enjoy the character of the Northumbrian coastline. A Grade II*-listed country house with attractive grounds, Craster Tower Apartments have stylish interiors that... more
Kensington House Aparthotel
5 Osborne Road, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne 177.7 miles away
Kensington House Aparthotel consists of twenty-three luxury apartments available for visitors to Newcastle who appreciate the freedom of self-catering. Visitors to one of northern England's most famous and thriving cities can enjoy the comfortable,... more
The Beach House
204 Queens Promenade, Blackpool 199.8 miles away
At The Beach House, in Blackpool, guests can stay in facilities rated the best self-catering accommodation in the North-West at a 2009 awards ceremony. The five-star apartments available are suitable for both holiday and business, with contemporary... more
Broughton Hall Estate
Estate Office, Skipton 213.4 miles away
Escapism comes in two forms at Eden, a luxury country retreat in Skipton, Yorkshire. Not only does it offer the utmost seclusion on the sprawling Broughton Hall Estate, the playful and rather eccentric nature to the super deluxe six-bedroom house (we... more
Travel Ideas containing Broughton Hall Estate
Plas LLanfair Cottages
Tyn-y-Gongl 218.4 miles away
Plas Llanfair Cottages are tastefully-refurbished historic properties that allow for stylish self-catering holidays on Anglesey. Plas Llanfair, Seaview Cottage and Swallow Cottage were originally stone barns, are situated in their own private land... more
Westwood Lodge Ilkley Moor Country House, Cottages and Apartments
Westwood Lodge, Wells Road, Ilkley 221.4 miles away
Ilkley Moor Cottages and Apartments is a small cluster of cottages in the grounds of Westwood Lodge and apartments in the main house itself. They are situated right next to the world famous Ilkley Moor. Stylish interiors and elegant furnishings, of... more
Travel Ideas containing Westwood Lodge Ilkley Moor Country House, Cottages and Apartments
The Loft Apartment
Oats Royd Barn, Luddenden, Hebden Bridge, Halifax 228.9 miles away
The Loft Apartment at Oats Royd Barn is a converted nineteenth-century stable that can be sourced for family self-catering holidays, located in the picturesque Pennine valley of Luddenden. The apartment is fully furnished and fitted with extensive... more
The York Hop Store
10 The Old Brewery, Ogleforth, York 238.3 miles away
The York Hop Store is a stylish cottage-style self-catering apartment, situated in the centre of one of the UK's favourite historic cities. While enjoying all the wonderful culture and heritage that York has to offer, famous for its famous medieval... more
Travel Ideas containing The York Hop Store
The Old Brewery
Apartment 6, The Old Brewery, Ogleforth, York 238.3 miles away
York Minster, home to the largest medieval gothic cathedral in northern Europe, is a magnet for visitors from all corners - many of whom hail the Old Brewery as their go-to place to stay. The grade II-listed converted warehouse delivers luxury... more
5, 6 & 12 Monkbridge Court
York 238.3 miles away
The lovely thing about staying in a serviced apartment is the feeling that you are in a hotel – but with so much more space. The Monkbridge apartments are as centrally located as the best city hotels in the heart of historic York, close to oodles of... more
The Apartment in York
Postern Close, Bishops Wharf, York 238.7 miles away
The Apartment in York is a self-catering accommodation that guests will find equipped and furnished with a luxury stay in mind, for those who want to experience life in one of the UK's most historic cities. Service users have access to secure... more
2 at 109 Hull
109 Westbourne Avenue, Princes Avenue, Hull 267.8 miles away
2 at 109 Hull is a luxury self-catering apartment with many pleasing features and design aspects, suiting a relaxing time and flexible dining. Guests are able to recuperate in a king-size mahogany bed with Egyptian cotton bed linen, as well as a... more
Bourton Manor
Bourton, Much Wenlock 287.7 miles away
Bourton Manor offers luxury accommodation in The Old Nursery (sleeps 4) and the Gun Room (sleeps 2). Located on the edge of the pretty village of Bourton but less than 30 mins drive from fashionable Ludlow, Church Stretton and Darwin's Shrewsbury.... more
Castle House Lodgings
Ludlow Castle, Castle Square, Ludlow 298.6 miles away
Castle House Lodgings, situated in the grounds of Ludlow Castle, is a wonderful choice of self-catering property for those who enjoy history and heritage, while also offering the scenic surroundings of the Shropshire countryside. There are three... more
The Manor House Stables
Timberland Road, Martin, Lincoln 300.4 miles away
Tucked away in Lincolnshire's rolling countryside, where historical landmarks dot the landscape and spectacular sights and leisure activities are sure to lure you outdoors, is a lovely retreat to rest and recharge. The owners of Manor House Stables... more
The East Gate & St Peter's Chapel
The Butts, Warwick 321.6 miles away
The East Gate & St Peter's Chapel - This famous Warwick landmark, one of the two remaining gateways into the medieval town of Warwick, is listed as a Grade 2* Scheduled Ancient Monument. St Peter's Chapel, built in 1420 and refurbished in 1788 stands... more
Cheltenham Suite at Hartley Court
Pittville Circus Road, Cheltenham 337.8 miles away
The Cheltenham Suite at Hartley Court offers a self-catering option with all the luxury and comfort that can be found at the neighbouring hotel. Guests are located amidst the natural splendour of the Cotswolds and its many rural delights, traditional... more
4 Monteagle House
The Buttlands, Wells-next-the-Sea 339.9 miles away
4 Monteagle House is a two-bedroom self-catering property, with bright and contemporary interior design and comfortable furnishings. Overlooking attractive gardens, the House is well-equipped for flexible dining and living potential, located on the... more
The Cotswold Perfumery
Victoria Street, Bourton on the Water, Cheltenham 343.6 miles away
Situated in the the centre of the beautiful village of Bourton on the Water, The Cotswold Perfumery offers two 5 Star Gold Award one bedroom apartments. Centrally located making it a perfect location for walking, cycling or touring the stunning... more
The Stables
Forge House, Limes Road Kemble, Cirencester 353.1 miles away
The Stables is a stunning contemporary barn conversion in a courtyard setting across from the principal house. Converted from original stables and a hayloft it retains many of its original beams. The fabulous 40ft open living/dining room is perfect... more
Rock House
15 Townsend Lane, Lower Almondsbury, Bristol 353.4 miles away
Rock House is set in the beautiful village of Lower Almondsbury in Gloucestershire. This really is the perfect location for access to the beautiful Cotswolds, as well as to Bristol and Bath. The village has a charming local pub, The Bowl Inn which is... more
Berkeley Suites
6 Berkeley Crescent, Clifton, Bristol 359.5 miles away
Berkeley Suites offer an revolutionary way to stay in Clifton, Bristol. Located in a stunning Georgian crescent, the grade II* listed building provides guests with comfort and luxurious place to stay. Each suite has an entire floor of the building... more
Latest Special Offers & Deals for Berkeley Suites
Geometric Apartments
Geometric House, Braggs Lane, Old Market, Bristol 359.8 miles away
Geometric Apartments offer luxury self-catering alternatives for anyone looking to stay in Bristol, offering contemporary interior designs, Italian furniture, en suite bathrooms and modern entertainments such as Sky TV. One and two-bedroomed... more
2 The Tidmarsh
2 Tidmarsh Lane, Oxford 359.9 miles away
2 The Tidmarsh is a unique self-catering apartment in Oxford Castle, superbly located to allow guests to make the most one of the UK's most famous cities for historic charm, architecture and culture. When not experiencing the many places to visit... more
Alpha Apartments
9 Alpha Road, Cambridge 360.2 miles away
Fully equipped self catering apartment
Alpha Apartments are located in a prime location of Cambridge city centre on a quiet residential road. The apartments were fully refurnished and modernised in 2015 and offer modern 'home from home' living space with all the amenities you could need... more
Apple Apartments Cambridge
Radcliffe Court, Market Mill, Cambridge 361.2 miles away
In Cambridge city centre
Apple Apartments Cambridge offers a variety of self-catering accommodation in the University City of Cambridge. The modern apartments are just 5 minutes' walk from the famous colleges, including Cambridge University Kings College and Anglia Ruskin... more
St Anthony's Cottage
Chapel Knap, Porlock Weir 365.9 miles away
St Anthony's Cottage has been architect-converted to capitalise on spectacular sea views. This unique property has 2 bedrooms (one double, one twin), two bathrooms and a stone-floored entrance hall on the lower floor. Both bedrooms have French doors... more
The Crows Nest
Chapel Knap, Porlock Weir 365.9 miles away
As the name suggests, The Crows Nest is perched high above scenic Porlock Bay. This charming thatched end of terrace cottage lies nestled in the heart of the stunning Exmoor and it benefits from amazing sea views from the windows. The Crows Nest... more
Ground Floor Apartment
Portland Place, Bath 366.8 miles away
The Ground Floor Apartment of Portland Place, in Bath, is part of a Georgian building that has been converted into a self-catering accommodation suitable for up to four people. Service users enjoy comfortable furniture, their own secluded walled... more
The Town House in Bath
32 Belvedere, Lansdown Road, Bath 366.9 miles away
This recently renovated, historic Georgian Townhouse sits in a central location in the stunning World Heritage City of Bath. Within walking distance to well known landmarks and an excellent base to explore the wider countryside, The Town House is the... more
Below Stairs Self Catering Apartment
95 Sydney Place, Bath 367.3 miles away
Step back in time and experience life below-stairs at Sir Walter Elliot's House in central Bath in a spacious self-catering apartment The apartment has two large double/twin bedrooms that can each be made up with an extra sofa bed to provide... more
The Old Stables Self-Catering Rooms
Northfield Road, Minehead 367.5 miles away
The Old Stables is a 5 star B&B which has now been turned into three high-quality self-catering rooms with light Scandinavian-style interiors, and affordable prices. Only one minute walk from the sea front and trails leading to the Exmoor National... more
106 The Malthouse
King street, Norwich 368.3 miles away
106 The Malt House is at one of Norwich's most sought after NR1 locations, the Conservation Area of King Street, Riverside. An Immaculate apartment, walking distance to the city centre, for a long weekend away, mid week break in town, full week... more
Sea Dreams
Nassau Court, Merley Road, Westward Ho!, Bideford 374.1 miles away
Sea Dreams is a highly rated self-catering accommodation that is ideal for putting holiday makers in touch with the best of South Devon. Organised to achieve homeliness and a relaxing atmosphere, Sea Dreams offers stunning views that make very moment... more
The Green, Beyton, Bury St Edmunds 375.9 miles away
Part of Manorhouse, Manorflat is a Victorian lodging that is available for self-catering a short distance from Bury St Edmunds in the idyllic Suffolk countryside. The accommodation has stylish decorations,king size bed with an en suite bathroom,... more
Lower Wood Farm Country Cottages
Browns Lane, Great Yarmouth 377.3 miles away
Nestled in a beautiful Norfolk country setting, this collection of cottages can fit any size of family, with an indoor pool and play barn surrounded by gardens with covered BBQ and outdoor play area. Located close to a rugged coastline with big skies... more
Smithincott Barton Holiday Cottages
2 Smithincott Barton Farm, Uffculme, Cullompton 389.8 miles away
The Cottage lies in the grounds of an old farm in mid Devon. This four star accommodation is in stunning countryside but is still within easy reach of Junction 27 of the M5 & Tiverton Parkway train station. The Cottage is a delightful thatched... more
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Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2013, 14(8), 16414-16442; doi:10.3390/ijms140816414
Liquid Crystal Phase Behaviour of Attractive Disc-Like Particles
Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 25 June 2013 / Revised: 24 July 2013 / Accepted: 25 July 2013 / Published: 8 August 2013
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Experimental and Theoretical Studies of Liquid Crystalline Materials: Where Do We Stand after 120 Years?)
View Full-Text | Download PDF [980 KB, uploaded 19 June 2014] |
AbstractWe employ a generalized van der Waals-Onsager perturbation theory to construct a free energy functional capable of describing the thermodynamic properties and orientational order of the isotropic and nematic phases of attractive disc particles. The model mesogen is a hard (purely repulsive) cylindrical disc particle decorated with an anisotropic square-well attractive potential placed at the centre of mass. Even for isotropic attractive interactions, the resulting overall inter-particle potential is anisotropic, due to the orientation-dependent excluded volume of the underlying hard core. An algebraic equation of state for attractive disc particles is developed by adopting the Onsager trial function to characterize the orientational order in the nematic phase. The theory is then used to represent the fluid-phase behaviour (vapour-liquid, isotropic-nematic, and nematic-nematic) of the oblate attractive particles for varying values of the molecular aspect ratio and parameters of the attractive potential. When compared to the phase diagram of their athermal analogues, it is seen that the addition of an attractive interaction facilitates the formation of orientationally-ordered phases. Most interestingly, for certain aspect ratios, a coexistence between two anisotropic nematic phases is exhibited by the attractive disc-like fluids.
Keywords: equation of state; discotics; attractive cylindrical disc; nematic-nematic equilibria; anisotropic square well; phase diagrams
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 3.0).
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Wu, L.; Jackson, G.; Müller, E.A. Liquid Crystal Phase Behaviour of Attractive Disc-Like Particles. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2013, 14, 16414-16442.View more citation formats
AMA Style
Wu L, Jackson G, Müller EA. Liquid Crystal Phase Behaviour of Attractive Disc-Like Particles. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2013; 14(8):16414-16442.Chicago/Turabian Style
Wu, Liang; Jackson, George; Müller, Erich A. 2013. "Liquid Crystal Phase Behaviour of Attractive Disc-Like Particles." Int. J. Mol. Sci. 14, no. 8: 16414-16442.
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