Vice President's Academic Leadership (VPAL)

The Vice President's Academic Leadership (VPAL) team serves as the primary coordinating body for instructional operations at Lower Columbia College. Composed of the Vice President of Instruction, Instructional Deans, and the Director of Instruction Division Operations, VPAL meets weekly to align instructional strategy, facilitate cross-division communication, and ensure operational excellence across all academic programs.

Meet the Office of Instruction Team

Meetings are scheduled at 9:00 am every Tuesday. Guests are welcome to attend upon request - please contact one of the leadership team members in advance if you have a topic you would like to bring to the team.

Month	Coordination
Ongoing	Council/Commission Report Outs, Communication (departments, board, community, partners, etc.), Curriculum/Program Updates, Trainings, Budgets/Grants, Facilities, Equipment, Policy Review, Technology Updates, Outreach & Community Partnerships, State & Legislative Updates, Hire to retire lifecycle, Absences/AIC, Continuity of Operation Plans (COOPs)
Monthly	Guests: Director of Advising, Director of Registration, Vice President of Administration, President, or upon request
July/August	Prepare Fall In-Service Week, Completion of PDU review, Onboarding New Hires, Annual Goal Setting, Finalize Fall Schedule/Workload
September	Fall In-Service Week, Annual Schedule Review, Onboarding New Hires
October	Complete Annual Schedule, Position Planning for ELT review, Faculty Development Funding, Operations Council Report
November	Complete Annual Equipment Requests, Identify funding sources, Personnel requests & hiring committees
December	Finalize Winter Schedule/Workload, Complete Job Postings
January	Course/Class Fees, Budget Review, Faculty Development Funding, Operations Council Report
February	Tenure Meetings & Recommendations
March	Budget Planning, Annual Priorities, Finalize Spring Schedule/Workload
April	Crystal Apple Recommendations, Student Survey Review, Operations Council Report, Faculty Development Funding, Committee Assignments
May	Exceptional & Foundation Grant Review, Finalize hiring/personnel, Outstanding Student Awards, Spring Reception Planning
June	Commencement, Finalize Summer Schedule/Workload

Month

Coordination

Contact VPAL

Stefanie Gilberti, Interim Vice President of Instruction