Introductions

The Association of Florida Colleges is the professional Association for Florida's 28 public community colleges, their Boards, employees, retirees, and associates. The mission of the Association is to actively promote, democratically represent, support, and serve the individual members and institutions in their endeavors to provide their students and the citizens of Florida with the best possible comprehensive community college educational system.Florida's 28 public community collegesmembers History The Association was organized in 1949 as the Florida Association of Public Junior Colleges by the presidents of Florida's first four public junior colleges. Its mission was to unite the colleges for the purposes of helping the Florida Legislature understand the junior college mission and to advocate for Florida's public junior colleges in the development of the state's long-range plan for higher education. Since 1949, the Association's mission and purposes have grown in scope as has the Association itself. In 1971, the Association became the Florida Association of Community Colleges. The Association changed its name to the Association of Florida Colleges in It has since become the most inclusive higher education organization serving any college system in the nation. The AFC is the only such Association which represents all employees, presidents, and trustees associated with a college system. Today, all 28 of the state's colleges support the work of the Association through institutional dues as do nearly 8500 regular and retired members through the sharing of their talents, time and energy.

Welcome to the Association of Florida Colleges (AFC) web site. AFC is the one organization that represents all faculty, staff, administrators, trustees, presidents, and retirees from Florida's 28 public community and state colleges. The Association consists of local campus-based Chapters, Commissions, and Regions lead by a Board of Directors. Membership is currently over 8,000 and moving upward. The highlight of the Association year is our annual convention held in October/November.ChaptersCommissionsRegionsBoard of Directors Please take a good look at our Web site to find out what AFC is all about! We will continue to provide useful up-to-date information about our Association and its members. I encourage you to contact us.

It is a Union It is a politically affiliated group It is just meetings and information It is a group to join in name only There is no way to get involved It is not supported by the college It is only social functions If I join and am not an active participant I am not an asset

Representation and Advocacy Your membership dues support AFC’s Advocacy efforts. AFC employs an exceptional team of experienced lobbyists to ensure that your needs come first. Our team of contract lobbyists, the Legislative Committee, the Policy & Advocacy Committee, the Trustees, and the AFC CEO work to tell our stories with a powerful voice. Listening Legislature AFC’s more than 8,000 voices are heard through its one unified voice and message on issues of importance to you and the 28 community and state colleges it supports and promotes. Partnering with the Division of State Colleges, when we speak – legislature listens. Information Resource AFC’s members are guaranteed access to the most up-to-date in formation related to the community and state colleges in Florida through an intricate array of resources. COP, CSA, CIA, RDC, and COBA all work with AFC Professionalism Through your membership, you demonstrate that you support and are involved in the future of the community and state college system. You also demonstrate your commitment to lifelong learning as you continue to develop your career and professional skills. Networking The AFC network is priceless! The value of the relationships you will develop and foster throughout your career can not be measured. More than anything else, this benefit will last you a lifetime. Professional Growth Knowledge gained through understanding, exposure, and shared information is beneficial to each individual member. Chapter, Region, and Commission involvement enhances leadership skills, provide for promotional opportunities, and increases the knowledge base of the individual, institution, department, and division. Publications The quarterly newsletter Current and the weekly legislative update Perception are available to members. Each highlights current and upcoming events while providing members with current news and other significant information. Member Discount Programs AFC negotiates many discounts on products and services. Educational, theme park, promotional items, rental cars, and other discounted tickets and specials.

Professional Development Awards and Recognition Advocacy

Networking and Resource sharing Region & Chapter meetings Commissions –17 specialty groups Conferences and Conventions Regions Commissions Leadership Community Service AFC Website

Commission Exemplary Practices Professor of the Year Chapter of the Year Leroy Collins Outstanding Alumni James L. Wattenbarger Award Distinguished Service Awards Trustee of the Year Outstanding AFC Board member Membership level Awards Unsung Hero Award Commission of the Year Honorary Life Award

Council of Presidents Administration College and Contract Lobbyists Policy and Advocacy Committee Annual Legislative Planning Summit Trustees and Presidents AFC provides a launching point for lobbying during Legislative Session Just in time info to members – publication of Perception Key contact network –member advocates

Mileage reimbursement from $0.29 to $0.445 per mile a $0.155 increase Daily meal per diem from $21.00 per day to $36.00 per day 3% instead of 5% pension contribution Insurance for part time employees and their family Faculty tenure issue Legislative updates -

WHAT IS IT? The Certified College Professional (CCP) Program will provide AFC member with the opportunity to earn a designation related to their work as a college professional, and expose them to content and experience they may not be able to obtain elsewhere. The CCP program provides significant value-added benefits for membership in the AFC and enhances the AFC's role as the primary professional development provider for the Florida College System. WHY SHOULD I EARN IT? If you are considering earning the Association of Florida Colleges Certified College Professional (CCP) designation, please keep in mind the following initial criteria that you must meet before applying: You have been a member of the Association of Florida Colleges (AFC) for at least one year You have been employed full-time by a Florida College System institution for at least 3 years, and you have at least one year of experience in your current position at the college You are committed to upholding the AFC Certified College Professional "Standards of Conduct" Your college president will support your effort to earn the CCP Regardless of your academic background and professional experience, the CCP designation can set you apart from the rest of your colleagues and go a long way to advancing your career in the Florida College System. If the above criteria applies to you, then earning the CCP designation may be a good decision.

This week – Chapter/Campus meetings May 8 th - Mother’s Day Drawings May 10 th – Black Hammock Airboat Rides and meal, 2pm May 14 – 16 th - Student Development Commission Conference (PHCC) May 16 – 17 th - Joint Commission Conference (Sarasota) July 11 – 12 th - Membership Development Conference (Cape Coral) September th – First Annual Trustees Commission Conference (Disney) November th – 64 th Annual Convention, Destin, FL October 29 – 31 st, 2014 – 65 th Annual Convention, Orlando, FL

There is no better time to be a member of the AFC than right now. With the current state of the national and state economy, it is crucial to be on the front lines in regards to legislative issues, professional development, and personal growth. By joining AFC, you will be kept abreast of the current happenings both locally and statewide as it relates to higher education and the Florida State College System. Our mission is simple – to promote actively and represent, support, and serve democratically members and institutions in their endeavors to provide their students and the citizens of Florida the best possible comprehensive community college educational system. As a member, you are now a part of a unique organization. AFC is the organization to define critical public policy and legislative issues while enhancing the public awareness and understanding of the mission of the state’s community and state colleges. You are encouraged to utilize all of our resources from networks with colleagues at other institutions, meetings and conferences, publications, advocacy efforts, and the AFC partner benefits like the college tuition discounts. It is our sincere hope that you will take advantage of the opportunities to grow your career, expand your leadership skills, increase your network, and make good use of Your Association! Remember your AFC membership opens the door to a variety of opportunities for you to make new friends and contacts statewide! Access to individuals with experience, connections, answers and solutions to problems you may face is a priceless value. As the professional association for community college employees, the AFC brings together all the major players in the Florida State College system to benefit you and your institution. This is Your Association!

Shelby Fiorentino – Chapter President VP of Regions & Chapters or x1619 Damion Hammock – Chapter President – Elect or x6917 Valencia State