A Year in Retrospect

May 2025

As we close out Academic Year 2024–2025, I am filled with gratitude for all that we have accomplished together. This year has been one of remarkable growth, collaboration, and creativity across the departments within and beyond our division.  

Our Early College programs expanded to serve nearly 1,900 students from 23 high schools, with a 35% increase in credit hours over the past five years. Events like High School Appreciation Day and the student panel showcased the strength and promise of our partnerships. The department is also on track to complete its 5-year program review this month, which not only highlights Early College's impact, but also identified critical needs for sustainable growth, enhanced advising, resource alignment, and greater equity for rural and tribal-serving high schools.  

The Office of Accessibility and Inclusion (OAI) is also finalizing its program review, which outlines our commitment to creating accessible, inclusive learning environments. The review emphasizes continued progress in ADA compliance, outreach, and faculty collaboration. In alignment with that vision, OAI will officially change its name to Student Accommodation Services (SAS) on July 1 to better reflect its mission.

Throughout the year, our departments advanced several key initiatives. Library Services expanded its laptop loan program and community events, ensured adequate databases for our new 4-year programs, and explored the study pods ideas to create better student spaces on campus. Our commitment to digital accessibility deepened through joint efforts by Instructional Technology and Curriculum Support (ITCS), OAI, and the Learning Technologies Committee. In response to new federal guidelines, these teams led digital accessibility training to ensure our learning environments are equitable and inclusive. Our ITCS team continued to empower faculty through professional development in Open Educational Resources (OER), artificial intelligence, and curriculum support. We also welcome a new Testing Center Manager, who will begin on May 16 and will lead continued improvements in both high- and low-stakes testing services.  

Our team members actively engaged in statewide and national professional activities. For example, Dr. Michael Broyles shared insights from the AZTransfer Summit on student-centered decision making, AGEC advising, and AZTransfer data for community colleges. I found his reflections on responsible AI integration in teaching and exploration of “servingness" very meaningful in terms of fostering cultural and ethical engagement that is vital to academic success.

Strategic planning remained a focus this year, with efforts centered on clarity, fiscal responsibility, and a healthy, value-driven culture. Our teams worked diligently to streamline internal processes through ongoing development of SOPs and tools. As always, our work has remained rooted in the student experience - whether by assisting with degree pathways, supporting mental wellness, engaging in the ERP implementation project, or preparing learners through thoughtful, human-centered practices. 

To every member of the DII team - thank you for your passion, dedication, and innovation. The progress we have made is a direct reflection of your commitment to students and to one another. I look forward to continuing this important work with all of you in the year ahead.  

Have a great summer, and take time to rest, recharge, and celebrate all that we have achieved together.

Wei Ma, PhD
Dean of Instructional Innovation
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