Inspire 2035

A Message from the Chancellor

Dr. Julianna M. Asperin Barnes

Welcome to Inspire 2035, the South Orange County Community College District’s bold and future-forward comprehensive plan which encompasses our new strategic and facilities plans. This document represents not only our vision for the next decade but also the collective wisdom and commitment of our districtwide community.

Guided by the work of the Chancellor’s Planning Commission, Inspire 2035 was developed through a deeply collaborative and inclusive process. Faculty, staff, students, trustees, and community stakeholders all played an essential role in shaping the strategic goals, priorities, and values that define this plan. The commission served as a critical forum for dialogue, alignment, and shared ownership, ensuring that the voices and experiences of our diverse district were reflected in every step.

At SOCCCD, we are united by a belief in the power of education to transform lives. Through Inspire 2035, we reaffirm our commitment to student success and equity, economic and social mobility, innovation and technology, environmental sustainability, and institutional effectiveness. These priorities position us to meet the needs of today while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this plan and who will continue to bring it to life. Together, we will lead with vision, act with purpose, and inspire a future of opportunity for all, where students are the heart of what we do and who we are.

Video Highlights of the Plan

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Purpose of the Strategic and Facilities Planning Process

The Inspire 2035 Strategic and Facilities Plans align South Orange County Community College District’s aspirations with the evolving needs of its students, employees, and communities. Grounded in the district’s core values—community, equity, excellence, innovation, belonging, student-centered, and empowerment—and with a strong commitment to its strategic priorities, the planning process engages diverse voices from across Irvine Valley College, Saddleback College, ATEP, district services and the broader community. This integrated, participatory, and data-informed process connects districtwide goals with physical infrastructure planning to ensure that programs, spaces, and services work together to support inclusive, high-impact learning environments where all students can thrive, achieve equitable outcomes, and access opportunities for personal, academic, and professional success.

Chancellor’s Planning Commission (CPC)

The Chancellor’s Planning Commission (CPC) serves as a strategic advisory body that supports the long-term planning efforts of the SOCCCD. Its primary role is to provide thoughtful recommendations that shape the development of district-wide plans, ensuring alignment with the District’s overarching vision, mission, and core values.

CPC Workshops

Throughout the process, the Commission engaged in a series of facilitated workshops, working collaboratively to analyze trends, assess priorities, and imagine future possibilities. These sessions have been instrumental in guiding the planning process and helping to chart a forward-looking course for the future of SOCCCD. The Commission’s contributions have helped lay a thoughtful and inclusive foundation for strategic decision-making that will impact the District for years to come.

WORKSHOP 1 

WORKSHOP 2

WORKSHOP 3

WORKSHOP 4

WORKSHOP 5

WORKSHOP 6

WORKSHOP 7

5-Step Planning Process

Inspire 2035 was developed through a collaborative 5- step planning process that began in September 2024 and extended through June 2025.

A summary of each of the steps is described here: 

The Prepare phase established the foundation for the planning process by defining clear goals, success measures, and a project timeline.

The Engage phase expanded the work to examine broader conditions impacting the district. This included reviewing enrollment trends, student success data, external scans, and existing planning documents. 

The Frame phase synthesized stakeholder feedback and data analysis into a set of draft district-wide strategic Priorities.

In the Explore phase, the district community was invited to review and contribute to the draft strategies and planning elements through a district-wide survey. 

The Recommend phase focused on finalizing and vetting the plan through key governance bodies, including the CPC, college governance, Board of Trustees, and other stakeholders.

Engagement Overview

Inspire 2035 District-wide Plan

• Planning Framework

  • Values
  • Vision 
  • Mission 
  • Priorities and Goals 
  • Facilities Guiding Principles 

• Campus Vision Plans

  • Irvine Valley College Campus
  • Saddleback College Campus
  • Advanced Technology & Education Park (ATEP)