On The Spot @ PCC

On The Spot: Budget at PCC with Dina Farrell

In this episode of On the Spot, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Dina Farrell demystifies Portland Community College's budgeting process and its alignment with college goals. Dina discusses the Fiscal Sustainability Action Plan, efforts to generate revenue, the new Workday system's role in financial reporting, and how employees can engage with budget planning.
https://www.pcc.edu/fiscal-sustainability/frequently-asked-questions/
The podcast On the Spot@PCC! is hosted and produced by PCC staff. Each bite-size episode answers an employee question about the college, its operations, or its people.
Download a transcript of this episode here.

On The Spot: Emergency Preparedness with Lorraine Churchill

PCC's Emergency Preparedness Manager, Lorraine Churchill, joins On the Spot to discuss how the college prepares for and responds to crises. Lorraine explains PCC's coordination with external agencies, its multi-layered emergency planning, and how the community can engage in preparedness through drills, such as upcoming fire evacuations, and initiatives like the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).
https://www.pcc.edu/public-safety/emergencies/
The podcast On the Spot@PCC! is hosted and produced by PCC staff. Each bite-size episode answers an employee question about the college, its operations, or its people.
Download a transcript of this episode here.

On The Spot: AI at PCC with Brandon Gatke (Part 2)

In the second half of our AI deep dive, Associate Vice President of IT and Security Brandon Gatke returns to explore the tools, risks, and future of artificial intelligence at PCC. Learn how the college is integrating AI into everyday operations—from AI note-taking tools and Zoom integration to student advising bots and security systems fighting fake enrollments. Brandon also addresses digital equity, ethical concerns, and the energy implications of AI, offering insight into how PCC is navigating this rapidly evolving landscape with care and strategy.
The podcast On the Spot@PCC! is hosted and produced by PCC staff. Each bite-size episode answers an employee question about the college, its operations, or its people.
Download a transcript of this episode here.

On The Spot: AI at PCC with Brandon Gatke (Part 1)

In this thought-provoking episode, we welcome Brandon Gatke, PCC's new Associate Vice President of Information Technology and Security, for a deep dive into the evolving world of artificial intelligence. From defining generative AI and its everyday uses to exploring its impact on higher education, Brandon shares how AI is reshaping workflows, enhancing student services, and posing new sustainability challenges. Plus, learn how PCC is already integrating AI tools on campus and what that means for students, faculty, and staff. This is part one of a two-part conversation you won’t want to miss!
The podcast On the Spot@PCC! is hosted and produced by PCC staff. Each bite-size episode answers an employee question about the college, its operations, or its people.
Download a transcript of this episode here.

On The Spot: Sustainability with Briar Wray (Part 2)

In Part 2 of our 🌎 Earth Week special, Briar Wray shares how PCC is tackling big sustainability goals—from decarbonizing buildings and electrifying the fleet to growing edible landscapes and supporting student-led climate justice projects. It’s a look at how deep collaboration is making real change across our campuses.
The podcast On the Spot@PCC! is hosted and produced by PCC staff. Each bite-size episode answers an employee question about the college, its operations, or its people.
Download a transcript of this episode here.

On The Spot: Sustainability with Briar Wray (Part 1)

In honor of 🌎 Earth Week this week's broadcast is a two-parter – and it's all about PCC Sustainability. We're doing so much we couldn't fit it in one episode. We talk to Briar Wray, Associate Dean, Sustainability Strategies.
The podcast On the Spot@PCC! is hosted and produced by PCC staff. Each bite-size episode answers an employee question about the college, its operations, or its people.
Download a transcript of this episode here.

On The Spot Episode 6: Workday ERP with Angela McMahon

The podcast, On the Spot@PCC! is hosted and produced by PCC staff. We are getting answers to your burning work-related questions.
In this episode Angela McMahon, Director of Application Systems for Academic Affairs andStudent Affairs sits down with Danielle Gabriel, Director of Marketing to talk about the colleges transition to a new Enterprise Resource Planning System.
Each episode is 15 minutes or less and tackles an employee-submitted question about the college, its operations, and its people.
Download a transcript of this episode here.

On The Spot Episode 5: Catering with Amber Mendel

The podcast, On the Spot@PCC! is hosted and produced by PCC staff. We are getting answers to your burning work-related questions.
In this episode Amber Mendel, Director of Auxiliary Services sits down with Danielle Gabriel, Director of Marketing to discuss food services at PCC.
Each episode is 15 minutes or less and tackles an employee-submitted question about the college, its operations, and its people.
Download a transcript of this episode here.