Culture of Continuous Improvement & Recognition
In addition to administrating operational structures and procedures for continuous improvement, Student Services believes in nurturing a culture of reflection, connection and growth. We believe in bringing out the best in our staff, that’s centered on our collective values, experiences, voices and expertise. Through this environment we foster authenticity, vulnerability, grace and growth centered on the reason why we are here, our students. We do this by recognizing our departments and staff who continue to progress and development. We honor those who model these values and efforts. We also have fun and have friendly competitions such as the “Best Department Ever” trophy. These, along with college-wide assessment procedures and structures comprehensively build an ecosystem of professional learning and fulfillment. Below are a couple examples of this culture-building and nurturing work.
Student Services “Best Department Ever Award” Trophy Criteria
Each quarter Student Services recognizes a department who have engaged fully in the Student Feedback Survey. The criteria often goes to the department who
- Has the most number of Student Feedback Survey submissions in a given quarter, and/or
- Has significant increase in Student Feedback Survey submissions compared to the prior quarter, and/or
- Has high Student Feedback Survey evaluation ratings in a given quarter, and/or
- Has demonstrated robust utilization of the qualitative and quantitative data for continuous improvement efforts.
Winter Quarter 2026 “Best Department Ever” Award Trophy Recipient:
Enrollment Services: Registration & Records, and Admissions Office
Enrollment Services was recognized for its outstanding engagement with data collection by tripling the number of Student Feedback Survey submissions in the winter quarter of 2026 from the prior quarter! Congratulations, Enrollment Services Team! They are the beholder of the “Best Department Ever” award trophy and will have bragging rights until next quarter’s trophy recipient announcement. Each of the staff will also receive a $10 gift card to Starbucks provided by the Highline College Foundation.
Staff Recognition: Czarina Refuerzo
Student Services recognizes Czarina Refuerzo for her outstanding contribution and customer service. Czarina has served at Highline College for over 16 years in different roles such as a Workforce Education Services Advisor, Financial Aid Advisor, and currently serves as a Program Coordinator with Registration and Records. Since the creation of the Student Feedback Survey in 2020, Czarina herself has received approximately 100 Student Feedback Survey submissions praising her exemplary service. Below are a few of the accolades expressed by our students of her professionalism and kindness.
“I just want to leave a comment to thank Czarina for always being so helpful. I feel like she understands what I’m going through with my barriers. And that she always find ways for me to connect with the right person and department. Thank you Czarina your deportment is really lucky to have you. Many blessings to you.”
“I hope this message gets to Czarina at Financial Aid. On December 3rd, she helped me with my FAFSA Application and gave me other funding resources while my financial aid is being process, since this is my first time enrolling and as an active military. She is very resourceful. I thank you for her help because without her help, I wouldn’t know where to find other source of funding. Thank you so much.”
“Love the new face at Registration, always smiling helping us, as the student. I didn’t get her name but she was very professional looking and helpful with my overload credit and other questions about my financial aid, very knowledgeable. Thank you black hair lady with cool reading glasses. :)”
In addition, please join us in recognizing Czarina for receiving the Washington Governor’s University Transfer Champion Award, which recognizes professionals who show exceptional dedication to supporting transfer students and removing barriers in higher education.