KCCD Colleges always a “stone of hope” for our communities. Celebrating MLK 2022.

Last week, for me, was intense and full of activity …. faculty, staff, and administrators were gearing up for the start of the spring term. In addition, our accreditation commission which I chair, had its meetings scheduled throughout the week wrapping up yesterday, Friday. So this morning I woke up with the same spaciousness I always felt the day after a big examination. It is still dark outside, and here I am immersing myself in this week’s blog post with a cub of coffee …. #FeelingBlessed

On Monday, communities across this nation will come together to honor Martin Luther King Jr. I usually re-read some of his writings during this three-day weekend. The letter from Birmingham Jail (June 1963) and “I have a dream speech” in (August1963):

“With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope.”

I also wanted to share these words that BC Web Content Editor Valerie Urso wrote about film icon Sidney Poitier:

It is with great sadness that the world learned of Sidney Poitier’s passing this past week. Poitier was a Bahamian-American actor, director and producer who broke ground in his field, receiving the first Academy Award for best actor given to an African-American.

His first role as a film actor was in 1950’s No Way Out, after starting a successful career in live theater and touring nationally. His starring role in the stage production of A Raisin in the Sun won accolades from critics and he went on to reprise his role in the film version in 1961.

In the 1970’s, Poitier began directing, working with famous actors like Harry Belafonte, Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor.

Sidney Poitier is remembered for his refusal to cater to racist stereotypes, forging a career that was bold and unapologetic, setting records and blazing his own trail.

In addition to his work in the arts, Poitier served as the Bahamian ambassador to Japan from 1997-2007.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called Poitier “a soul brother”, saying, “He is a man of great depth, a man of great social concern, a man who is dedicated to human rights and freedom.”

Poster of Sidney Poitier in 1963 movie Lilies of the Field – Poitier is pictured sitting with his elbows on his knees laughing with the title – Different by faith, skin and calling but what a wonderful adventure they shared! – There is a picture of a nun to the right of him.

These two great men broke down barriers and worked for a better world. Let’s remember and honor their legacies.

Good morning, friends…
It is January 15, 2022.
The sun shines bright over KCCD.

This week, the Pirates, the Coyotes, and the Renegades continue to
#DareMightyThings

Porterville College

PC to begin spring semester online

Due to the recent rise in COVID cases in Tulare and Kern Counties, Porterville College has announced that the majority of classes will be delivered via online modalities for the first two weeks of the Spring Semester. The semester is set to begin on Tuesday, January 18^th.

Beginning that day, all on-campus lecture classes will switch to an online format. Exceptions will be made for lab portions of classes such as STEM courses and activities that require in-person participation, including athletics, CTE programs, performing arts and clinical rotations. Those activities will continue to be held on-campus.

PC has already announced that no spectators will be allowed at PC home men’s and women’s basketball games for at least two weeks.

In her letter to the campus, President Habib says, “We have been tracking the latest omicron surge in the state and in Tulare County. Over the last 10 days, Tulare County’s positive test rate has risen from 6.2 percent to 22.6 percent. The county’s case rate has also skyrocketed to 58.6 per 100,000. Seeing these numbers, it is not surprising that we are experiencing a rise in COVID cases on our campus. Due to the fast spread of the omicron variant, we have decided to exercise extra caution as we begin this new term. To that end, we will minimize risk by transitioning all on-campus lecture classes to an online format for the first two weeks of the semester.”

For classes beginning on Tuesday, students should check their campus email and CANVAS for updates from their faculty on the status of their classes. Student support services, including tutoring, counseling, admissions, records, financial aid, mental health services and library services, will be available online and in-person on a limited basis for the first two weeks of the semester.

In her letter Habib also encouraged students and staff to be vaccinated, wear a mask, social distance and be regularly tested even if asymptomatic.

PC hits the park to make registration easy for Porterville Residents

The PC Student Services team is continuing to remove barriers to education with another community-based recruitment event. These events are held in high traffic local “gathering spots” to meet potential students where they are and make the entire process of registration easier.

“We know how busy it can get this time of year, so we hope that we can make registration that much easier by bringing staff and registration equipment to areas where we know lots of people will be,” said Roger Perez, Director of Communications and Community Relations for PC.

“We know that sometimes it can be tough for people to find the time to make a special trip to campus to register, especially with complicated schedules – working at odd hours and trying to take care of everything that life can throw at us. With these outreach events, they can register for classes as they head to pay bills or run errands during the day. They can even have some lunch on us at the same time!”

Porterville College President, Dr. Claudia Habib joins a potential student and PC Staff
at Centennial Park.

The goal of these events remains to make registration as EASY as possible for our community – allowing EVERYONE that wants to register for classes the access, and the simplicity, that they need to get it done quickly.

The most recent of these events was held on Wednesday, January 12 in Porterville’s Centennial Park just steps away from where many people go to pay their utility bills or shop at local businesses. Staff was on hand to answer questions and register people on the spot. FREE lunch was provided for all who attended.

Cerro Coso Community College

New Semester Brings Enthusiasm and Opportunities

Cerro Coso was in full force showing off the school pride, drawing inspiration from students, peers, and the surrounding communities.

Cerro Coso aims to prepare students for life-long success. It’s all about the future. Whatever the career goal, a college education can help. The College offers a variety of Associate Degrees and certifications, Associate Degrees for Transfer that guarantee acceptance to the California State University system, and community education.

A leader in online education since 1997, students can also take classes from the comfort of their home or office through CC Online. A virtual campus of Cerro Coso, CC Online offers 22 accredited online associate degrees, 23 certifications, and more than 160 courses per year. The college also offers high school students the ability to finish college faster through dual and concurrent enrollment programs offered through their high school. Interested high school students are encouraged to contact their counselor for more information.

Classes begin Tuesday, January 18^th. Registration is still on going and there are a numbers of classes to choose. From anthropology to welding, Cerro Coso truly has something for everyone. Contact the college counseling department today at 760-384-6219.

A call to action at Cerro Coso:

Vaccinate and get your booster to ensure the safety or all, or have an approved exemption on file with a regular testing schedule set up;
Wear a face covering when inside any college facility and in groups of people;
Download the KCCD Campus Pass App and pre-screen prior to coming to campus. If you receive a Green Pass you are cleared to come to campus. If you receive a Red Pass do not come to campus until you receive further instructions;
Scan QR codes using the KCCD Campus Pass App when entering and traveling around campus;
Wash your hands and wipe down your desks and working stations regularly with supplies provided;
Do NOT come to campus if you are exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms;
Familiarize yourself with our Safe Campus Reopening Protocols available on our website here.

What are your goals for 2022? Share them on Cerro Coso’s Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram pages.

Need help? call 760-384-6219. We are here for you!

Cerro Coso Community College Participates in the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA)

The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA of 1989 – also known as the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Act) – requires higher education institutions to establish policies that address unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs for faculty, staff, and students.

All members of the Cerro Coso community are encouraged to review the information on the following pages. This information is distributed on an annual basis.

Please follow the hyperlink below to review KCCD and Cerro Coso Community College Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program.

Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program

Standards of Conduct
Legal Sanctions
Health Risks
Drug and Alcohol Help Resources

Cerro Coso welcomes new applications to CC Promise Program

For the first time since launching in 2017, the Cerro Coso Promise Program is opening up for new applications this spring offering students up to two full-years of tuition-free education.

Recognizing that many students take a break in the fall semester and choose to begin their college education in the spring, the Cerro Coso Promise Program is welcoming new applications this spring for the first time.

The Cerro Coso Community College Foundation (CCCC Foundation) launched the Cerro Coso Promise Program in 2017 to ensure that no deserving student is denied the opportunity to earn a college degree or certificate. Besides covering two full years of tuition-free education, the program helps with textbooks, counseling, and the kind of hand-on support that is helping students within the Kern Community College District service area develop an educational plan meeting their career and academic goals.

“The Promise has given me the opportunity to fulfil my education with no out of pocket cost,” said student Nikki Lewis. “I have been attending college off and on for years. By not having to worry about cost, I have been able to get further than I ever have.”

Student athlete Rayan Brennan agrees, “the program has kept my baseball and schooling aspirations alive, without me having to go into much debt.”

A recent evaluation of the program showed student in the Cerro Coso Promise Program attempt more units, are more engaged on campus, are more likely to earn degrees and certificates, and are from more diverse backgrounds than their non-Promise peers.

“I encourage other students to participate in the Promise Program as it benefits them in various ways,” said 2021 program graduate Manasi Panchal. “The various outreach activities give students a chance to interact with other students on campus, or on Zoom, and get to know them. Students also receive priority registration, career advice, counseling, help with transferring, and other student support services to help them further their goals.” Panchal graduated from the program last May and is now continuing her education at CSU Channel Island.

Information and application for the Cerro Coso Promise Program is available on the college website at www.cerrocoso.edu

The Cerro Coso Promise is funded through the support of generous donors and the statewide California College Promise.

Students attending Cerro Coso Bishop and Mammoth Lakes campuses are eligible to apply for the Inyo or Mono Promise.

Bakersfield College

BC’s SouthWest Center opens next week

Bakersfield College’s SouthWest Center will open to serve students next week, January 18th, 2022. The long-anticipated 60,000-square-foot facility has almost 50 classrooms, as well as labs, faculty offices, student services and student hang-out spots. The SouthWest Center gives students a closer-to-home option to use Bakersfield College computer lab facilities, purchase books for classes, work in the new dry and wet labs or attend lectures.

Large windows flood the three-story building with light, with the first two floors opening for classes January 18th and the third floor planning to open for late start classes that begin in March. The sunny location will provide a training ground for students on a healthcare track. Bakersfield College offers pre-nursing classes, certificates for radiologic technicians, ultrasound technician certificates, veterinary tech & animal science degrees and many other educational opportunities for students seeking healthcare careers.
Read more about the impact of the new SouthWest Center at Bakersfield.com: New BC SouthWest Center prepares to op

BC Flex Week

Every semester, Flex Week offers an array of exciting and informative workshops for BC faculty and staff. A big thank you to Pam Rivers for coordinating this wonderful opportunity for our BC community for growth and learning. These are a few of the topics that were covered, with many more workshops each day of Flex Week 2022:

Student Employment
Join Stephanie Baltazar during Flex week for two separate sessions to keep you up to date with everything you need to know about Student Employment.

Active Shooter Training

Todd Dearmore leads this workshop that has important information for all employee groups. An active shooter response requires a campus-wide partnership. A few moments of your time might save your life or the lives of others.

Advancing Responsiveness to Accommodation Support at BC

This workshop will highlight the processes from eligibility to test request, test administration, and tracking for DL and/ in-person course exam completion. The presentation will also include information on our internal forms and moderating quizzes with extra time and additional attempts.

For more professional development and online teaching resources, be sure to check out the Online Teaching Resources webpage.

BC’s Spring Opening Day

Spring Opening Day was held this Thursday, January 13th, 2022, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM virtually on Zoom.

We heard from campus leaders such as, BCSGA President, Edith Mata, the COVID-19 Task Force, Accreditation Mid-Term Team, and more. Opening Day keeps us plugged in and connected every semester – thank you to all who participated.

Renegade Athletics Update

Spring Sports Media Day

This week Athletics held their Spring Sports Media Day on January 13th. Renegade Athletics welcomed the community to come hear from the coaches and a few student athletes on the coming up season!

At media day, longtime BC Baseball Coach Tim Painton announced that this upcoming season will be his last. Coach Painton has been with BC Baseball for 27 years – amassing more than 600 wins and coaching more than 250 student-athletes on to scholarships at other schools.

Also, Reggie Bolton was announced as Athletic Director. He had been serving as Interim Athletic Director.

Check out this video from KGET:

Women’s Basketball

Women’s basketball competed for the first time since December 18th and won against the West LA Wildcats, 73-68. Due to no fault of their own, the women has had to postpone or cancel their previous games because of a water leak at home and covid outbreaks from the other team. The team will be back at home on Saturday, January 15th at 5:00pm.