A week of beautiful beaches and sunsets

Uncategorized March 16, 2024 1 Comment

Made a thing out of watching the Oscars last Sunday …. so fun!

And then there was Ryan Gosling

Check it out.

The entire evening was wonderful, culminating with Al Pacino announcing the award for Best Picture (which went to Oppenheimer). He walked up to “Speak Softly, Love,” from “The Godfather” – which I love.

*****

At home, I enjoyed some quality time with Neo, and lovely walks

And managed to snap this photo of a duck in the pool!

*****

I traveled to So Cal this week – LA for President Gebru’s investiture and then to San Diego where I gave the McFarlane Lecture for the SDSU Alumni CCLEAD Alumni Group and then the Community College League of California’s annual CEO Symposium.

The LA City College Choir did a wonderful rendition of Lift Every Voice and Sing.

I so love San Diego and brought back a little beach scene for you.

Good morning California.
It is March 16, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Merced College Driving Innovations in Agricultural Education
for the Valley and Beyond

Artificial intelligence, automation, electric vehicles, and robotics are reshaping the landscape of agriculture, as evidenced by the AgTechX Summit held at Merced College on March 7. Agricultural professionals, local farmers, and leaders at Merced College shared cutting-edge technology, discussed the future of the industry, and highlighted Merced College’s pivotal role in agricultural education, showcasing a new AgTEC Innovation Center currently in development.

» Read more!

College of Marin Library Receives Insight Into Diversity Magazine’s
2024 LEAD Award

The College of Marin (COM) Library received the 2024 Library Excellence in Access and Diversity (LEAD) Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education. The LEAD Award honors academic libraries’ programs and initiatives that encourage and support DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) across their campus. These include, but are not limited to research, technology, accessibility, exhibitions, and community outreach.

» Read more!

Contra Costa College Hosts 12th Annual Dreamers Conference

The 12th Annual Dreamers Conference was a free event for undocumented students and allies in the Contra Costa Community College District (4cd). The conference provided information, resources, and support for dreamers to succeed in their academic and career goals.

» Learn more!

Coastline Community College Submits Competency-Based Education Direct Assessment Application to the Department of Education

Coastline College has officially submitted their Direct Assessment Competency-Based Education (CBE) application to the Department of Education. This significant step forward aligns with Coastline’s commitment to providing flexible, high-quality education that meets the needs of their diverse student body. Coastline College is the first community college to submit their application as part of the California Community College Chancellor’s Office’s CBE Pilot project.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

2024 Systemwide Webinars

The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office next Systemwide Webinar is set for Wednesday, April 3, from 9-10 am. Please join us for Our Time is Now! Advancing California’s Economy Through Community Colleges.

» Register today!

*****

Student Housing Virtual Forum –
The True Price Tag: Calculating the 24-Hour Cost of Student Housing

The Chancellor’s Office is hosting a series of virtual and in-person professional development events to support California Community Colleges student housing programs. This Student Housing Virtual Forum will feature a panel of student housing professionals who will be discussing the total cost of ownership of operating student housing, providing tools to calculate the lifetime costs of housing operations and the challenges and considerations for transitioning to 24/7 operations. Panelists will engage with virtual attendees and there will be a chance to answer questions.

The next virtual forum is Tuesday, April 9 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

» Register today!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From San Jose City College:

On Pi Day, we celebrated the ribbon-cutting ceremony for SJCC’s MESA Center, which supports educationally and economically disadvantaged students in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) transfer pipeline.

*****

From LA City College:

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for the investiture of President Dr. Gebru at #LACC! Dr. Gebru’s leadership promises a future of excellence & community impact. Together, we’re embarking on a journey towards an even brighter future for our college and community.

*****

From Clovis Community College:

And more fabulous photos from the President’s Luncheon w/Dr. Kim E. Armstrong. We truly appreciate everyone’s support. @scccd @DrGoldsmith777 @cccwelcomecenter #GoCrush#ThankfulForStudents Link to photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBgQbH

****

And I’d like to extend my well-wishes to this group of CCC students in Barcelona:

A cohort of Citrus College students – as well as students from other Southern California Foothills Consortium Colleges – are currently learning in Barcelona!

Blast from the Past

It’s been four years since the Covid-19 pandemic shut down our colleges – and much of our world. I’d like to share the message I sent out to our Bakersfield College community on March 17, 2020:

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Welcomes New President, Dr. Jerry Fliger

Bakersfield College is proud to welcome Dr. Jerry Fliger as its new President. Dr. Fliger’s appointment by KCCD comes after a comprehensive nationwide search, spearheaded by a committee of faculty, students, and alumni, aimed at finding a visionary leader capable of navigating the complex challenges facing higher education today.

» Read more!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

That’s all for today.

See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,

-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

Rolling into March 2024

Uncategorized March 9, 2024 Leave a comment

I started my week in Austin presenting on a panel at SXSW – Higher Education’s Role in
Climate: The Missing Piece. Jeff Clary moderated the panel with Martin Keller, Director of
the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Katy Launius from the Lumina
Foundation, and me.

The panel touched on the unique potential of community colleges to
accelerate climate action at scale. Serving millions of students, community colleges have
large operational footprints; a focus on technical education for essential careers in green
energy, transportation, and infrastructure; and close ties to their communities, where they
give voice to many who often go unheard.

I enjoyed seeing the Foundation there in full force.  Here is a photo that Bryan Miller snapped right before the session.

The very brief time I was in Austin, literally a one-day trip for the presentation, I checked out the Rainey Street that was bustling with music, musicians and DJs everywhere and walked the trail that ran along the river.  The trail is beautiful as you can see in the photos.  There is quite a lot of  recreational activity as well.

On Friday, I gave welcome remarks at Foothill College’s 2nd Annual Dual Enrollment Summit.

Here I am with Anthony Cordova and Dolores Davison:

And with Foothill College President Kristina Whalen and Student Trustee Nicole Nguyen – who also serves on the CCCT Board.

Good morning California.
It is March 9, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

ELAC Theater Arts Students Shine at
Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival

East Los Angeles College (ELAC) Theater Arts students showcased their talent and dedication at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) for Region 8, garnering numerous awards and accolades. 25 total ELAC students participated in the festival with many of them winning awards. Among the standout winners, Krystyna Colocho emerged victorious, clinching the prestigious National KCACTF Award for Theatrical Design Excellence in Scenic Design. Krystyna will be representing Region 8 at the Kennedy Center in the Spring, a testament to their outstanding creativity and skill.

» Read more!

Imperial Valley College Rolls Out Lithium Tech Certificate Program

Imperial Valley College has been working with the local Lithium companies to develop new programs to prepare Imperial Valley residents with the skills and abilities to obtain the anticipated Lithium jobs. Based on projected workforce needs, IVC rolled the first Lithium related program in Fall 2023 by starting a new Plant Operator certificate Program.

» Learn more!

» Read KQED’s story about the program!

Santiago Canyon College, Korean American Chamber of Commerce
of Orange County Sign MOU for Workplace Skills

Members of the Santiago Canyon College President’s Cabinet and SCC’s Division of Continuing Education participated in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Ceremony with the Korean American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County. The MOU calls for collaboration with SCC providing Workplace Skills Enhancement Training to the more than 100 businesses that comprise the membership of the KACCOC and thousands of Korean American businesses in Orange County.

College of the Sequoias Resource Aims to Assist Unhoused Students

The Giant Marketplace at College of the Sequoias was open with the needs of unhoused students in mind. The facility provides canned food, microwaveable dishes, milk, and fruit. Students can also be referred to assistive programs pertaining to their situation. The facility also has its own case workers who can guide students through their search for secure housing.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

In California, NREL Helps Kern County Embrace Clean Energy
in Partnership With Community Colleges

For more than 100 years, Kern County, California, has relied on energy (oil and gas) and agricultural production to stimulate the economy. People in Kern County have a fierce sense of pride and a strong sense of identity as an energy producing community, and they are expanding that vision.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg with a group at the California Community Colleges Women’s Caucus’ International Women’s Day event at Los Angeles Mission College:

Some more members of the CCCWC:

Tammy Silver, Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, Linda Wah,
Rowena Tomaneng, Andra Hoffman, Sharoni Little

*****

Bakersfield College and the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce held a Latinas in Business and Leadership panel this week to kick off Women’s History Month at BC. Nicole also went on KGET to promote the panel and other college events.

*****

From El Camino College:

Happy #InternationalWomensDay! We commemorated the occasion with our Women’s Walk yesterday to celebrate women everywhere.

*****

From Cerro Coso Community College:

On Friday March 1st, Cerro Coso Access Programs went on a cultural field trip to Manzanar National Historic Site. Access Programs was able to bring 14 students from the IWV Cerro Coso Campus, and 4 students from the ESCC Bishop Campus. Students had the opportunity to network with fellow Access Students, travel along the Eastern Sierra Mountains, learn about WWII history, and have fun!

*****

And check out this video from Allan Hancock College – Hancock Conversations with ASB President Samantha Martinez, discussing student mental wellness:

Blast from the Past

Came across this 3:36 min photo roll of my time as Bakersfield College President. This was shared at BC’s Opening Day, Fall 2021. Wonderful memories ….

And From the Home of the Renegades

Introduce A Girl 2 Engineering 2024

Introduce a Girl 2 Engineering (IGE) is an event that occurs during National Engineers Week, where high school students from low-income families are invited to Bakersfield College to expose high school girls to engineering careers and recruit them to the Bakersfield College MESA Program.  The event also serves as a platform for BC-MESA students and young engineering professionals to develop leadership skills.

» Read more!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

That’s all for today.

See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,

-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

Field Trip — McFarland Early College & Kern Valley State Prison Rising Scholars

Uncategorized March 2, 2024 Leave a comment

Governor Gavin Newsom announced two appointments to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors:

Congratulations! I am looking forward to working with them as we continue our work on Vision 2030.

Wrapped up my week with beautiful clouds and snapped this photo while walking Neo.

Thursday and Friday were hectic with events at my home grounds — Farewell reception for Steve Watkin, acting President of BC; KCCD welcome dinner hosted by Chancellor Tom Burke for the Board of Governors visiting Kern; event at McFarland High with the Board of Governors showcasing what wall-to-wall dual enrollment looks like; visit to the Kern Valley State Prison to connect with students who are enrolled in BC pathways. All four events were food for my soul and as I write this blog on Saturday, I could not be more grateful to BC and KCCD. A picture is worth a 1000 words….. Enjoy!

At the Steve Watkin event.

Chancellor Burke, BOG Medina
BOG student member Paul Medina at BC

At the KCCD dinner

Chancellor Tom Burke
Trustee Romeo Agbalog

McFarland High School’s Early College program.

The students at McFarland, Cougar-Renegades, and truly remarkable. Could do an entire blog on our visit. For now, here are a few photos.

Paul Medina, Sonya Christian, McFarland Health Pathways students, Bill Rawlings, Cheryl Aschenbach

Kern Valley State Prison Visit

The visit to see our Renegades taking classes in the Kern Valley State Prison was amazing. Again, I could probably do a whole blog on this experience. Instead here is one photo of Rich McCrow, the founding Dean of the program, and Bryan Hirayama, founding faculty along with two members of the Board of Governors – Bill Rawlings and Paul Medina.

Good morning California.
It is March 2, 2024
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Las Positas College Hosts Science on Saturday Lecture Series

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s (LLNL) popular lecture series, “Science on Saturday,” returned Feb. 4 through Feb. 25 at Las Positas College’s Mertes Theater. The series offered four different lectures with the theme, “70 Years of Science.” Each lecture was presented by leading LLNL researchers, joined by high school science teachers. 

» Learn more about Science on Saturday!

Saddleback College Cuts Ribbon on Gateway Building

Saddleback College and the South Orange County Community College District unveiled the latest addition to the Saddleback campus, the Gateway Building, with a ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony. The ceremony was led by Board of Trustees President Tim Jemal, SOCCCD Chancellor Julianna Barnes, and Saddleback College President Elliot Stern. The ultramodern, three-story building contains two floors dedicated to student support services and a third floor featuring modern classrooms.

» Learn more about the Gateway Building!

West Hills Community College District Celebrates Selection
as a Parks California 2024 Route to Parks Grantee

West Hills Community College District (WHCCD) is thrilled to announce its selection as one of the 29 Parks California 2024 Route to Parks grant recipients. Now in its fourth year, the program aims to break down barriers to accessing state parks and foster a deep appreciation for nature among participants. WHCCD’s project, known as the CATCH (Creating Access to California’s Heritage) project, is set to engage underserved, underrepresented, multi-generational, and “park poor” families in outdoor education opportunities. 

» Read more!

Santa Barbara City College Nurtures Pathway for Professional Journalism

The Channels, the student news outlet of Santa Barbara City College (SBCC), welcomed the campus and community to tour their new collaborative workspace on the East Cliff Campus during a grand opening celebration on February 8. The Channels newsroom has relocated from a portable classroom on the edge of the East Cliff Campus to a newly redesigned space in the Administration Building at the heart of SBCC. This places students in the center of the action, giving them easier access to the administration, faculty, and staff and fellow media arts programs on campus. This move and investment emphasizes SBCC’s commitment to supporting and valuing students’ freedom of press and expression, recognizing journalism’s critical role in democracy and social justice, and operating with transparency.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Vision 2030: Access, Success and Support with Equity
for High School and Justice Involved Youth

Join a two-day convening exploring dual enrollment’s vital role, including opportunities for justice involved youth. This transformative initiative is led by dual enrollment and rising scholars practitioners bringing college experiences to students.

Thursday, March 14 and Friday, March 15 in Riverside

» Learn more & register!

*****

Register Now for 2024 System Webinars

Please join us on Wednesday, March 6 from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. for the next System Webinar and mark your calendars for the upcoming webinars. All webinars will be on Wednesdays from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

» Learn more & register!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

*****

From San Joaquin Delta College:

Vibrant poppies brightening up our day near the Science and Math Building!

*****

From Long Beach City College:

State of the College 2024 was a hit! “BeLong Beach” came alive with stories of progress from Dr. Muñoz & Vivian Malauulu, celebrating our amazing community, faculty, and student achievements. Thanks to all who made it our biggest yet!

*****

And from DeAnza College:

We’re closing out #BlackHistoryMonth with this great video from the #MartinLutherKingJr event in January

Blast from the Past

In honor of Nan’s new appointment, I thought it fitting to share her video of remarks from Bakersfield College Opening Day 2020.

And From the Home of the Renegades

Panorama Invitational Exhibit Creates
Unique Opportunity For Young Artists

The Bakersfield College Wylie and May Louise Jones Art Gallery is currently hosting the Panorama Invitational 2024. This unique event has taken place annually for more than twenty years, highlighting diverse artwork from local high school students. This year, there are more than sixty art pieces on display, ranging from a variety of different mediums including 2-dimensional, 3-dimensional, and multimedia.

» Read more!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

That’s all for today.

See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,

-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

Wrapping up February 2024

Uncategorized February 24, 2024 Leave a comment

One year ago, February 23, 2023, the California Community Colleges Board of Governors announced the 11th chancellor and I started my new position 5 months later.

*****

On Tuesday, I was at Cerritos College, sharing the roadmap of Vision 2030. Thank you President Jose Fierro for the invitation. And thank you to the members of the Board of Governors, Adrienne Brown and Paul Medina, who joined me.

I also joined President Jose Fierro for a President’s Hour where every month he spends time hanging out with students and the campus community.

Adrienne Brown, Sonya Christian, Jose Fierro, Paul Medina

On Wednesday, I presented at the Assembly Subcommittee on Education Finance hearing, along with CSU Chancellor Mildred Garcia and UC President Michael Drake.

With Chanelle Win and Linda Vázquez

Chanelle Win, Diablo Valley College and UC San Diego student and Vice President of Legislative Affairs for the Student Senate of California Community Colleges, also spoke on student perspectives. She was joined by San Jose State student Dominic Quan Treseler and UCLA student David Ramirez.

I shared with the subcommittee that enrollments were on the rise at the California Community Colleges. We have bounced back to serving over 2 million students for the first time since 2019, after a steep enrollment decline. We increased over 100,000 students from Fall 2022 to Fall 2023. 

To put this growth in perspective nationally and statewide –

National picture – from Fall 2022 to Fall 2023, CA CCs accounted for 50% of the student headcount growth for all community colleges in the country.
In California – from Fall 2022 to Fall 2023, CA CCs accounted for 89% of the growth in undergraduate student headcount.

*****

I always enjoy this view overlooking the river.

And a beautiful walk to the Capitol …. early spring already in California in February.

Also this week, the California Alliance of Dual Enrollment Partnerships, Career Ladders Project, and The Education Trust–West presented the 2nd Annual California Dual Enrollment Equity Conference at the Westin Long Beach.

Here’s Aisha Lowe at the summit along with Ben Chida, and Mike Munoz. The panel was moderated by Lange Luntao from Ed Trust West.

*****

I’ve greatly enjoyed seeing pictures and videos from across our California Community College system as we celebrate Black History Month.

Check out these highlights from Monterey Peninsula College’s Symposium – African Americans in the Arts: Supporting our Black & African American Scholars.

From San Diego City College‘s Cultures Day – African Diaspora Celebration:

Don’t forget – Black Student Success Week is scheduled for April 22-26, 2024. This year’s theme is Building a Better Future Together: the Urgency is Now. The 2024 Black Student Success Week will focus on innovative approaches to ensure Black and African American students succeed in community colleges.

» Learn more and register for webinars here!

Good morning California.
It is February 24, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Southwestern Community College District and CETYS University System
Forge Cross-Border Educational Alliance

In a groundbreaking partnership aimed at enhancing educational opportunities in the cross-border region, the Southwestern Community College District (SWC) and Centro de Enseñanza Técnica y Superior (CETYS) University System have officially joined forces. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in addressing the diverse educational needs of the community on both sides of the border. As a part of this collaboration, SWC students can attend CETYS at the same rate as Mexican citizens.

» Read more!

Cuesta College RN Students Achieve 100% Exam Pass Rate,
#1 National Ranking

Cuesta College’s Registered Nursing (RN) graduating class of 2023 ranks number one for students passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), which allows nursing graduates to be licensed as a registered nurse in the United States. 

» Read more!

FRC & Sierra Pacific Industries Partner Up
With New Commercial Driver’s License Program

In an effort to meet local labor market demand, Feather River College is now offering a Commercial Driver’s License program. Through a valuable collaboration with Sierra Pacific Industries, Feather River College will have access to one of SPI’s manual semi-truck and trailers to utilize as a training tool for students interested in a career in transportation and trucking. 

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Cal Matters: Community college bachelor’s degrees have been a win-win. California should offer more

Two years ago, a UC Davis research center devoted to community college issues published a study indicating that having even limited authority for Community College Baccalaureates, or CCBs, has been hugely beneficial to students in terms of both availability and cost.

» Read more!

*****

EdSource: Enrollment at California’s community colleges surpasses 2 million

Enrollment across California’s 116 community colleges was up more than 8% this past fall, surpassing 2 million students for the first time since before the pandemic.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Paul Medina:

Alongside great staff from Los Angeles Valley College Dual Enrollment program @lavcdualenrollment. Thank you for the great work you all do in advancing opportunities for students in the SFV area from the Burbank Unified School District and my alma matter the Los Angeles Unified School District. I’m glad to have run into you all. #GoLACCD #GoLAVC

*****

From Hartnell College:

Hartnell was at today’s College and Career Fair at the King City High School ! Here are some action shots of todays event!

*****

From Fresno City College:

Women in Engineering 2024 for female high school students designed to encourage more women to pursue STEM careers. Thank you Chevron for the gift of $75,000 to the college. We’ll use this to support STEM education.

Blast from the Past

Check out this video highlighting everyone who worked so hard to get Measure J passed for the Kern Community College District in 2016:

And From the Home of the Renegades

Transfer Pathways and International Student Services Host Open House

The Office of Transfer Pathways and International Student Services welcomed students, faculty, and the campus community to its open house on Tuesday, February 20th. University representatives from CSU Bakersfield, CSU Channel Islands, and the University of LaVerne were also present. The new Transfer Pathways and International Student Services Center is located in the east wing of the 2nd floor of the Center for Student Success (CSS) building on BC’s main campus.

» Read more!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

That’s all for today.

See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,

-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

CA CCs taking care of our planet

Uncategorized February 17, 2024 Leave a comment

Last Sunday, I joined 123.4 million people in watching the Super Bowl, what a game….

I enjoyed Reba McEntire’s rendition of the National Anthem.

Check out the video!

And one of my all time favorites Usher’s halftime performance.

Check out the video at this link. His best song “Yeah” starts at 10:30 timestamp, but the whole 13 minutes are worth a watch.

After all that, it was right to work for another busy week.

On Monday I was at a climate summit hosted by Second Nature and was on a panel with
Chancellor Millie Garcia, CSU, and Executive Vice President Nathan Brostrom, UC. The panel was moderated by Lande Ajose, who is now with Waverley foundation.

It is impressive what all the systems are doing as it relates to climate action. 

Chancellor Garcia, Lande Ajose, Nathan Brostrom, Sonya Christian

Here are a few points I made about our work:

  • The three fields of climate practice – facilities, workforce, community
  • For facilities: The Board of Governors has adopted the Climate Action and Sustainability Framework and Goals which includes specific measurable goals for 2025 through 2035. By 2025, colleges are encouraged to benchmark metrics for reliance on greenhouse gas, energy usage by campus, water usage, waste, purchasing and procurement, fleet vehicle composition and purchases, and sustainable food purchases. By 2030, the plan calls for specific reductions in each category, and by 2035 districts are encouraged to reach zero net greenhouse gas emissions and all goals as summarized in the table below.
  • Workforce: Gave examples of the different regional work with coastal colleges working on aspects of the blue economy to the central valley focusing on Agtec.
  • Community: CCs being the anchor institutions for the community including shelters during disasters.

Tom Epstein, member of the Board of Governors, attended the event and participated in an invitation-only discussion with governing boards and presidents.

Tom Epstein, Wrenna Finche, Jeff Clary
Jeff Clary, Sonya Christian, Wrenna Finche

*****

On Tuesday, I attended a Vision 2030 event at LA Southwest College. Paul Medina was also
at the event. It feels great seeing how colleges are really committed to operationalizing the
various elements of Vision 2030. I love this picture that we took with the students. You can
see President Anthony Culpepper beaming with pride.

With the students of LA southwest College

BOG member Paul Medina, President Anthony Culpepper, Sonya Christian, Jeremiah Stevens, Chancellor Francisco Rodriguez
Sonya Christian, Dr. Erum Syed, Academic Senate President

Good morning California.
It is February 17, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Cabrillo College Unveils Mural Celebrating HSI Designation

Cabrillo College unveiled a new mural created by tudent artists of the Fall 2023 ART 91 Mural class, guest muralist, Yermo Aranda, and their instructor, Danielle Torvik-Staffen. This project, funded by Cabrillo College’s HSI Task Force, is intended to celebrate the College’s designation as an Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI).

Golden West College Art Gallery Presents:
In the Places Beneath the Sand by Lorenzo Baker

The Golden West College Art Gallery is pleased to present In the Places Beneath the Sand, a solo exhibition from multimedia conceptual artist Lorenzo Baker, curated by Jasmine McNeal. The show, which will run from Feb 1–29, coincides with the start of Black History Month and explores different forms of light, tracing the visibility of Black spaces and their effects on universal truths.

» Read more!

Cypress College Student Recognized for Outstanding Community Service

A Cypress College student has won the Surfer of Distinction award for his outstanding contributions to the community. Then 18-year-old Andrew Baldwin was nominated for his humanitarian efforts to support the Navajo Nation during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Report: 4 Ways to Engage and Graduate Stopped-Out Students

Over six million Californians aged 25 to 64 have completed some college but have yet to earn a credential, according to data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. A new report from California Competes identifies four themes in supporting stopped-out students to help them re-enroll and attain degrees in California.

Through interviews, researchers learned institutions have an opportunity to better support students’ degree-completion rates through adaptation to adult learner needs, strategic outreach, removing barriers to enrollment and providing personalized support.

» Read more!

*****

2024 CACCRAO Annual Conference – Register Now!

The annual CACCRAO conference is the organization’s premiere event, where members benefit from a wealth of information pertinent to their areas of operation.

The conference includes keynote speakers such as the California Community Colleges Chancellor and Admissions and Records professionals throughout the state. In addition, information on regulatory developments, budgetary issues, technology, and many other topics are presented and explored. With the support of the association, CACCRAO members have an opportunity to gain meaningful insights that will develop sound enrollment and record-keeping practices that comply with the prescribed regulatory framework of the California Community College system.

The event is March 24th, 2024 in Sacramento, CA.

» Read more & register!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Gavilan College:

The Welcome Center introduced UbiDuo devices to bridge communication gaps between the deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing. This was championed by peer mentors Kristiana Stricker and Kylie Silvia.

*****

From the Campaign for College Opportunity:

We are proud to announce that our President, Michele Siqueiros (@MSCollegeOpp), has been selected as a recipient of The James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award for championing college access & student success for all Californians!

*****

From Napa Valley College:

Happy Valentine’s Day, Storm! Today, we’re sending a special thank you to ASNVC for spreading love on campus by passing out flowers to students!

*****

And check out this recipe for Honey Butter Toast from Orange Coast College chef Phi Nguyen:

Blast from the Past

Check out my remarks in this 12-min video from the Leadership Summit at Bakersfield College, back in May 2017!

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Theater Program Presents 2024 Spring Play Festival

Bakersfield College’s Theater Program announced the details of their 2024 Spring Play Festival, featuring four contemporary plays directed by BC Theatre students. The festival will be presented from February 28 to March 10, with all four shows presented in the Edward Simonsen Indoor Theatre at Bakersfield College. Tickets are available at the BC Performing Arts Eventbrite page.

» Read more!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

That’s all for today.

See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,

-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora