Tag Archives: Gavilan College

First six months of Vision 2030

Uncategorized April 6, 2024 Comments: 2

Check out this photo collage (less than 5-min) video of the first 6 months of Vision 2030:

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This week started with a Monday holiday honoring Cesar Chavez. After that, it was another busy week of travel!

On Tuesday, I joined fellow members of the Governor’s Council for Career Education to visit Sierra College’s workforce programs. Before the Council meeting the First Partner swung by to do a tour of the mechatronics program.

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On Wednesday, we had a System Webinar, “Our Time is Now! Advancing California’s Economy Through Community Colleges.” This month, I was joined by Assemblymember Dawn Addis, who is the author of our sponsored bill, AB 1885, College Access for Students with Disabilities Act.

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On Thursday, I spent much of the day visiting San Bernardino Community College District.  Chancellor Diana Rodriguez is a rock star.  All the trustees came out in full force.

It was great to see BOG member Joseph Williams on his home turf!

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Back at home, I was able to enjoy Neo and the start of the rose season.

Good morning California.
It is April 6, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Norco College Receives RP Group Outstanding Project Award
for Faculty Impact on Black Student Success

Norco College announces its recognition as the recipient of the 2024 RP Group Outstanding Project of the Year Award for its groundbreaking initiative, “Faculty Impact on Black Student Success.” The project, led by Dr. Greg Aycock, Dean of Institutional Effectiveness, and Caitlin Busso, Institutional Research Specialist, has been lauded for its significant contributions to student success and institutional effectiveness.

» Read more!

Santa Monica College Law Pathway Program
Receives Diversity Champion Award

The Santa Monica College (SMC) Law Pathway program has been honored with the Diversity Champion Award, established in 2016 by the California LAW Pathways Advisory Council to recognize outstanding organizations for their efforts in supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the law field. The award was announced at the Annual Pathways to Law Summit held Feb. 23 – 24 at UC Davis School of Law. Past awardees include UC Berkeley School of Law, UCLA School of Law, University of Southern California Gould School of Law, Rio Hondo College, and Saddleback College, among many others.

» Read more!

Fresno City College Celebrates
Social Justice Center Grand Opening

Last month, Fresno City College celebrated the grand opening of the Social Justice Center. The new center is designed to engage the campus and greater community in cultivating and promoting social justice and equity on campus, locally, nationally, and globally.

» Read more!

Laney College Eagle’s Nest Addresses 
Clothing Insecurity with Popup Event

On March 20, 2024, in the Laney College Student Center, the Laney College Eagle’s Nest, which is the College’s Basic Needs Center, hosted a “pop-up” style event focusing on giving away clothing to students in need. All items were free, gently worn items, including shoes, for women, men, and children. In addition to these much-needed resources for students, students were also offered hygiene kits and other basic needs resources.

» Read more about the Eagle’s Nest!

In Case You Missed It

Challenges for Higher Education: An Emerging Skills Shortage
and Inequity in the Workforce

George Boggs and I co-wrote this piece in Diverse: Issues In Higher Education.

American higher education is called upon to serve a variety of purposes: advancement of knowledge, expansion of cultural appreciation, extending understanding of societal benefits and obligations, and preparing a diversity of students with the skills they need for a successful and rewarding life. These missions are important to the well-being of our people and the strength of our country. Recently, it has become apparent that higher education must give increased attention to skill development and educational attainment.

» Read more!

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Black Student Success Week

The 2024 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. Administrators, faculty, staff & students from across the California Community Colleges are invited to join for a series of daily webinars.

» Learn more and register today!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Citrus College:

ICYMI: On 3/29, students in the Citrus College Cosmetology & Esthetician programs provided Whitcomb High School students with hairstyles, makeup & manicures for their prom! This was a free community service event & about 25 Citrus College students participated. Way to go, Owls!

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From Gavilan College:

GAV COLLABORATES WITH UC MASTER GARDENERS OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY ON CESAR CHAVEZ DAY! Thank you to Gav’s Dean of Counseling, Student Success and Equity, Diego Espinoza (pictured standing, second from left) for coordinating a Cesar Chavez Day of Service with the South County Teaching and Demo Garden in San Martin. Despite the cold and drizzle, students, and even President Avila, came out to honor the legacy of labor rights leader, Cesar Chavez, by volunteering, and led by Master Gardeners.

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And check out this video from San Diego College of Continuing Education, highlighting the 2024 surviveHEADSTRONG Walk and Health Fair:

Blast from the Past

Here are my video remarks from the Jean Fuller Women in Leadership Panel on March 4, 2021:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC And Wonderful Industrial Park Support Local Workforce

Bakersfield College was honored to gather with leaders from the Wonderful Industrial Park (WIP) to learn more about the exciting growth opportunities taking place in the WIP! Leaders from organizations such as Amazon, Walmart, Target, the City of Shafter, and others came together to provide updates on their operations. It was a valuable opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of the dynamic ecosystem that drives economic development in the region.

» Read more!

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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

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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

Celebrating the Courageous Leadership of California Community Colleges

Uncategorized December 9, 2023 Comments: 2

What a great first week of December!

On Wednesday, we held the final System Webinar for the year: Celebrating the Courageous Leadership of California Community Colleges.

As I wrap up 6 months in my role as state chancellor, I experience this attribute of courage everywhere and anywhere I go….

  • I see leaders who stand unwavering in commitment to equity in success, equity in access, and equity in support fearless in the face of adversity. 
  • I see leaders with a extraordinary ability to listen, to adapt, to learn and to drive change.
  • I see leaders who ignite passion and purpose, foster trust and empathy while challenging norms with determination.

It has been an amazing experience working with everyone at the chancellor’s office. We have accomplished so much this year, and I can’t wait to see what the future brings!

I enjoyed writing for the LIFT publication, you can find the 12-page pdf here. https://ed.fullerton.edu/lift/_resources/pdfs/lift_publications/LIFT%20YOUR%20VOICE%20Fall%202023.pdf

Good morning California.
It is December 9, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

CCC Faculty Selected for STEMSEAS Community College Oceanic Expedition

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Student Experiences Aboard Ships (STEMSEAS) is a multiyear project funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF Grants 1701174 and 1701168) to provide students with inspirational opportunities to experience life on an oceanic research vessel.

A recent voyage from Seattle, Washington, to Honolulu, Hawaii, had a STEMSEAS team entirely comprised of community college science educators – including a few from California community colleges!

  • Dr. Tess Weathers, an Associate Professor in Engineering at Chabot College 
  • Roman P. de Jesus, professor of oceanography and Earth science at Fullerton College
  • Waverly Ray, professor of geography at San Diego Mesa College

» Read more!

» Learn about STEMSEAS!

Ohlone College Receives $400K Grant from
National Science Foundation to Boost Regional Innovation

Ohlone College is proud to announce that it has been awarded a significant grant of $400,000 from the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Enabling Partnerships to Increase Innovation Capacity (EPIIC) investment. This grant recognizes Ohlone College’s commitment to fostering innovation and strengthening regional partnerships.

» Read More!

Calbright Offers Student Leadership Training With Real Life Opportunities

While all students who come to Calbright learn key technical and career skills, their career aspirations vary widely. For students who want to move into management and leadership roles, Calbright has developed a set of optional leadership programs for them while they are completing their required coursework.  

» Read more!

Gavilan College Awarded $1.5M to Create Juvenile Justice Program

Annette Gutierrez, Director of Basic Needs; Noah Lystrup, Dean of Student Learning, Equity, Success for Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Susan Sweeney, Dean of Career Education Workforce and Educational Partnerships

Gavilan was awarded $1.5 million by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, over the next five years, to create the “Gavilan College Higher Aspirations Juvenile Justice Program,” a part of the Rising Scholars Network, beginning in January 2024.

» Read More!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Mission College:

Mission College’s celebration of Kwanzaa earlier this week was a vibrant occasion that provided all with an opportunity to come together and learn about the celebration of African heritage, unity, and community.

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From Allan Hancock College:

Hancock police officers responded to a call of an injured bird, which turned out to be a protected Killdeer Plover. The bird was rescued and turned over to our friends at the Santa Barbara County Animal Control.

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Check out these pictures from Cerro Coso Community College‘s Jingle Jog:

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Foreign Agriculture Service Administrator Daniel Whitley visited the College of the Desert to speak with faculty, staff and students about USDA internships and careers:

Blast from the Past

Check out this video from 2017, talking about student veterans at Bakersfield College:

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College and The Open Door Network
Partner to Serve Vulnerable Populations

Bakersfield College Adult Education and celebrated its inaugural graduation ceremony for students of The Open Door Network on December 4th.

» Read More!

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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

Sonya Christian's Blog