Weekly News Brief | January 15, 2021
From the Office of Chancellor John Weispfenning, Ph.D.

The urgency of several developments last week displaced the normal beginning of the year greeting. Even as dramatic events continue to unfold, I want to pause and offer a welcome back.

Welcome back to all our faculty, classified and confidential staff, and management. A happy return – or halfway point – as well to our students in winter intersession. I'm especially glad to share that our intersession enrollment numbers are slightly improved from last year. A small reason to cheer as we address long-term enrollment decline.

The District Consultation Council met for the first time in 2021 this past Monday. The conversation was thoughtful and inclusive of all our stakeholder groups. Participatory governance requires those who step up to be heard, and your representatives have done so.

I'm optimistic that the roll out of vaccinations will continue to accelerate. Copied below is Dr. Baeza's message from yesterday. I reiterate his call for all of us to register as soon as possible.

Finally, this next Monday our classes and operations will be on holiday in remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His words carry great power and are often repeated during important moments. I've certainly heard his words take on new resonance during the past few weeks.

Dr. King set an example of how to effect change. Despite being met with violence repeatedly, he held fast to the notion of change through peaceful perseverance. Even the violence of assassination could not silence Dr. King. His voice still calls out for peace and gives us strength in trying times.

Be well,

 John

John Weispfenning, Ph.D.
Chancellor

Registration for Vaccine Notifications

Email to all employees of the Coast District sent Thursday, January 14

Dear Colleagues,

Orange County Health Care Agency has established the first large distribution site to provide COVID-19 vaccines to those who live or work in Orange County. At least four more sites are being prepared.

As educators and those supporting education, we are among the priority groups for vaccination – following only those at highest risk due to age, healthcare professionals, long-term care workers, and other first responders. The county is working through that highest priority group, anticipating being able to move to our group within the next couple weeks.

Faculty, staff, and management of the Coast District are encouraged to register immediately at the Othena website, the platform established for managing vaccine appointments.

https://covid19.othena.com/patient-registration/

Some in our community will qualify for vaccination immediately. For the remainder, the page will offer a brief form to complete and receive notice when our opportunity arises.

For those with general questions about the vaccine, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers the following website to provide answers.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/8-things.html

The Coast District will continue to communicate vaccination availability updates as they are made available.

Sincerely,
Marco

Marco A. Baeza, Ed.D.
Vice Chancellor of Human Resources

Giving Closes Strong in 2020

Despite economic uncertainty facing many potential contributors, the Coastline College Foundation, Golden West College Foundation, and Orange Coast College Foundation ended the year with strong support.

Giving Tuesday was observed on December 1, 2020, serving as a reminder for yearly donors. The Orange Coast College Foundation's 2020 Giving Tuesday Campaign resulted in $158,295 through 238 separate gifts with an anonymous donor match. The Coastline College Foundation raised $20,000 on Giving Tuesday, contributing to the distribution of more than $171,200 from the Foundation's student emergency relief fund.

The Golden West College Foundation, while not specifically connecting their fundraising to the National Day of Giving, has announced $40,000 in support raised through the fall for emergency student funds. The Coast District Foundation joined in that effort, with a $15,000 gift split between the three college foundations. The Coast District Management Association also provided $2,250 to support need-based scholarships.

All four foundations of the Coast District and Colleges expressed appreciation to the many donors among the faculty, staff, management, and trustees – as well as alumni and retiree supporters.

Schedule, Week of January 18

Monday, January 18, 2021, is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and a districtwide holiday.

Chancellor's Schedule
In the District, Tuesday through Friday