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Weekly News Brief | February 26, 2021
From the Office of Chancellor John Weispfenning, Ph.D.
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The past year has given many reasons for concern and pessimism. Today, I see causes for hope and encourage you to join me in celebrating these positive developments.
First, the Orange County Health Care Agency has announced that those in education – faculty, classified and confidential staff, and management – are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. This marks a turning point. Soon, with the help of our bargaining and stakeholder groups, we will be able to change focus from mitigation to staged recovery.
Second, and related, the United States appears to be on track towards approving a third vaccine for immediate use. Another supplier – along with accelerated production of all vaccines – will help speed the process of getting vaccinations to all those who choose to participate, including our students.
Third, the state legislature passed and the governor signed a budget package providing immediate economic relief for students. This includes emergency student aid, funds to reengage students who may have dropped their academic plans due to the pandemic or are at risk of doing so, and funds to expand student access to the CalFresh food-security program.
These positive developments are no excuse for complacency. The crisis is not over. Yet, we are seeing the glimmer of a new day. And that is something worth celebrating.
Be well,
John
John Weispfenning, Ph.D.
Chancellor
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Powerful Educators Shaping Our World
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This week's feature is the final in the Coast District's celebration of Black History Month. Those recognized below and in previous weeks are among the many African American educators who shape our profession.
Today we honor Fanny Jackson Coppin, who was a teacher, principal, lecturer, and missionary. Born into slavery in Washington, D.C., Jackson Coppin spent her nearly eight-decade lifetime fighting oppression and injustice through the power of "intellectual attainments."
We also honor Kelly Miller, a teacher and professor of mathematics in addition to being a prolific writer and publisher. The Library of Congress offers a wealth of digital materials related to his impressive career at Howard University and beyond.
In addition to these historical figures, please visit the Coast District's Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram channels to see profiles of African American colleagues and students as they address the importance of Black History Month and share their experience.
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College News
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COASTLINE COLLEGE |
CAOnlineColleges.com has ranked Coastline College #2 as the best online community college in California. Coastline College is also ranked #2 as the most adult student-friendly college in the state and #3 as the most disability-friendly online college in the state of California. In addition, Coastline is also considered a top Asian and Pacific Islander serving institution. The rankings evaluated: student-to-faculty ratio, the number of online programs offered by the institution, the college's history in online learning, graduation rates, retention rates, percentage of online students, and more. To read more, go here. |
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ORANGE COAST COLLEGE |
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Orange Coast College alumni Joseph Valadez's story went viral on social media this week, and he wants everyone who helped him at OCC to know: he couldn't have done it without you. When Valadez graduated from OCC in 2019, he had two Associates degrees under his belt, in history and sociology, as well as a 3.1 GPA. He was accepted to California State University, Long Beach, to study sociology. Read more about his amazing journey here. |
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Schedule, Week of March 1
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Chancellor's Schedule
In the District, Monday through Friday
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publicaffairs@cccd.edu
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