Weekly News Brief | April 23, 2021
From the Office of Chancellor John Weispfenning, Ph.D.

This week, the District Consultation Council – including representatives for students, faculty, classified and confidential staff, and management – met to discuss early outlines for an increased presence on site through the Summer and Fall terms.

Let me start with the principles at the heart of our planning effort:

• First, we should be available to the extent possible for our students as more classes are taught on site and as more wrap-around support services become possible.
  
  
• Second, we should continue to do all we can to ensure the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff, and every person who sets foot on campus or visits our offices.
  
  
• Third, we must follow the guidance of the State of California, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Centers for Disease Control, and other health authorities.
  
  
• Fourth, we understand that life changes have been made to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions, and we understand that even a partial return to normal will again be disruptive.
  

The complex interaction between these principles is why we are trusting in the participatory governance process and giving the time necessary to get this plan right.

No ramp up in on-site presence will begin until mid-June at the earliest. This will give a full two months to plan, monitor, discuss, and find the best paths forward. Even after we begin the process in June, every increase in those on site will be followed by a period of evaluation.

This process will continue to follow the phased approach we have practiced over the past year and will not be rushed. As heroic as each of you were in quickly making the change to virtual instruction, student support, and operations, we have the benefit of more time and greater flexibility as we come back together.

I look forward to the reunions on site over the next several months as vaccination rates rise, infection rates fall, and we begin to create a post-pandemic world.

Be well,

 John

John Weispfenning, Ph.D.
Chancellor

COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions Update

Will I know who has been vaccinated in my workplace?

While having a vaccinated population is integral to opening up our campuses and allowing us to gather in groups, vaccination records are part of a person's confidential medical records. Employees will not be required to report their vaccination status to return to work. We will use regional and state data to determine an estimated vaccination rate at Coast Colleges.

Additional questions and answers can be found on the Coast District COVID-19 Information Website.

Report from the Board of Trustees

On Wednesday, April 21, the Board of Trustees met in regular session and voted to approve more than $19 million in grant funding – including significant state and federal programs benefitting students.

Vice Chancellor Andy Dunn provided the Annual Report for the Measure M community bond program. In 2019-2020, the program spent $133 million transforming the facilities districtwide. In a follow-up item, Dr. Dunn shared that a total of some $490 million has been expended since the program began, representing 70 percent of funds, with all remaining resources designated for voter-intended purposes. Trustees issued notice of completion for the Orange Coast College Student Union, a formal step for closing out construction projects.

Vice Chancellor Andreea Serban shared results of the PACE Climate Survey of faculty, staff, and managers. Despite being conducted during one of the most challenging times in the Coast District's history, November 2020, response rates were up districtwide with scores improving across all Colleges and the District Office from the prior survey in 2018.

Steve Tamanaha, dean of student success and support services, presented on the Orange Coast College Pirates' Promise Program. The program provides state-funded grants to cover unit costs for attending college, while also connecting students with additional funding for education-related expenses and an expansive range of wrap-around services – including support for housing. The program is demonstrating consistent success in student retention and academic progress metrics.

Trustees additionally adopted a letter of support for Assembly Bill 927 by Assemblymember Jose Medina, expanding the California Community Colleges' statewide baccalaureate degree pilot program.

College News

Schedule, Week of April 23

This is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The college Title IX offices are working together to raise awareness, support victims, and provide prevention education. A listing of activities can be found here.

We join with others across the state in celebrating Black Student Success Week, April 26-30, 2021. This year, the week includes a daily webinar series called The Black Hour. A listing of sessions can be found here.

Chancellor's Schedule
Dr. Weispfenning in the District: Monday, Tuesday, Friday
Dr. Andy Dunn to be Acting Chancellor: Wednesday, Thursday