Weekly News Brief | May 21, 2021
From the Office of Chancellor John Weispfenning, Ph.D.

This is Classified Employees Appreciation Week and, as is the case for so many observances this year, this is a unique celebration.

Let me start by again thanking classified and confidential staff for all you did to support faculty and students throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. As shared yesterday, we have a careful and caring path forward for returning to campuses and the District Office. Classified staff have again stepped up as we reenergize our campuses and the District Office over the next five months.

CFCE also previously agreed to suspend step advancement on salary schedules in order to support the District during uncertain budget times. While declining enrollment may continue to impact budgets in the years ahead, we are pleased to be able to restore movement on salary schedules at this time and announce that retroactive payments will be issued for compensation that had been frozen.

Returning to in-person services and restoring step increases seemed so unachievable early this year. Improving external circumstances have certainly made this possible, yet your efforts were and continue to be essential.

We have many unique reasons to celebrate Classified Employees Appreciation Week this year, and I join with the Board of Trustees in extending my sincere thanks for all you have done and continue to do for the Coast District.

Be well,

 John

John Weispfenning, Ph.D.
Chancellor

Report from the Board of Trustees

On Wednesday, May 19, the Board of Trustees met in regular session. Chancellor Weispfenning presented the outcomes of the Board's previously approved hiring freeze and requested a new hiring freeze through June 2022. Trustees approved the item, commenting on the need for continued alignment of staffing to enrollment while recognizing the challenges of changes in staffing levels.

The Board also approved the Coast District's Equity & Equal Employment Opportunity Plan for 2021-2024 and a revised Equal Employment Opportunity policy. A renewed agreement with the Garden Grove Unified School District for dual enrollment was additionally approved, with the Board lauding the increased partnership. The Board further approved the District's Amended Master Agreement with Coast Community College District Enterprise, Inc. This allows the continued operation of the swap meets at Golden West College and Orange Coast College, which provide significant resources for the colleges. The swap meets are anticipated to reopen on July 3.

Vice Chancellor Marco Baeza provided a report on the HEDS Diversity and Equity Campus Climate Survey. The survey received strong responses across stakeholder groups. On the whole, respondents tended very positive on overall climate, experience, sense of belonging, and dedication to equity and diversity. Areas of interest for further action include addressing recruitment, comfort sharing views, reporting of incidents, and experiences of insensitive and disparaging remarks. The next phase will include benchmarking results with national peers and focus groups throughout the Coast District building on the survey while laying the groundwork for next steps. Trustees asked to have follow up on the survey added to the Board's recurring items for review.

Vice Chancellor Andreea Serban provided an update on Guided Pathways, including districtwide efforts and initiatives at each of the colleges. Focuses included dual enrollment, those students who stopped just short of full completion, mapping of academic pathways, and enhanced student support.

Trustees approved letters to the Assembly Appropriations Committee opposing AB 1491, proposed legislations affecting the California Adult Education Program.

Chancellor Weispfenning announced that Student Trustee Roy Sahachaisere has been selected by the District Student Council to continue for another year. The chancellor and Board extended their congratulations.

Celebrating AAPI Heritage

The Coast District is proud to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Month and the contributions of AAPI leaders districtwide. Leadership is demonstrated in multiple ways by students, faculty, classified and confidential staff, and management.

Paving the Path for Future Contribution and Legacy

Today's featured profile is Derek Vergara, Dean of Students at Orange Coast College, in his own words.

What does Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month mean to you?

Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month offers an opportunity to recognize and give credence to the Asian/Asian American/Pacific Islander experience. It is not the panacea for what AAPI's have experienced in our American history; however, it is a time for the celebration of all of the ethnicities within the AAPI communities to pay tribute to family members who have unearthed and paved the path for future contribution and legacy.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?

My father immigrated from the Philippines as a young teenager during WWII. The journey brought him and his brothers and sisters to the island of Lana'i (one of the Hawaiian islands primarily owned by Dole) where they became workers in the pineapple fields. My father's life story of struggle, perseverance, tenacity, and the importance of family has shaped my own narrative of becoming an educator and advocate on changing social attitudes towards disproportionate and marginalized groups who are seeking opportunities for a better life.

Please follow the Coast District's Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram channels to see new profiles throughout the month.

College News

Zoom Unavailable on June 8

On June 7, 2021, the District will undergo a transition – completed on June 8 – to a district-managed Zoom Pro account. Migration of existing accounts will begin on Monday, June 7, at 9:00 p.m. and is scheduled to conclude on Tuesday, June 8, at 4:00 p.m. Zoom accounts will not be available during the migration.

For users, outside of the Canvas learning management system setting, Zoom hosting and scheduling processes will be largely unchanged by the transition. Post transition, faculty and students will benefit from increased functionality between Canvas and Zoom. Within the Canvas environment, faculty are requested to avoid scheduling new Zoom meetings for June 8, 2021, or later until the transition is completed. Additional resources and training will be provided for all users

Additional migration information is available on the CCD Zoom resource page.

Schedule, Week of May 21

Chancellor's Schedule
In the District: Monday through Friday