Blue waves behind the words Coast Colleges in dark blue

Weekly News Brief | August 6, 2021
From the Office of Chancellor John Weispfenning, Ph.D.
Chancellor Weispfenning at his desk typing

My appreciation to our classified and confidential staff, alongside faculty and managers, who this week returned for their first and possibly second day in person – after a year and a half of working at a distance. Many of us had an opportunity to share a moment of normalcy with friends and colleagues, even with the numerous precautions in place.

It is my hope that we can sustain our hard-earned progress, yet the District is taking nothing for granted. With the accelerated spread of the COVID-19 delta variant, we are seeing some states reach new highs in infections. More people are losing their lives to COVID-19. This unnecessary tragedy seems to be registering for more individuals, as we have seen daily vaccinations increase after weeks of decline.

The Colleges continue to be vaccination hubs as the District connects those still on the fence with vital facts based in science. We are also monitoring infection rates and public health guidance at the state and local level. As needed we will consider additional layers of protection, and our return timeline remains flexible so that we can respond as needed to further developments.

I appreciate your continued support and resolve. None of us could have imagined two years ago the extended disruption to our lives and work. Today, we see signs of caution, yet also glimmers of hope. May we all remain cautiously hopeful.

Be well,

 John

John Weispfenning, Ph.D.
Chancellor

 

Report from the Board of Trustees
Board of Trustees gathered around a conference table in conversation

On Wednesday, August 4, the Board of Trustees met in regular session and adopted a resolution affirming Coast Community College District's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Trustees also adopted a resolution renaming Orange Coast College's Pirate Baseball Park as John Altobelli Park – in memory of former OCC baseball coach John Altobelli, who died in a helicopter accident with wife Keri and daughter Alyssa.

Vice Chancellor Serban provided an update on AB705, reporting that Colleges implemented the structures necessary to move students who might have attended remedial-level courses into transfer-level courses ahead of statutory deadlines. Despite the complications of the pandemic, AB 705 is having a positive effect on student completions in Math and English. Dr. Serban suggested that additional years of data will likely be needed to draw conclusions on the impact of the law on academic progress.

Coastline College Dean Dana Emerson discussed the Coast Colleges' Umoja Program and partnerships with organizations on campuses. Offerings include scholarships, workshops, educational and social activities, and worldwide networking opportunities. As the first districtwide Umoja Program, the Coast District approach has encouraged open access and shared resources across all campuses – creating a greater community for students – while still sustaining individual college identities for programs.

The Board adjourned in memory of Coastline College student Briana Castillo.

 

College News

COASTLINE COLLEGE

Coastline College's Marketing Department is looking for video interns. Currently enrolled Coastline College students will have the opportunity to learn videography and get hands on training and experience. Those interested or seeking more information are asked to please email dwillson1@coastline.edu.

 

The words Coastline College above a shield with the letter C.

GOLDEN WEST COLLEGE

Golden West College's New Student Programs (NSP) will provide students with a personalized college transition experience that will facilitate peer-to-peer connections, highlight student programs and services, and assist in preparing for their first semester at GWC. New students will participate in community-building activities, receive comprehensive information about their chosen Academic Pathway, and receive a presentation on the numerous Student Services available to all students. NSP will also provide students with an opportunity to meet and engage with their peers, faculty, and staff from across campus.

 

A circle with the words Golden West College, Huntington Beach, on the outside with a central surfboard and the letters GWC.

Text GWC News Student Program, with student images in the letters

 

ORANGE COAST COLLEGE

Orange Coast College is one of 12 schools selected to participate in the 2021-2022 OpenStax Institutional Partnership program at Rice University. As a participant in the network's first-year program, OCC will work to actively build and execute a strategy that will encourage greater use of free, flexible textbooks among its faculty and students. Open educational resources, including the free, openly licensed textbooks offered by OpenStax, eliminate cost barriers for students and allow unrestricted, immediate access to learning materials, increasing the likelihood for students to complete their courses successfully. In addition to the immediate benefits to students, open educational resources are offered under a Creative Commons license, allowing instructors to modify textbooks to better serve their unique teaching and evolving student needs.

 

An Orange circle forming an O with two interior waves in dark blue forming two C shapes.

 

Schedule, Week of August 9

Chancellor's Schedule
Dr. Dunn is acting chancellor on Monday
Dr. Weispfenning is in the District, Tuesday through Friday

 



publicaffairs@cccd.edu

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