Weekly News Brief | September 3, 2021
From the Office of Chancellor John Weispfenning, Ph.D.

To begin, thank you for the thoughtful presentations and conversations during last Friday's Flex Day. I was able to participate in sessions across all three colleges. It is encouraging to see all the ways we are finding to meet our students' needs in this uncertain environment.

Congratulations as well on a relatively smooth return districtwide – both in the return of the students, faculty, and staff from summer break as well as the opening of departments to in-person service two days per week. Your continued insights through the month of September are welcome as we plan for our next step in October.

Earlier this week, I shared with the trustees that there is some evidence that Orange County may be nearing or just past the peak in new infections. This is potentially good news; however, we cannot become complacent. Every new case involves risk to an individual and community.

I read a disturbing article on longer-term COVID-19 effects that may last weeks, months, or potentially years after "recovery." It reminded me that there are more than two possible outcomes, i.e., one can survive their experience with COVID-19 and still face serious consequences.

Prolonged human suffering for any reason is a tragedy, especially so when preventable. Through vaccination, we have in our control the means to make this crisis manageable. I ask we apply the same thoughtful vigilance we've used to navigate the pandemic to now help end it.

Be well,

 John

John Weispfenning, Ph.D.
Chancellor

Report from the Board of Trustees

On Wednesday, September 1, the Board of Trustees met in regular session and held a public hearing to adopt the 2021-22 Fiscal Year Final Budget for the Coast Community College District. Vice Chancellor Andy Dunn noted last year featured an improved fiscal picture due in large part to the presence of one-time federal and state support, improvement of the state's financial situation, and budget discipline districtwide. Dr. Dunn expressed concern about the budget picture in future years, following the expiration of the "hold harmless" provision that connects state funding to 2017-18 enrollment plus cost-of-living adjustments. Following 2024-25, funding will return to a function of current enrollments.

Vice Chancellor Marco Baeza provided a follow-up report on the HEDS Diversity and Equity Climate Survey. This presentation focused on benchmarked comparisons to similar institutions nationwide. While we clearly have improvements to make, the Coast District compared favorably on greater engagement in taking the survey, higher sense of satisfaction with campus climate, and lower incident of hearing insensitive or disparaging remarks. Focus groups continue to explore the topics highlighted in the survey, addressing concerns and areas for improvement that also emerged in the survey. Trustees endorsed the continuation of this work with a focus on negative experiences of faculty and staff in particular.

Trustees adjourned in the memory of the lives lost to violence in Afghanistan. The next Board meeting will be on the fourth Wednesday of the month, September 22.

College News

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage

National Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15 to October 15. To celebrate, the Coast District will be highlighting staff, faculty, and students. If you would like to participate, please fill out the questionnaire. Submissions are optional and meant for public release (such as social media). Please send a photo of yourself to amylee@cccd.edu for the artwork.

Schedule, Week of September 6

Labor Day, Monday, September 6
Thank you to all who teach and work in the Coast Community College District. Colleges and the District Office will be closed in observance of the holiday and in recognition of all that you do for our students.

Chancellor's Schedule
In the District, Tuesday through Friday