Blue waves behind the words Coast Colleges in dark blue

Weekly News Brief | November 5, 2021
From the Office of Chancellor John Weispfenning, Ph.D.

Chancellor Weispfenning at his desk typing

This past Monday, November 1, the District Consultation Council heard a report from Vice Chancellor Andreea Serban on enrollment management. A point she emphasized, and I intend to reiterate in future discussions, was that enrollment management requires a comprehensive effort.

It's not just getting students to apply. Enrollment management requires us to be deliberate in how we shape the entire journey from prospect, to applicant, to enrollee, to student, to graduate, and even beyond. There are distinct roles for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Communications, Institutional Research, and IT. At the same time, almost every department connects to enrollment management in some way.

We are looking at our marketing and outreach strategy, adding technology for continuous engagement, supporting academic planning, and better mapping our processes. As we do so, it's apparent that no one-size-fits-all approach will get us back to the enrollment of a decade ago. It will take time and focus to overcome today's demographic and economic trends.

We started a conversation in DCC. It is my hope that we build upon existing efforts as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. Our District, and all of our Colleges, continue to be in this together.

Be well,

 John

John Weispfenning, Ph.D.
Chancellor


COVID-19 Question and Answer Highlight

How do I prove my vaccination status or request exemption?
The Coast District provides a COVID-19 Vaccination Proof Form and COVID-19 Exemption Request Form for employees. The verification process for students is in development. If you do not have access to the vaccine information card you were given at the time of your COVID-19 vaccination, the CDPH has created a Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record portal where you can get a digital copy of your COVID-19 vaccination record.

Additional questions and answers are available here.

 

Report from the Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees gathered around a conference table in conversation

On Wednesday, November 3, the Board of Trustees met in regular session and approved the Joint Initial Bargaining Proposal between the Coast Community College District and the Coast Federation of Educators.

The Board also heard an update on the Measure C and Measure M community-bond programs. Chancellor Weispfenning commended the facility construction and educational impact made possible by taxpayer support. The Coast District continues to benefit from a strong and robust economic base within the communities served. Christen Gair, Managing Director, RBC Capital Markets, reported the District bond ratings are strong, having been upgraded twice in recent years. This has helped position the District to refinance bonds on multiple occasions – benefitting from historically low interest rates with shortened repayment terms generating savings that accrue to Coast District taxpayers. Vice Chancellor Andy Dunn also addressed the revenue-bond projections for the Harbour at OCC, which had suffered due to lower occupancy earlier in the pandemic yet are now improving as housing is fully occupied.

The Board reviewed and approved the Orange Coast College Educational Master Plan 2021-2027. Trustees commended the rooting of the plan on principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as a culture of care. A Dual Enrollment College and Career Access Pathways Partnership Agreement with Newport Mesa Unified School District was approved and an Affiliation Agreement with Keck Hospital to continue providing a clinical site for OCC's Neurodiagnostic Technology Program was renewed. In connection to periodic revisions to financial aid policies, Chancellor Weispfenning addressed collective work to adopt financial aid processes in support of student success.

Trustees reported on numerous meetings attended within and on behalf of the Coast District. In particular, Board members recognized student-led events for Día de los Muertos and the overall work of student governments this term. Trustees also commended the dedication of the College Center at OCC and the impressive facilities made possible through Measure M taxpayer support.

The Board adopted its 2022 meeting schedule and adjourned in memory of retired staff and faculty member Janice De Battista, retired faculty member and educational administrator William Carpenter, and Coastline College student Timothy Bertram.

 

College News

COASTLINE COLLEGE

Coastline College's newly designed dolphin mascot, Fin, has joined forces with the Dolphin Project and the Ocean Conservation Society to help bring awareness of life in our seas and help protect dolphins and other ocean marine life along the Orange County coastline. Coastline has also partnered with the Ocean Conservation Society, a nonprofit organization conducting long-term marine mammal research and educational projects for the protection of the oceans and marine wildlife.

 

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

GOLDEN WEST COLLEGE

The Aspen Institute has named Golden West College one of 150 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation's signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America's community colleges. The Aspen Prize spotlights exemplary community colleges in order to elevate the sector, drive attention to colleges doing the best work, and discover and share highly effective student success and equity strategies. GWC stands out among more than 1,000 community colleges nationwide as having high and improving levels of student success as well as equitable outcomes for Black and Hispanic students and those from lower-income backgrounds. The 150 eligible colleges have been invited to submit data and narratives as the next steps in an intensive data and practice review process, culminating in the announcement of the Prize winner in spring 2023.

 

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

ORANGE COAST COLLEGE

LA Times: Orange Coast College Grad Named First Phi Theta Kappa International Poet Laureate – "Like the smell of our mother's skin, our land stays with us." So begins the opening lines of Immigrant's Song, a poem penned by Orange Coast College alum Federico De Palma that recently earned the Huntington Beach resident several noteworthy distinctions.

 

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

 

Celebrating Native American Heritage

Multiple colors reminiscient of woven patterns with the words Native American Heritage Month

The Coast Community College District acknowledges the Kizh (pronounced keech) tribe and their land, on which our Colleges and District Office are located. The name Kizh comes from the dome-like dwellings they lived in, primarily along rivers. The Kizh tribe was one of two California tribes who mastered boat-building and traveled along the coast of Southern California. During the month of November, we will be celebrating Native American Heritage Month. Coast will be highlighting staff, faculty, and students throughout the month. 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 November 8

Veteran's Day: The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month is reserved to honor our veterans. The Coast District celebrates all those among our students, faculty, staff, and managers who served or continue to serve. We also recognize military families alongside all those who provide support and care for our veterans. The Coast District and Colleges will be closed on Thursday, November 11. Please use this time to relax, reflect, and express appreciation.



Chancellor's Schedule
In the District, Monday through Wednesday and Friday
All District and College facilities are closed on Thursday
in honor of Veteran's Day

 



publicaffairs@cccd.edu

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