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Weekly News Brief | February 11, 2022
From the Office of Chancellor John Weispfenning, Ph.D.
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These last two weeks, I and others from the District team have spent time listening to and speaking with state and federal policy leaders. This advocacy is important to ensure that the Coast District's unique positions are not lost in the policy discussions. Policymakers expressed interest in our student housing and new facilities, the layers of support we provide to students in need, and the depth of our academic program – with many asking about career education.
The conversations were positive in tone. Much of what we discussed looked to higher education after COVID-19 recedes. There was a focus on what lessons from the pandemic can be applied going forward and a confidence – at least on the state level – that new resources to support change will be available for the next year or two.
So, how will our colleges change now that students, faculty, and staff have engaged in new modalities of learning, teaching, and supporting? My sense is that we are leading towards a college of enhanced opportunities. Much if not all of our on-campus activity will return, yet alongside our in-person presence will be a stronger digital environment. We will have more opportunity for authentic interactions online, so that the experiential loss for those participating remotely will be reduced.
It is also clear to me that our physical collegiate spaces, in-person classes, and face-to-face services are essential to our most at-risk student populations. Especially for the purpose of promoting mental wellness, we need to reactivate those areas. That is the journey that I hope to take with you in the remainder of this semester – with assistance where possible from our state and federal partners.
Be well,
John
John Weispfenning, Ph.D.
Chancellor
Frequently Asked Questions Highlight
Do I have to wear a mask?
Trustees have mandated the use of face coverings by all individuals while on campus or at District facilities, regardless of vaccination status, subject to the following: face coverings may be removed in rooms where only a single individual is present, face coverings may be removed when individuals are eating or drinking and appropriate spacing is maintained, and face coverings may be removed outdoors if efforts are taken to avoid close contact with others. Face covering alternatives are allowable in limited cases.
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College News
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COASTLINE COLLEGE |
Coastline College is running a series on their blog entitled, "Teacher Feature." This week, Coastline highlights Dr. Henry, Professor of Anatomy and Physiology Biological Sciences and the Co-Chair of the Allied Health Curriculum Committee. Dr. Henry shares her insight on what students should expect from her courses, advice on those interested in working in healthcare, and much more. | 
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GOLDEN WEST COLLEGE |
Golden West College is highlighting past and present students on their social media in a series entitled, "I am GWC." Daniel Truong is Vietnamese, an Alpha Gamma Sigma officer, and a technology enthusiast. Truong says, "I'm glad that I've chosen Golden West College for my education. As an international student, there were many confusions and challenges when I first came to the US, but GWC always welcomed me and provided all the best support. Mostly, I got my first ever on-campus job as a Math tutor for the Learning Resources Center which helps me become mentally stronger and more responsible, and I even received three scholarships during my time at GWC. Now, I'm transferring to CSUF but I will never forget all of the great moments I had at GWC." Follow along GWC's social media to read about more students. | 
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ORANGE COAST COLLEGE |
Orange Coast College students were welcomed back to the Spring 2022 term with a new addition to their campus. Just outside the OCC Planetarium, a spent fuel tank comes from a U.S. Airforce jet that was gifted to OCC by an anonymous donor. The donor has a strong interest in establishing a rocketry program at OCC that will provide entry level STEM education for students considering careers in aerospace and technology. | 
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Schedule, Week February 14
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Board of Trustees
The next regular meeting will be held Wednesday, February 16, with closed session beginning at 4:00 p.m. and open session at 5:00 p.m.
Chancellor's Schedule
Dr. Weispfenning is in the District, Monday through Thursday
Friday is Lincoln's Day (Colleges and District closed)
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publicaffairs@cccd.edu
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