Blue waves behind the words Coast Colleges in dark blue

Weekly News Brief | July 22, 2022
From the Office of Chancellor John Weispfenning, Ph.D.
Chancellor Weispfenning at his desk typing

This past year has been consequential for the Coast District's participation in the California Community Colleges' Strong Workforce Program, which supports career-technical education (CTE). For several years, we were in a regional partnership with Los Angeles County and Orange County community colleges. However, Los Angeles colleges voted last year to form their own regional collaborative. Following that decision, the four Orange County districts formed our own regional consortium.

While broad partnerships leverage a lot of resources, there is real strength in identifying local needs. It is important that we focus on the regional industries most likely to employ our students. This also allows more nuanced cross-college collaboration at several levels, including the deans, vice presidents, presidents, vice chancellors, and chancellors.

The Coast District continues to be a leader in innovative CTE. I served as chair of the LA-OC Regional Consortium and OC Regional Consortium for 2021-2022, putting the structure in place for a more streamlined consortium, and I believe the changes will allow the Coast District to better meet the needs of Orange County. Yet, the future of the program depends on our faculty and staff continuing to engage in cross-college collaboration.

One of our District's greatest strengths is the range of options, both educational and experiential, we offer students. CTE leads to better lives for many students, and Coastline College, Golden West College, and Orange Coast College – with District Office support – have each identified CTE that is in keeping with the colleges' mission and expertise. I am optimistic for the ways our programs will grow in partnership with our neighboring Orange County districts.

Be well,

 John

John Weispfenning, Ph.D.
Chancellor

Reminder: COVID-19 cases are continuing to rise, and face coverings are required for all individuals while on campus or at District facilities, regardless of vaccination status. Face coverings may be removed in rooms where only a single individual is present, when individuals are eating or drinking and appropriate spacing is maintained, and when outdoors if efforts are taken to avoid close contact with others.

 

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

On Wednesday, July 20, the Board of Trustees met in regular session and officially welcomed Dr. Elizabeth Dorn Parker as Trustee. Following an oath of office by Trustee Parker, business continued with public hearings on joint initial bargaining proposals for CCA-CTA/NEA negotiations and a new item of collective bargaining with CFE related to competency-based education. The Board also recognized service and tenure awards. Trustees commended the contributions of some of the District's longest-serving faculty and staff. The Board also adopted faculty, staff, and management salary schedules for 2022-23.

Vice Chancellor Andreea Serban presented a report on career-technical education. Features included Coastline's work on competency-based education, Golden West developing an associate's degree for transfer in computer science, and Orange Coast pursuing multiple regional collaborations, including expanded dual-enrollment partnerships with local K-12 districts. Dr. Serban noted more than $31 million in CTE-related grants. Trustees expressed appreciation for the work of the District faculty and staff, particularly in creating collaborative partnerships with the community.

Vice Chancellor Serban additionally presented student equity plans for all three colleges. Dr. Serban noted that progress demonstrated in the latest reports represents a tremendous amount of work. Educational disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic had outsized impact on Black and Latino students, making progress for disproportionately impacted student populations particularly meaningful.

Vice Chancellor Marlene Drinkwine presented the Measure M Quarterly Report. Other business included approval of an amendment to the bus pass program for Golden West, an Orange Coast innovation and effectiveness grant in partnership with Santa Clarita Community College District, and an Orange Coast study abroad program in Florence.

The Board of Trustees adjourned in memory of John Love, a Coastline College student, Patty McDonald, a long-serving classified staff member at Orange Coast, Rick Galliand, Orange Coast alumnus and part-time crew coach, Pat Hadden, strong supporter of Orange Coast, Ralph Bauer, former mayor of Huntington Beach and member of the Measure M Citizen's Oversight Committee, and John Hernandez, brother of Rancho Santiago Community College District Trustee Zeke Hernandez.

 

College News

ORANGE COAST COLLEGE

Orange Coast College chemistry major Bernardo Moreno Arteaga will join two friends on a bicycle ride from San Francisco to Costa Mesa in order to raise money for the CHOC Hospital Foundation this summer. The journey will commence on August 10 and span more than 1,600 miles before concluding in Costa Mesa on August 29. Moreno Arteaga plans to stop at foster homes and high schools along the way to share his experiences as a lifelong athlete. Moreno Arteaga chose the CHOC Hospital Foundation as a benefactor of this fundraiser after volunteering at the hospital. "During my time as a volunteer in the hospital, I was shocked to see the number of children with complicated diseases. I believe that everyone, no matter their race or socioeconomic status, must have the chance to live life at its fullest."

 

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

 

Schedule


Chancellor's Schedule, Week of July 25
Dr. Weispfenning is in the District, Monday through Wednesday
Dr. Serban is Acting Chancellor, Thursday and Friday

 


publicaffairs@cccd.edu

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