Weekly News Brief | October 21, 2022
From the Office of Chancellor Whitney Yamamura, Ed.D.

This week, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California's COVID-19 State of Emergency will end on February 28, 2023. On a technical level, this signals a winding down of state funding for pandemic response and an end date for some flexibility granted to local governments – including college districts. On a symbolic level, this finalizes a shift from crisis response to change management as we enter our so-called next normal.

Some thoughts I have on that next normal are offered below. This is not meant to be comprehensive, but hopefully gives some basis for discussion.

First, we must acknowledge that even universal crises are disparate in impact. Equity disparities evolve both from discrimination today as well as the accumulation of harm inflicted over lifetimes and generations. Equity mindedness must begin with asking how our next normal will lead to inclusive success while also taking steps to redress the uneven wreckage of the pandemic.

Second, we need to be present online and on site. Student preferences may have permanently changed to want more online options, yet the digital world is still missing elements of a robust college life with interdisciplinary exchange of thought. Our challenges and opportunities exist in the balance between the physical and digital, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each.

Third, we should be conscious of Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs – or one of the many successor theories from various fields of psychology, human development, and education. In great simplification, if we want our students to belong, to gain esteem, and to self-actualize we must begin from a foundation of physical and psychological wellness. The same applies for our peers and colleagues. Wellness is a prerequisite for greatness as an educational community.

Again, please accept these as conversation starters. I look forward to our continued dialogue in participatory governance as well as the many informal conversations that emerge from chance meetings.

With gratitude,

 Whitney

Whitney Yamamura, Ed.D.
Chancellor

Report from the Board of Trustees

On Wednesday, October 19, the Board of Trustees met and held a public hearing on initial bargaining proposals to the Coast Federation of Educators American Federation of Teachers Local 1911 (CFE) from the Coast Community College District for negotiation on the collective bargaining agreement for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. Vice Chancellor Marco Baeza presented the items being put forward by the Coast District. The Board additionally adopted revisions to the code of ethics for trustees, building on the work of past years, in particular adding focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Vice Chancellor Andreea Serban and Vice Chancellor Marlene Drinkwine provided a report on the Coast District's compliance with the Faculty Obligation Number (FON) and 50 percent law. In Fall 2022, the district exceeded the required FON by 52.5 full-time equivalent faculty (13.7 percent). Considering this, the Board adopted a motion that no full-time faculty be hired for Fall 2023 except in limited situations where hiring is necessary due to accreditation, licensing, or specific program requirements. Certain previously funded searches already in process are continuing.

The Coast District Enterprise Corporation presented on quarterly deliveries to the colleges, district, and District Foundation per agreement. Enterprise Corporation President Janet Houlihan reported that the swap meets had returned safely and were well attended in line with past performance. Trustees lauded the work of the Enterprise Corporation to manage the pandemic and resume a community service that brings resources to the colleges and district.

Professor Tobi West, department chair of cybersecurity and technology for Coastline College, provided a program feature for the Board. She shared programmatic offerings, success measures, and partnerships in the Cybersecurity Program, including enhanced graduate earnings and events that inform K-12 students about the program while addressing gender representation disparities in the field.

The Board adopted a resolution declaring October 17-21, 2022, as Undocumented Student Action Week. In the resolution, the Coast District endorsed the work of colleges for Undocumented Student Action Week to cultivate policies, procedures, and best practices to support undocumented students in their pursuit of a college education by eliminating institutional barriers. The Board further called for comprehensive immigration reform and authorized legislative advocates to advance reform that advances the interests of undocumented students, prospective students, alumni, and employees.

Trustees adjourned in memory of Thomas Scardina, longtime math instructor retired from Golden West College.

College News

Schedule, Week of October 24

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This year's theme is Everyone Knows Someone. All faculty, students, and staff are invited to join in a community of safety and support.

Chancellor
Dr. Yamamura is in the District, Monday through Friday