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Weekly News Brief | March 3, 2023
From the Office of Chancellor Whitney Yamamura, Ed.D.
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This Wednesday, the Board of Trustees heard an uplifting report on international programs and students. I'm particularly glad that we heard from Orange Coast College student Mattheu Pylles on his experience in Paris, France. Most of us are fortunate to have one or two educational experiences that we can point to as life defining. That is the sense I got from Mattheu on his opportunity to study abroad.
The Trustees made the point that we are providing a global education at our colleges. In some forms, that global dimension is through opportunities to live and learn abroad like it was for Mattheu. For many more of our students, we bring the world to them. Our international students are gaining tremendous value by studying in California in our excellent destination programs. Students from surrounding regions are learning alongside those of different first languages, cultures, religions, and early developmental experiences. It's a form of mutual enrichment, where everyone emerges better for the exchange.
I'm so proud of our international programs, our international students, and of all those who venture outside the familiar. As we emerge from the pandemic, I'm excited for the restoration of these life-defining experiences for our local and global community.
With gratitude,
Whitney
Whitney Yamamura, Ed.D.
Chancellor
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Report from the Board of Trustees
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On Wednesday, March 1, the Board of Trustees met and received an annual report from Vice Chancellor Andreea Serban on International Education Programs and Students. Associate Dean Nathan Jensen from Orange Coast College introduced student Mattheu Pylles, who shared about his participation in the study abroad program in Paris in 2022. Mattheu expressed gratitude for the study abroad opportunity which allowed him to enhance his language skills and absorb a unique cultural experience. Dr. Serban acknowledged Nathan Jensen from Orange Coast College, Dr. Carla Martinez from Golden West College, and Javier Alcala from Coastline College for their efforts in international student recruitment and market expansion. Some highlights included potential new study abroad programs in the Czech Republic and South Africa, Golden West inclusion in the Center for Global and Cultural Programs, and innovative contract education courses offered to students in Pakistan and Japan. The Coast District's international students demonstrate high levels of academic achievement and provide a significant financial contribution through tuition and fees. The Trustees praised the colleges for creating both new and reinforced recruitment connections in a wide variety of countries.
Trustees heard a Quarterly Financial Status Report presented by Vice Chancellor Marlene Drinkwine, updating the current budget projections based upon the first two quarter's activities. The report covered two primary changes to the initial budget: an increase in revenues from the Student-Centered Funding Formula (SCFF) and the Emergency Conditions Apportionment which extended a higher full-time equivalent student base. These funds are planned to restore ending balances for colleges and build reserves as discussed in the Budget Town Halls.
Trustees received a study session presentation on the budget by Vice Chancellor Drinkwine and Vice Chancellor Serban. The submission reviewed the state budget, the impact on SCFF calculations, the significance of enrollment, and then provided a multi-year financial projection. They noted the receipt of the preliminary apportionment report from the State Chancellor's Office on February 28. An updated district budget report will be forthcoming. Trustees noted the complex nature of education financing and expressed gratitude for the detailed information.
Trustees directed staff to bring a future agenda item to the Board on adding the Mendez vs. Westminster case to the K-12 curricula in California.
The Board adjourned with thoughts for the people in Turkey and Syria as they navigate devastation from the Kahramanmaras earthquake.
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College News
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Program of Special Note:
Disrupting Racism through the Lens of The ArtsIn support of diversity, equity and inclusion, Coastline College is hosting a series of collaborative events for faculty, staff and students running through June 15, 2023, the Friday before Juneteenth. All are invited to attend the remaining sessions. |
COASTLINE COLLEGE |
Coastline College competed for the first time in the Western Regional Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC) qualifier. Coming in 5th place, the Coastline team was able to move on to the Regional Competition taking place March 31 to April 1. Coastline is one of the eight teams who placed and the only community college. CCDC is a National competition and there are regions throughout the US. The winner of the Regional Competition will go on to the National competition in April.
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GOLDEN WEST COLLEGE |
Congratulations to Golden West College's Disabled Students Programs and Services Counselor Bill La, winner of February's Faculty Excellence Award. Bill received multiple nominations, which included these remarks about his contributions to GWC:
"Bill La is an unsung hero on our campus. He goes above and beyond every day to ensure students receive the care, attention and support needed to succeed in their classes. Because he knows education is fun, exciting and opens opportunities, it seems to be his personal challenge to get students to actually like school, along with helping them in any way he can."
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| ORANGE COAST COLLEGE |
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The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim will host "Orange Coast College Night" on Friday, May 19, against the Minnesota Twins, beginning at 6:38 p.m. Tickets include an Angels and Orange Coast College co-branded hat! The event is also part of OCC's 75th Anniversary celebration.
Sign ups are available for the 75th anniversary Kickball Tournament. We seek faculty, student, classified, and management teams to compete for the coveted kickball crown. You don't need to have an entire team ready. Individuals will be placed on a team.
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Schedule
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Chancellor, Week of March 6
Dr. Yamamura is in the District, Monday through Wednesday
Dr. Baeza is Acting Chancellor, Thursday and Friday
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publicaffairs@cccd.edu
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