Weekly News Brief | March 17, 2023
From the Office of Chancellor Whitney Yamamura, Ed.D.

Message originally distributed on Thursday, March 16.

The uniqueness of our colleges is among the Coast District's greatest strengths. However, an area where we should be more alike than different is in our work to provide a safe learning and working environment.

I'm asking our presidents and vice chancellors to work with each other, and their leadership teams, to review and update our processes for how, when, and to whom we send notifications when there is an incident on site. I understand that frequent alerts can have the effect of making people feel less safe, at least at first. Still, my nature is to err on the side of over communication.

The constant crisis of the pandemic has worn down readiness in some areas. We need to renew our culture of readiness, whether that's reassessing security needs, regularizing the use of the "blue phones," conducting drills and training, having tabletop exercises going through complex scenarios, or refreshing disaster kits and continuity plans. Everyone can help though the practice of see something, say something.

I know much of this work is underway, and I offer my appreciation to those engaged in the work. I hope you take this message as encouragement to continue and accelerate your efforts. Please know that the Board of Trustees and I support you, and that your safety will always be our priority.

With gratitude,

 Whitney

Whitney Yamamura, Ed.D.
Chancellor

Report from the Board of Trustees

On Wednesday, March 15, the Board of Trustees held a special meeting with Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Vice President Kevin Bontenbal to receive training in advance of developing the institutional self-evaluation reports for the upcoming accreditation review.

In their regular meeting, Trustees received a presentation on Competency Based Education (CBE) at Coastline College from Dean Shelly Blair and Professor Erin Thomas. Dr. Blair shared that Coastline College is the first community college in California to be recognized by ACCJC to provide competency-based education. Three programs will be offered: Associate of Science in Management; Certificate in Digital Media Design; and Certification in Dietary Management. The curriculum was developed to align with industry regulatory guidelines. Coastline has established a student financial aid model to support attendees with eleven program start points per year comprised of three fourteen-week terms. This structure will allow students flexibility in continuing instructional work across terms. The Trustees acknowledged Coastline's program as leading the way on student-centered community-based education.

Trustees heard a marketing and enrollment report presented by Andrea Rangno, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Golden West College. The report reviewed Summer and Fall social media campaigns, highlighting language and approaches that garnered the highest level of audience engagement across social media platforms. Trustees received the Annual Emergency Management Report from Jerry Marchbank, Senior Director, Facilities Planning and Construction, and Kris Cutting, District Emergency Management Coordinator. The submission included status updates on campus Emergency Plans, emphasizing that the Hazard Mitigation Plan had received final approval from FEMA, which provides the district with grant opportunities for additional funding to support emergency preparedness. Cyber Security training and Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) were underscored as critical and broad district participation in these trainings was recommended. In 2023, the team will be revising the Emergency Operations Plan and creating a Business Continuity Plan. The Trustees noted the urgent nature of the Business Continuity Plan and requested prioritization of this work.

Trustees also found the Enterprise, Inc., Coastline College Foundation, Golden West College Foundation, Orange Coast College Foundation, and District Foundation to be in good standing. Director Rachel Snell provided an Internal Audit Quarterly Report that in part reflected her work with the auxiliaries. Trustees further approved the recommendations of the Legislative Affairs Committee to affirm support for funding the U.S. Department of Transportation Centers of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education Program and to approve a letter to Assembly Member Muratsuchi in support of Assembly Bill 1173 (Ta).

Coast Celebrates Women's History Month

What advice do you have for women looking to go into leadership roles?
Be you, be bold, and be confident. Embrace your natural leadership style and have a clear vision and goals. Apply for positions even if you think you do not meet all the criteria; criteria are just a wish list. Expand your network and be visible. Seek mentors and role models. Remember, you are the creator of your own destiny and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Believe in yourself and once you set your mind, you can do anything.

What brings you joy?
I am happiest when I am able to help someone and make a positive impact. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, early morning walks, and sunrises by the beach.

Chief Information Systems Officer Association Board President Rupa Saran was elected President of the Chief Information Systems Officer Association (CISOA) Board. After serving as President Elect for the 2023-2024 term, her newly elected position will run from 2024-2026. CISOA is an organization that supports technology leadership in the California Community College System. The purpose of this organization is to provide direction, professional growth, and development to information systems professionals in California Community Colleges. CISOA also acts as an efficient avenue for communication among information systems officers, the Chancellor's Office, and other state agencies. This year's CISOA Technology Summit took place from March 6 - 9 in Burlingame, CA.

College News

Schedule

Chancellor, Week of March 20
Dr. Yamamura is in the District, Monday through Friday