Weekly News Brief | May 19, 2023
From the Office of Chancellor Whitney Yamamura, Ed.D.

Special Message, End of COVID-19 State of Emergency

The Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) has transitioned its operational, clinical, and technological COVID-19 response from "State of Emergency" to "Routine" business operations. This is yet another milestone in the emergence of a post-pandemic world, and I want to highlight some of the changes this announcement will bring.

While the pandemic emergency may be coming to an end, COVID-19 remains a part of our public health landscape. Starting on June 1, the Coast District will align our protocols with OCHCA, balancing continuing vigilance with a routine that can be sustained for as long as needed.

For faculty, staff, and managers, this includes moving from 10-day to five-day isolation requirement after testing positive. There is no 'testing out' requirement – you can return to work after five days if symptoms are gone or mild and improving. You should still mask for 10 days from the positive test or appearance of symptoms, especially when indoors.

If you are feeling ill or test positive, please refrain from coming to the office and communicate by phone or email with your dean, supervisor, or HR director as has been our practice. Please also tell those you have come in close contact with that they may be exposed. Coast District HR will no longer be required to do contact tracing or update COVID-19 dashboards.

For students, all isolation and testing requirements are no longer required but continue to be strongly recommended. As a former faculty member, I understand the learning loss that happens when students miss class. Still, my approach has always been to work with symptomatic students to provide alternatives to attending in person and possibly spreading illnesses.

Lastly, the Coast District continues to strongly recommend vaccines to all who are eligible. Should you test positive, there are now safe, effective, free, and widely available treatment options to stop the virus from multiplying and allow you to test negative sooner. Those who test positive should speak to their health care provider or the statewide COVID-19 hotline at (833) 422-4255.

As social creatures, many of us are eager to reestablish face-to-face connections and revive our traditions. It is my hope that with some continuing common-sense steps, we can keep COVID-19 to a minimal level while reducing the disruptions experienced these past three years.

With gratitude,

 Whitney

Whitney Yamamura, Ed.D.
Chancellor

Report from the Board of Trustees

On Wednesday, May 17, the Board of Trustees met and accepted the retirements of the following employees: Barbara Darby, Special Education Instructor at Coastline College, and Timothy Rigney, IT Business Processes Analyst. Trustees offered their thanks and congratulations.

The Board adopted a resolution in support of including the Mendez v. Westminster case in K-14 curriculum. Trustees thanked Orange Coast College faculty for bringing renewed attention on the case, noted the landmark ruling's place in ending school segregation in California, and pointed to the case's prominent role in lead up to Brown v. Board of Education.

Vice Chancellor Marco Baeza provided an Equity, Inclusion, and Compliance update. The presentation highlighted significant regulatory changes as well as progress towards implementing a new and effective Equal Employment Opportunity plan for the Coast District. Trustees expressed interest in seeing the new plan and encouraged that a way be found to include community input.

Vice Chancellor Andreea Serban provided an update on the implementation of Guided Pathways. Among the highlights was an additional one-time allocation in the 2022-23 state budget to continue to fund Guided Pathways. The Coast District received $1,196,937; subsequently distributed to the Colleges.

Lastly, the Board adopted amendments to BP 7100 Commitment to Diversity, which now reads:The District is committed to employing qualified equity-minded educational administrators, classified managers, faculty, classified professionals, and temporary employees who are dedicated to student success. To further this commitment, the District will support professional development opportunities related to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism. The Board recognizes that diversity in the academic environment fosters cultural awareness, promotes mutual understanding and respect, and provides suitable role models for all students. The Board is committed to recruitment, hiring, and employee development processes that support the goals of equal opportunity for all qualified applicants and employees.

The Board adjourned in memory of Jacob Brandon – a Business Administration student at Coastline College, who was also enrolled in classes at Golden West College. Additionally, the Board remembered trailblazers Gloria Molina and Joe Kapp.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Coast District is celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month during the month of May. Staff, students, and faculty are encouraged to participate to share their experiences with our District, Colleges, and community. The questionnaire will be posted on District social media and may be used in other publications. Those who would like to participate can fill out the questionnaire by going to https://forms.office.com/r/xmcvQVLk7s.

College News

Schedule

Chancellor, Week of May 22
Dr. Yamamura is in the District, Monday through Friday