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Weekly News Brief | March 22, 2024
From the Office of Chancellor Whitney Yamamura, Ed.D.
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It is amazing to think we are already in spring, not just the semester but the actual season. We have spoken about many heavy topics throughout the winter. Important and necessary, but it is also crucial to have balance. So today I will focus on the joy of spring.
We are accelerating towards the time of celebrations and commencements. Many of our soon-to-be graduates are preparing for their next step, whether that is career or continuing education. Many hopeful college students are ending their high school days or preparing to return to education after years away. For some, our colleges are the dream they never thought they would reach. For others, we are a step towards their dream. And still for others, we are a return to the path after a long wandering journey.
I know there is a certain energy as our students and faculty prepare for spring break. Many managers and classified professionals are looking forward to quieter week, perhaps to get ahead or catch up. Still it is the energy on campus, that excitement generated in learning new ideas and supporting students in building self-efficacy, that makes our efforts worthwhile.
So, enjoy the break! And when we return, may we still have a spring in our step as we make the last leap towards graduation.
With gratitude,
Dr. Whitney Yamamura
Chancellor
P.S. The News Brief will be on hiatus next week due to spring break. Colleges and the District Office are closed on Friday, March 29.
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Report from the Board of Trustees
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On Wednesday. March 21, the Board of Trustees met and found the CCCD Enterprise, Inc. to be in good standing following review of financial statements and accomplishments. Trustees also reviewed financial statements and annual reports from the Coastline College Foundation, Golden West College Foundation, Orange Coast College Foundation, and District Foundation. All four philanthropic auxiliaries were found by the Board to be in good standing. Internal Auditor Rachel Snell also provided her quarterly report on the status of various projects.
The Board received the Annual Emergency Management (Disaster Preparedness) Report, addressing safety and emergency management staffing, emergency communications, security assessments, equipment, and training. Trustees lauded the readiness shown through the report.
Dr. Deborah Henry and Dr. Tanya Hoerer presented a highlight of the John Stauffer Human Anatomy Suite. The presentation included the structure of classes, outreach efforts, and current student experiences. Trustees noted the unique opportunity provided to students, to gain tangible knowledge through working with cadavers, while honoring the individuals and families who make this possible.
Each year the Coast Community College District nominates one Classified professional for the California Community Colleges Classified Employee of the Year awards. This year, the Board endorsed nominee Melissa Jauregui, Program Support Specialist, Educational Services.
Trustees in the memory of Anthony "Tony" Gonzalez, a community college graduate and journeyman welder.
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Please send examples of persistent innovation, by which I mean having a good idea and then putting in the hard work to make that vision a reality. The more examples submitted, the better I can highlight your successes in future letters and in the community! |
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2024 State of the District + Equity Symposium
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Please join us on Thursday, April 18, and hear from our college presidents and chancellor about the state of Coast Colleges (8:30 to 9:30 am). Equity symposium to follow. Held in the CCCD Board Room at 1370 Adams Avenue, Costa Mesa.
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***RSVP to publicaffairs@cccd.edu by April 5, 2024*** |
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College News
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GOLDEN WEST COLLEGE |
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GWC's LGBTQ+ programming and Umoja initiatives will be hosting a Spring 2024 Event: Live Stand-Up Comedy Show with Sampson McCormick. The event will take place in the Mainstage Theater and Multi-Purpose Room (MPR) 100 (Regional Criminal Justice Training Center) on April 12, from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Flyer attached for more details.
Fifty-one seniors at Los Amigos High School in Fountain Valley have submitted their petitions to graduate from Golden West College with their Associate of Arts degrees, months before they will graduate with their high school diplomas. The students are part of Los Amigos' Early College Academy (ECA), a dual-enrollment program that allows students to begin taking college-level courses taught by GWC faculty as early as 9th grade. The 51 students graduating this spring are the first cohort to complete the program, having earned 60 units of college credit over the past four years. Classes that are part of the ECA are completely free, including the cost of textbooks. Most of the students in this year's cohort are university bound and will begin their bachelor's degree journeys with many course requirements already complete.
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| ORANGE COAST COLLEGE |
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OCC's Student Health Center has expanded its mental health services for students by partnering with Protocall Services to provide 24/7 access to a crisis counselor. Known as the OCC After Hours Crisis Line, students can call the Student Health Center at (714) 714-7715 and press 9 to be connected to a crisis counselor. This service is available to all current OCC students Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. until 9 a.m. and all day Saturday and Sunday. OCC students can also access this service on holidays and breaks. OCC's mental health services also include short-term and group therapy. Students have access to a team of pre-licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Associates and Trainees who work under the supervision of Licensed MFTs. Counseling sessions with licensed therapists are available to help students with academic pressure, cultural adjustment, depression, stress, anxiety, and much more. Depending on the level of mental health support, a student's need might exceed the capacity of the Student Health Center, and they will be provided with community resources that can handle acute or long-term mental health problems. Weekly group therapy is available for Self-Compassion and Connection, Understanding Trauma Through Creative Writing, and Student-Athletes. Mental Health Services are available in person at the Student Health Center Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Schedule
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Chancellor, Week of March 25
Dr. Yamamura is in the District, Monday through Thursday.
Our offices are closed Friday for the Spring holiday.
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publicaffairs@cccd.edu
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