COASTLINE COLLEGE

Coastline College recently hosted its inaugural Culturally Responsive Pedagogy and Practices Symposium (CRPP) Symposium. With over 50 faculty and administrators in attendance, the hybrid in-person and virtual event was held at the Student Services Center in Fountain Valley. Funding for this event was made possible by the CRPP Innovative Best Practices Grant, a competitive, one-time grant to aid in the development of innovative Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA)-minded and culturally competent training for faculty.

The CRPP Symposium, which was formed for the purpose of advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the college, featured six distinguished faculty members from Coastline College: Dr. Deborah Henry, Professor Kelly Ruppert, Dr. Petra Petry, Dr. Tanya Hoerer, Professor Oceana Callum, and Dr. Matt Quinlan. Through the Faculty Equity Course and the Deeper Roots Series, these esteemed educators delved into strategies to implement equity-minded practices and foster inclusive spaces within their classrooms. Their shared strategies focused specifically on nurturing the development of culturally responsive pedagogy and classroom practices for disproportionately impacted and underrepresented communities.

GOLDEN WEST COLLEGE

On May 2, GWC hosted a Transfer Reception and Signing Day to celebrate transfer students' milestone achievements.

Students who will be transferring in Fall 2024 received a Certificate of Transfer Achievement from President Meridith Randall and a transfer cord to wear at graduation. Attendees also enjoyed lunch as well as prizes and GWC merchandise raffles. During the event, students were given the opportunity to speak with transfer representatives from four-year universities, including CSU Dominguez Hills, CSU Fullerton, and UC Irvine for any help or questions regarding the next steps in their transfer journeys.

After meeting with four-year representatives, students were invited to take photos with campus leaders, Goldie and Tuffy the Titan from CSU Fullerton.

ORANGE COAST COLLEGE

The Coast Community College District Board of Trustees signed a partnership between Orange Coast College and the United States Coast Guard on Wednesday, May 15, to develop a recruitment pathway and a Direct Enlistment Lateral Entry Program. This program will pave the way for OCC graduates to embark on rewarding careers with a higher starting pay salary and greater responsibility. OCC's partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard signifies a significant step forward in bridging the gap between education and career readiness.

OCC students who complete an associate degree in the Professional Mariner Program (Boatswain's Mate) or an associate degree in Culinary Arts (Culinary Specialist) will be eligible for direct enlistment in the Coast Guard as a Petty Officer Third Class (E-4) or Petty Officer Second Class (E-5), based on final determination by the Coast Guard. Through this partnership, the Coast Guard can develop qualified personnel through OCC programs. Students enrolling from OCC will have their coursework pre-approved by the Coast Guard, allowing them to enter at a higher pay grade.

One of the key highlights of this partnership is the promise of greater responsibility and a higher starting pay salary for OCC students who choose to pursue careers in the Coast Guard. By recognizing the value of education and skills acquired through OCC's programs, the Coast Guard is demonstrating its commitment to attracting top talent and rewarding dedication to service.