Chancellor's News Brief

As we process the results of the recent election and look ahead to the coming months, I want to take a moment to reflect on the importance of maintaining an inclusive and supportive environment here at the Coast Community College District. Emotions are running high, and we may encounter a range of opinions, but as educators and staff, we have a responsibility to foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding. This means engaging in thoughtful discourse, where all voices are heard, and where cooperation is prioritized over division.

In times of tension, our commitment to inclusivity becomes even more critical. Every member of our community—students, faculty, and staff—must feel safe, supported, and empowered to express their views without fear of retaliation or discrimination. A healthy democracy thrives on the exchange of ideas, and it depends on the respect for the dignity and rights of others. A woman once asked Benjamin Franklin what form of government the new nation would adopt. His response was, “A republic, if you can keep it.” This phrase echoes through time, reminding us that democracy is not a passive institution; it will only survive if we actively participate, engage in civil discourse, and work to safeguard the values of liberty and justice.

In much the same way, each of us plays a role in shaping the culture of our district. The way we engage with one another—the tone we set in our interactions—determines the kind of environment we build. It’s up to all of us to ensure that our district remains a place where every person feels valued, heard, and respected, regardless of political or personal differences.

Just recently, the bipartisan passage of AB 1805, which was strongly supported by Coast District, reminded us that even in a polarized environment, collaboration across party lines can result in meaningful, positive change.

As we continue to support our students, we must also focus on increasing student success. Intelligence and ability are equally distributed, but not all students have the same access to the resources they need to succeed. First-generation students, in particular, face unique challenges, often lacking the social capital that others may take for granted. We must provide them with the tools, encouragement, and guidance to navigate their educational journey. Likewise, we must work to address disparities in student success across demographics—a goal that unites us all in our pursuit of equity in education.

Ultimately, regardless of our political views, we share the common goal of providing every student with the opportunity to thrive. Let’s continue to work together to create a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment that reflects the values of liberty, justice, and opportunity.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to making our district a place where every student has the opportunity to succeed and grow.

With gratitude,

Dr. Whitney Yamamura
Chancellor

As we approach Veterans Day on November 11, let us take a moment to honor and express our deepest gratitude to the veterans of our community, both past and present. Their sacrifices and service have shaped the freedoms we hold dear, and we owe them a debt of respect and appreciation. Let us remember the importance of supporting all those who have served, and reflect on the shared values of duty, resilience, and loyalty that unite us as a nation.

At this week’s board meeting the trustees heard a report from Coastline biology students on their trip to Kenya, Africa in June. Kartrinna Phoung Hua reported on behalf of herself and fellow students Mayra Cuevas and Bryan Le whose career aspirations are to become physician’s assistants. The students commented on the real world experience they received while shadowing their faculty members Dr. Deborah Henry and Dr. Tanya Hoerer. The trip particularly highlighted the severe health inequity in the world and the importance of health education.

Following the students, the trustees heard two reports related to the operations of the district. The first, presented by Vice Chancellors Serban and Drinkwine was on the district’s status related the Fulltime Faculty Obligation Number (FON) and its influence on the recommendation presented to the board for Fall 2025 faculty hiring. The board accepted the recommendation to only hire full time faculty in areas where it is necessary to accreditation, licensing, or specific program requirements or needs.

The second report. Status of the Chancellor’s Goals for the District for 2024-2025, was well received by the Trustees. Each of them had positive comments on the forward progress through various challenges. It was requested by the board that each of these reports be made available more broadly throughout the district. They will be updated to the Chancellor’s Page on the District Website under Board Reports.

The next Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for 5pm on November 20 and will be streamed live on the District’s YouTube Channel.

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!

Coastline College's CBE team is preparing for the 2025 launch of Pace+, a Direct Assessment Competency-Based Education (CBE) program designed to put students at the center of their learning journey. This innovative approach allows students to progress at their own pace, enabling them to continue their work across terms, take breaks when necessary, and accelerate when they are more familiar with the material. Unlike traditional courses with fixed due dates, Pace+ offers flexible learning, supported by faculty and staff to help students reach their goals.

Coastline recently achieved a major milestone with the ACCJC's approval of Direct Assessment programs. Combined with approval from the Department of Education’s Direct Assessment Committee, Coastline is well on its way to offering financial aid for Pace+. The college will share its CBE journey at the CBExchange conference on November 12 in Colorado. The presentation will be an overview of their Direct Assessment CBE implementation efforts thus far as they continue to lead the state and the country in this groundbreaking effort.

Golden West College’s Marketing and Public Relations team won seven Medallion Awards – including four gold awards – at the National Council of Marketing and Public Relations District 6 annual conference and awards ceremony on November 7 in Tucson, Arizona.

Medallion Awards recognize outstanding communication achievement at community and technical colleges throughout the U.S. GWC is part of the NCMPR's District 6, including Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Utah, and areas around Guam.

In addition to the four gold awards, GWC was recognized with one silver and two bronze awards for creative work produced during the 2023-2024 academic year. The awards included:

• Annual Report - Gold
• Social Media Post - Gold
• Postcard - Gold
• Print Wild Card - Gold
• Outdoor Signage Display - Silver
• Logo Design - Bronze
• Viewbook - Bronze

Some of the work that was recognized included GWC’s 2022-2023 Annual Report, the 2024 Goldchella “Amusement Park” Map, the 2024 “Black is Golden” logo, and the 2023-2024 Performing Arts Viewbook.

“I could not be more proud of my team for this well-deserved recognition,” says Director of Marketing and Public Relations Andrea Rangno. “Each year GWC’s Marketing team produces hundreds of creative pieces to support our programs and services, and to make our amazing college more visible in our community. To be recognized by our peers is a high honor, and it validates the hard work and dedication of this department.”

The Orange Coast College Chamber Singers and The OCC Chorale will unite to present a Fall Choral-Vocal Showcase on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 7:30 p.m. in the Robert B. Moore Theatre.

Eliza Rubenstein will direct the Chamber Singers and Kelly Self will direct the Chorale. The program includes a variety of choral works from nations around the world and throughout the ages, including a protest song from Iran, a folk song from Malaysia, two works from Hungary, and a gospel setting of an African American spiritual, among other works.

Three of the songs that the Chamber Singers will perform hold special significance for Rubenstein. These are pieces she first sang alongside her mentor and friend, Joseph Huszti, who was the legendary long-time choral director at UC Irvine. Joe passed away this past June, but his influence is felt in every note of music Rubenstein creates. She wishes to honor Joe’s memory by sharing some of his favorite works with the next choral generation.

The OCC Chorale will perform a set of three pieces that blend traditional choral vocal techniques with elements of modern jazz, folk, and pop singing. To prepare for the performance, the OCC Chorale students met with Moira Smiley, the composer of one of the pieces, “Stand in that River,” to learn about folk performance stylistic practices.

“Our audience is going to love this program!” says Rubenstein. “There’s an enormous range of styles represented, so we guarantee that there’s something for everyone—from the calm lush harmonies of Zoltan Kodaly and Elaine Hagenberg, to the fiery activism of the Iranian feminist anthem ‘Zan, Zendegi, Azadi,’ to a finale that will make you want to stand up and cheer, we promise.”

Tickets are on sale for $10 at the OCC Tickets website. Proceeds from the concert will support the Chamber Singers’ trip to New York City in June to perform Mozart’s legendary Requiem at Carnegie Hall.

Chancellor, Week of November 11

Dr. Yamamura is in the District on Friday.
Vice Chancellor Drinkwine is Acting Chancellor, Tuesday through Thursday.