Chancellor's News Brief

As we enter October, I want to take a moment to recognize the importance of several significant observances that highlight our commitment to inclusivity, awareness, and support for all members of our community. I would also like to encourage you to participate in the activities listed later in the News Brief.

National Hispanic Heritage Month, runs from September 15 to October 15. This month offers us a valuable opportunity to honor the rich cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities to our society. Please take the time to participate in campus events and engage in discussions that celebrate diversity, foster understanding, and build connections.

October is also designated as Relationship Violence Awareness Month. This critical observance reminds us of the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for all our students and employees. I encourage everyone to be vigilant and proactive in recognizing the signs of relationship violence and to support those who may be affected. Our commitment to education and awareness can empower individuals and promote a culture of respect and safety.

Additionally, we celebrate Undocumented Students Week from October 14 to October 20. This week serves to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by our undocumented students and to affirm our dedication to fostering an inclusive educational environment. It’s essential that we provide support and resources to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Together, these observances encourage us to reflect on our roles as educators and community members. Every student deserves a welcoming and safe environment to learn and grow. Let us continue to champion inclusivity, raise awareness, and provide support to all individuals within our diverse district.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to these important causes and for the vital work you do every day.

With gratitude,

Dr. Whitney Yamamura
Chancellor

As is the tradition, the first Board meeting of the month ends with reports from the members of the dais and the presidents of constituent and representative groups. It is an opportunity for District leaders and the Trustees themselves to share what their focus has been over the past month and what might they are looking forward to in the coming month.

At this meeting the Academic Senate Presidents spoke about the work they were doing on Common Course Numbering, their conversations around AI, Regular Substantive Interaction, and Student Equity Plans. Classified Senate spoke of the activities taking place at the colleges focused on creating community among the classified professionals across offices and disciplines. The Chancellor spoke of his legislative work in Sacramento and welcomed VC Human Resources Dr. Diane Fiero to the District.

The Trustees spoke of the various committee meetings and events they attended at the colleges. Trustee Hornbuckle shared the positive news coming from the Retirement Board of Authority and her appreciation for all the work that went into the Children’s Book Festival, the thought provoking speakers at the CLEEO events at OCC, and the good work of the GWC Foundation during a time of transition of leadership.

In addition to the Children’s Book Festival and OCC Foundation work, Trustee Parker, who serves on the Samueli Academy Foundation board, spoke to the broadening connections of the Samueli Academy to the colleges.

Trustee Prinsky echoed the positive comments about the events at the colleges and highlighted her alignment with the Academic Senate leadership’s comments on AI. She ended her comments by acknowledging the active conversation and involvement of the student leaders in the District Student Council whose meetings she has been attending for about 16 years!

Reminder: The Board of Trustees meetings are now live streamed on YouTube. The link can be found here on the Board of Trustees' page of the District website.

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!

Please save the date for the Eighth Annual California Community Colleges' Undocumented Student Action Week (USAW) on October 14 – 18, 2024.

This year Coastline, Golden West and Orange Coast have partnered to host a series of “USAW” events for the Coast District Community, following this year’s theme: Education and Career UndocuDreams Made Possible. Throughout October, The Coast District will offer events, workshops and training sessions that highlight policies, resources and the experiences of undocumented students. Together, Coastline, Orange Coast and Golden West College are committed to supporting all students in their pursuit of higher education. Join us in empowering and supporting our students by participating in and sharing these events:

• Monday, October 14 | Student UndocuSocial - Arts & Crafts | 11 am – 1 pm
• Tuesday, October 15 | Know Your Rights by CHIRLA | 2 pm – 3:30 pm
• Wednesday, October 16 | UndocuStartup Bootcamp #1 - Entrepreneurship Series | 12:00 pm –1:30 pm
• Thursday, October 17 | UNDOCUADVOCATE TRAINING | 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm Faculty/Staff/Administration Only Event
• Friday, October 18 | Empowering Your Career: Job Search Strategies for Undocumented Students | 4 pm – 5 pm

To register for these events, please visit the Coast CCCD Undocumented Student Action Week website.

In addition, the California Community College’s Chancellor’s office will be offering a series of virtual webinars from 9 am – 10 am starting Monday, October 14 through Thursday, October 17. You can register and learn more by clicking on https://www.cccco.edu/Students/Support-Services/Special-population/Undocumented-Students/Undocumented-Student-Action-Week .

Join us at the District Office on October 23 for FREE health screenings (bone density, derma scan, glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol) and FREE flu and/or Covid shots*! Make an appointment today to secure your spot, but walk-ins are welcome.

All District benefit eligible employees, retirees, and their enrolled dependents may participate in this event. (Classified, Confidential, Faculty, Managers, Part Time Faculty, Retirees)

For more information, visit: https://documents.cccd.edu/Human%20Resources/Benefits/2024HealthExpoCCCD.pdf.

*Those that want to get their free flu and/or Covid booster must use their District medical plan coverage.

• CVS is our partner administrating the boosters. Employees, retirees , and their enrolled dependents who have coverage under the following District medical plans could get their shots at the event: Anthem Blue Cross PPO, Blue Shield Access Plus HMO, Blue Shield Trio HMO, United Health Care Medicare Advantage PPO.

*Kaiser Permanente wants its members to use Kaiser services and locations for flu and/or covid shots. Our Kaiser HMO and Kaiser Senior HMO folks may find information in the links below:

• Flu Shot - https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/southern-california/health-wellness/flu
• Covid Shot - https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/southern-california/health-wellness/coronavirus-information

National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15 to October 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The theme for 2024 is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.”

Our colleges are celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month! Click the links below to find out what events are going on at our campuses:

• Coastline College
• Golden West College
• Orange Coast College

October is Relationship Violence Awareness Month. As we work to end relationship violence, we must embrace the many ways we can heal from violence, hold space for survivors, and center those most marginalized.

Coastline College proudly celebrated one of its own at the Annual Awards Luncheon hosted at the Anaheim White House Restaurant. The event, organized by Asian Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), highlighted the achievements of students who have shown exceptional leadership and commitment to community service.

This year, Coastline's Pre-Med student Maylie Willette was awarded a $1,000 scholarship from AWE, recognizing her dedication to both her academic journey and her contributions to the community. The moment became even more special when Willette revealed a personal connection, sharing with Coastline’s President Rodriguez, "You know my dad, Steve Willette." It was a delightful reminder of how small the world can be.

AWE, a nonprofit organization that advocates for Asian and Asian-American women entrepreneurs, has a long-standing relationship with Coastline College. Each year, AWE offers scholarships based on students' community service and leadership, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds. The organization is dedicated to empowering women and supporting their entrepreneurial goals.

For more information about AWE and its mission to support Asian American businesswomen, visit their website or the Coastline Scholarships webpage.

Congratulations once again to Maylie Willette for her well-deserved award!

Chancellor, Week of October 7
Dr. Yamamura is in the District, Monday through Friday.