Week of September 4, 2024

Good morning, Colleagues!

Staffing

Please join me in congratulating Dr. James Ortez in his new role as Interim Vice President of Instruction and Dr. Teresa Mendes in her new role as Interim Dean of Instruction (Humanities & Athletics)! Trustees approved their hire during last night's Board meeting, and I'm thrilled to be working with both in this new capacity. I know they will continue to work with the same levels of commitment to our students in these new roles.

I hope you will join us later today (3:00-4:30 in the AC3 lobby) as we celebrate Lorrie Hopper and all her contributions to the college and district. Stop by to wish her well! I know she's looking forward to more time for her reading, theatre visits, and travel, but we will miss her and want her to know how much her work has been appreciated.

Accreditation

A quick update: our visiting team has begun its review of our ISER. They will be hosting an Open Forum, which will likely be scheduled for some time in early October. This will be an opportunity for the college community to meet with the team (via Zoom). As soon as they have provided us with a date, we will advertise this widely. Please watch for more information.

Student Senate for the California Community Colleges

I appreciated the opportunity to welcome to our campus Region V members of the Student Senate for California Community Colleges as we hosted a Student Leadership training on our campus on August 30. The SSCCC represents all California Community College students at the state level, guides engagement with the student-associated bodies in each California community college, and appoints Regional Affairs Directors to work with student leaders to support and develop regions. Region V includes the following colleges:

  • Bakersfield College
  • Cerro Coso College
  • Clovis Community College
  • Coalinga College
  • College of the Sequoias
  • Fresno City College
  • Lemoore College
  • Madera College
  • Merced College
  • Porterville College
  • Reedley College
  • Taft College

Students participated in person as well as via Zoom. Jerry Reyes, student from Reedley College and last year's student trustee on the SCCCD Board, is now the Regional Affairs Director and coordinated these efforts with Clovis ASG as well as current student trustee and Clovis CC student, Haiden del Fierro. This event was supported by Maricarmen Figueroa, Director of Student Activities. Thank you, Maricarmen, for your work with this amazing group of students!

Wishing you all a great (short) work week ahead!

Monica Chahal, Ed.D.