5 Things to Know Weekly Update

February 23, 2026

Dear Colleagues:

This is an important week for GWC – our accreditation team will come for one day on Tuesday and the remaining issue for them to examine is RSI (regular substantive interaction in online classes). Personally, I think we (meaning our faculty) are doing great, and our high success rate in online classes is one indicator. Of course, we can always improve, and we will be honest about that. The team will take a campus tour around 9 a.m. tomorrow, so don’t be surprised if we pop in. And think positive thoughts!!!

Meridith

As part of accreditation, EVERYONE at the College is invited to an open forum and to the exit report. The open forum is an opportunity to tell the team or ask the team anything you would like – the VPs and I will not be present. The exit report is very short and usually will not indicate any final results of the visit, but you are welcome to attend.

Promotional graphic for a Golden West College Open Forum with the ACCJC Peer Review Team, scheduled for Tuesday, February 24 from 12:30–1:30 p.m. in Forum I. The flyer explains that the session allows the college community to share comments during the accreditation site visit and notes that senior leadership will not be present.

Promotional graphic for a Golden West College Exit Report with the ACCJC Peer Review Team, scheduled for Tuesday, February 24 from 3:15–3:30 p.m. in Forum I. The flyer explains that the session will provide a brief, high-level summary of observations from the accreditation site visit and is informational only.

This week, we continue Lunar New Year celebrations with an event on Wednesday, February 25, starting at 11 a.m. Please come out if you can – and enjoy the photos from last Saturday’s Tet Parade, where the District and colleges marched.

Promotional flyer for Golden West College’s Lunar New Year celebration, featuring illustrated red lanterns and a red horse for the Year of the Horse. The event takes place February 25 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the GWC Amphitheater and includes free entry, cultural performances, and free food and games. The flyer also encourages attendees to follow @ASPIRE_GWC on Instagram for updates.

Colorful lion dancers perform in the street during a Tet Festival parade, with confetti scattered on the ground and large black-and-gold banners and a stage of performers in traditional dress behind them under a clear blue sky.

Coast District trustees Phu Nguyen and Dr. Elizabeth Dorn Parker stand together at a Tet Festival parade on a sunny day, wearing traditional Vietnamese attire—one in a green patterned áo dài and hat, the other in a blue áo dài with floral designs. Parade participants, flags, and banners are visible along the street behind them.

Last week’s Spring Summit was really brilliant, thanks to the Flex Committee which spends many months preparing. In case you don’t know, the members of the Committee are Erin Craig, Pete Bouzar, Jennifer Kalfsbeek-Goetz, Uyen Tran, Alyssa Brown, Monica Jovanovich, Charissa McCord, Ally Chaudhry, Herman Singh, Amy Jennings, and Stephania Gonzales.

The morning speaker reminded us about the identity and life experiences of many of our students, and the sessions for each constituent group were very helpful (we managers talked about preparing for Program Review in the fall). Thanks to everyone who contributed….it is a heavy lift!

Speaker Saul Flores at a podium in a campus auditorium, addressing an audience with a microphone. Behind him, a large screen displays his name, “Saul Flores,” along with a portrait and the words “Golden West College.”

Club Expo was postponed from last week due to weather and will take place this Tuesday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Quad – please remind students to participate!

Three students stand behind a table at a campus Club Expo, smiling and holding signs that read “I ♥ International Club 2025.” Plush toys, cups, and snacks are displayed on the table, with campus buildings and lawn visible in the background.

I will be on campus all week plus attending a dinner for colleges interested in the Transfer Abroad Network, the OC Pathways Fair at the OC Fairgrounds (thanks, Diana Rochat!), and an event for the Orange County Business Council. Looking forward to a calmer March!

GWC Mission Statement

Golden West College provides culturally affirming educational opportunities for our students and community to achieve upward mobility. Our academic excellence, exceptional student services, and community partnerships empower students to achieve personal and academic goals and contribute toward an inclusive and equitable society.