5 Things to Know Weekly Update

March 23, 2026

Dear Colleagues:

Before communicating about anything at the College itself, I want to take a moment to recognize the significant cultural events this month – Nowruz (the Persian New Year) on March 20, Eid al-Fitr (the end of Ramadan), St. Patrick’s Day and Holi. Some of our colleagues are under stress even as they celebrate, worrying about family in Tehran, Beirut, Israel and other overseas areas involved in war. Just as we are always sensitive to the pressures on our students, we should take a moment to check in with each other about their states of mind and offer assistance when we can. Hoping for peace and good health for all of our friends and families as we begin spring.

Meridith

We are welcoming back Christina Oja today after her time with Coastline. She will be reporting to Lauren Sosenko, assisting with dual enrollment administration as well as taking on oversight of the Career Center. Gisela Verduzco and Nikki Nguyen have been doing excellent work at the Career Center, and Christina will be able to spend time seeing how we can build on the current services at the current location. She will be located with Research and Dual Enrollment, across from SSC.

Here are a couple of Save-the-Dates: First, May 6 will be the Knowledge Exchange – Erin Craig will send out more detailed information this week about signing up to showcase our own learning (and/or our students’ research) from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on that date. Last year's event was a great success (see photo below)and we’re excited to continue building on that momentum this year.

Also, it’s not too soon to plan for Commencement, which will be at an earlier time this year! Save 3:30 p.m. on May 29, a Friday – finally!

Three people stand in a bright campus lobby discussing a research poster displayed on an easel, with seating areas and large windows in the background.

We are concluding several searches over the next couple of weeks, including hiring new faculty in Engineering, Communications, Political Science and Ethnic Studies (Chicano Studies). Thanks to all the faculty, deans and Kezia Baten-Sangkay for the hard work moving candidates from application to final interviews – it will be exciting to add new members to the GWC community.

President’s Cabinet (the participatory governance group, not Exec Team 😊) finalized its prioritization of classified professional requests with the following result:

Table listing job positions with columns for Position, Department, Salary Grade, and Wing. Positions include Student Services Specialist (Dual Enrollment, EE-115, Administrative); Grounds and Landscape Specialist Senior (Maintenance & Operations, EE-114, Administrative); Public Safety Officer (Public Safety, EE-113, Administrative); Counseling Assistant, Transfer Center (Counseling, EE-113, Student Services); Admissions & Records Specialist (Admissions & Records, EE-114, Student Services); and Digital Outreach Specialist (Marketing & Outreach, EE-118, Administrative).

To be honest, it takes us awhile every year, so with the full Program Review coming up in fall, we are going to see how we can move faster next year. Next steps will be examining budget to see if we can support any of the top requests.

I was sorry to miss several events and discussions last week (including Drag Bingo), so will be happy to be on campus all week.

If you’re around, don’t miss We Got the Beat: An ’80s Dance Party! on March 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the Mainstage Theater, featuring the GWC Chamber Singers along with voice and guitar students under the direction of Dr. Dawn Brooks. It’s a fun throwback to the MTV era ... and admission is free!

Black poster promoting “We Got the Beat! ’80s Dance Party” vocal music concert on March 25 at 7:30 p.m. at Golden West College Mainstage Theater. The design features bold white text, colorful retro stripes, and a cassette tape labeled “Dance Mix,” with free admission noted.

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.