5 Things to Know Weekly Update

October 20, 2025

photograph of meridith randall leaning against a railing and wearing eyeglasses

Dear Colleagues:

Last week was an eventful one – literally, with many events, which I’ll mention below. We also received some news from our accreditation team, which was largely positive: our planning, budgeting, student support, library services, governance, facilities, human resources, and many other areas are humming along well. However, we have some work to do on making sure that our online classes (which are still about 50% of our offerings) have regular, substantive interaction (RSI) integrated into them. My perception is that many do, many are ALMOST there, and in some cases, faculty may still be unsure about what is required. Today I’ll be following up with our accreditation team to learn more about their expectations when they visit in February 2026 and we will also put together a plan to address the concern. We have made so many improvements together over the last few years – I am confident we will tackle this issue successfully too!

Meridith

Speaking of tackle: we once again brought home the bell by defeating the OCC Pirates on their home turf, with a final score of 69-6. Our women’s soccer team, men’s water polo team and women’s water polo team are also having outstanding seasons. Thanks to the small but mighty crew who turned out for the football game to cheer the team on!

Four people sit together on metal bleachers at an outdoor stadium on a sunny day. Three adults and one young boy smile at the camera. The person second from the left wears a green Golden West College shirt, while the person next to him wears a white shirt and black hat. The boy on the far right wears a blue cap and holds a blue water bottle.

We also had a team of folks turn up for the Year of the Rose Gala in Fountain Valley, honoring Mayor Ted Bui’s year in office. As the Foundation works to raise our image in the community, we will have several more of these events, which generally involve sponsoring a table, so keep an eye out for opportunities to participate. And yes, Damien Jordan gets the award for attending both events on Saturday. 😊

Four people sit together at a round banquet table elegantly set with wine glasses, plates, and yellow rose centerpieces. A sign on the table reads “Golden West College.” The group is dressed in formal attire, smiling at the camera in a warmly lit event space with other guests and auction items visible in the background.

Many of you made the College Night last Wednesday a huge success, with more than 800 high school students and parents attending. I realize it is a lot to ask for you to stay after working hours to take part and it was wonderful to see so many tables set up for our own programs. And we were able to show off Primrose Park at night as well!

Two Golden West College Automotive Technology instructors speak with students at an outdoor information table covered in green GWC tablecloths. The instructors share flyers and display automotive parts and tools on the table, while additional staff engage with visitors nearby. The scene takes place outside a campus building on a sunny day.

Coming up this week and next: ASGWC is having a movie night at the Amphitheatre on Wednesday, Oct. 22 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. – come and bring your kids (and don't forget blankets and/or chairs)! It was a lot of fun last year. In keeping with the Halloween spirit, stop by the Library to see an exclusive Hocus Pocus Autograph Collection featuring original 1993 cast signatures, plus a special bonus autograph from The Nightmare Before Christmas. The display will be up through Nov. 3.

Next week, Puente and Raíces will host our annual Día de los Muertos celebration on Oct. 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Student Union. It’s always a beautiful and meaningful event, so try to stop by if you can.

For more details on these and other upcoming activities (including more Golden Pride events and Psych Day on Nov. 6) be sure to bookmark the Fall Events page and check it often.

Colorful event poster for Golden West College’s Día de los Muertos celebration. The design features bright floral patterns, sugar skulls, and decorative borders in purple, pink, blue, and orange. Text reads: “Celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), Tuesday, October 28, 2025, in the Student Union at 11 a.m. Open to students, faculty, and staff. Free food for the first 100 guests who participate in the event.” Logos for Puente, Golden West College, and Raíces appear at the bottom.

I’d like to end this message by congratulating our latest faculty award winners, Kate Green and Ed Harris, and our classified professional of the month, Nicole Woiemberghe.

My week has me in New Orleans from Wednesday on at the Association of Community College Trustees, doing a presentation on nursing pathways with Trustee Parker and Lauren Sosenko.

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.