5 Things to Know Weekly Update
Dear Colleagues:
Today is the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month, and we are celebrating for the next few weeks with a variety of events, including a Cafecito con Consejeros event on Sept. 24 (or: Coffee with Counselors) and a guest talk on Sept. 29 by Alex "Panda" Armendariz, the director of tribal relations at Cal State San Bernardino. And, of course, mark your calendars for GWC's annual Dia de los Muertos event on Oct. 28, coordinated by Raíces and Puente. See the flyer below or visit the Hispanic Heritage Month website for details about all Hispanic Heritage Month events, and I hope to see you at some of them.
We’re already in week 4 of the semester, which is hard to believe. I hope things are going smoothly for your students and in your departments as we settle into the academic year.
Meridith
The current art gallery show “Obsesiones/Obsessions” highlights Hispanic artists and their experience in some amazing media – don’t miss the ceramics from a former GWC student and the paper/acrylic art.
The Coast District continues to provide Freedom of Expression workshops for all employees, to ensure that we are well-prepared to understand what is allowable and how to respond to free speech issues on campus. The trainings will be led by CCCD’s General Counsel, Dr. Jack Lipton and all employees are encouraged to participate, as these issues are becoming increasingly common.
The first session, designed for faculty, will take place this Friday, Sept. 19 from 9-11 a.m. in the College Center, Ballroom A at OCC. A second session for Classified professionals will be held next Friday, Sept. 26, also from 9-11 a.m., in OCC's College Center, Ballrooms A and B.
Seats are limited, so please register through Cornerstone. Additional dates will be shared as they become available.
Last week, we once again had a presentation on our model dual enrollment program at a state conference. Harry Anderson presented with our Los Amigos partners, including students, about the Early College Program. Thanks to everyone going to conferences and spreading the word about our superior service to students!
The English Department also held a timely symposium last Friday about AI in the classroom which included feedback from students. It’s a complicated issue – AI is not going away and is very accessible – and my own takeaway is that perhaps we need to see if we can separate using AI for form/organization/brainstorming from using it for critical thinking/finished products. Anyway, the conversation will continue. Thanks to Keisha Cosand, Renah Wolzinger and all the participants.
Last but not least: as we move toward our accreditation visit in February 2026, our visiting team will have an open forum on Zoom on Oct. 10 from 11 a.m. until Noon. Here's the link: https://cccd-edu.zoom.us/j/87621503021
Note that myself and the VPs will NOT participate so that everyone can feel comfortable communicating whatever they like, positive or negative. The forum is optional and scheduled at a time that we hope is convenient to most of you.