5 Things to Know Weekly Update

January 26, 2026

photograph of gwc president meridith randall. Meridith is leaning against a railing with her hands crossed in front of her. She's wearing a dark sweater and top and glasses, and is standing in front of large windows.

Dear Colleagues:

One more week until the start of Spring 2026, and in many ways, everything is going well at the College – enrollment is increasing, plans for spring events are moving along, and new employees are settling in. However, as much as I want to protect the College and create an oasis for staff and students, I recognize that we all live in a world outside the College, too. Our students will be coming to us on February 2 with an awareness (or experience) of continuing immigration enforcement efforts and heartbreaking shootings in Minnesota and elsewhere. Let’s continue our efforts to support free speech and peaceful disagreement on campus, and provide an example for students to carry forth into their communities. And let’s remain compassionate with each other and our students every day.

Meridith

On a happier note, the federal government recently dropped its lawsuit to enforce the Dear Colleague letter from February 14, 2025. You may recall that letter warned colleges to stop discriminating against some groups of students under the guise of DEI efforts (among other things). Like many colleges, we did not remove equity language from our mission or website, but did ensure that events geared toward certain student groups were “open to all” – as they always have been. It is a relief to have the letter essentially nullified, although other challenges remain.

Interior photo of a Golden West College space featuring a large yellow wall with the heading “Our Mission” and the college’s mission statement printed in black text. The statement describes culturally affirming education, academic excellence, student services, community partnerships, and advancing an inclusive and equitable society. Built-in blue and wood seating is positioned in front of the wall, with a student seated on the bench. The space appears bright and modern, designed for gathering and reflection.

Student Life and other departments are planning a full week of welcome events starting on February 2 – please come out to support the students if you can! And the Multicultural Center will have its grand opening on February 3, too.

Illustrated flyer for Golden West College Spring 26 Welcome Week. Cream background with playful spring graphics, flowers, butterflies, and food icons. Header reads “Spring 26 Welcome Week – Golden West College.” Event listings include: February 2, “Taco ’Bout Welcome Back,” 11 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Quad; February 3, “Sub-Social with ASGWC,” 11 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Quad; and February 5, “Juice & Jams with President Randall,” 12–1:30 p.m. at the Quad. Footer text reads, “All students are welcome! While supplies last.”

Graphic announcing the Golden West College Multicultural Center Grand Opening. Text reads “Multicultural Center Grand Opening” with a ribbon-cutting scissors illustration and a red ribbon across the design. Event details include Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 3 p.m., located on the lawn in front of the Multicultural Center. Additional text states, “All are welcome! Refreshments will be provided.” Background features soft blue tones, sparkles, and geometric accents.

We are gathering information about who – faculty, manager, classified professional or other – is interested in working at a table at the Tet Festival on February 13, 14 or 15. Once we have those names by Wednesday, we will check in with supervisors and make assignments. There will also be an orientation meeting. It should be a fun and unique campus experience, and an opportunity to show off the College!

You can sign up HERE

The moving of offices in order to prepare for the demolition of several buildings has begun. Online Education has relocated to the first floor of the LASS building, Research/Dual Enrollment occupies the suite of offices where The Stand used to be, and Adult Education has begun the move to the Communications building. Still hoping we get state approval for the demolition soon so that it will be completed by next spring.

I will be on campus from Monday to Wednesday around noon (don’t want to miss the opening of a US Bank branch that will include the presentation of a $5000 check to the Foundation). Then I’ll be in Davis for my final new president training – after which I guess I’m a real president? 😊 Let me know if you need anything from me or Diana to be ready for next week.

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.