Your monthly update for October 2022 | |
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Dear Pirate Crew,
Together, we have sailed halfway through the semester with roughly 40 instructional days remaining. Before you know it, holidays and final exams will be upon us. In my message this month, I have included a few inspirational quotes to accompany a few VC events.
Undocumented Student Action Week is Oct. 17-21 and being celebrated at Ventura College to raise awareness of undocumented students’ challenges and need for support to achieve their academic dreams and goals. Many virtual and in-person events are scheduled during the week at all three colleges and the District Office. In particular, I hope you will be able to join us for the Grand Opening of the VC Dreamers Resource Center on Wednesday, October 19 from 5:30-7:30 pm.
“Who we become in life and where we are is not just the result of hard work and determination, but also the generosity of many people.” -Sonic VP, Claudia San Pedro
VC Halloween Decorating Contest is back! On October 31, wear your costume and check out the various departments on campus who have spooked up their space!
“Don’t take life too seriously! Nobody gets out alive anyway. Smile. Be goofy. Take chances. Have fun. Inspire.” -Dawn Gluskin
Did you know we have a “Fun Group” on campus? Ned Mircetic, Mike Pallotto, Phil Briggs, Chez Harper, Jessie Llamas, Olivia Long, and Angelica Gonzales are working to bring more fun and camaraderie to VC. To this end, the “Fun Group” is planning a “Thankful” lunch and games to be held before Thanksgiving break. Be on the lookout for more information to follow!
“At the end of the day, if I can say I had fun, it was a good day.” -Simone Biles
It is such a joy to see more people, especially students, on campus, talking, and laughing. I am thankful and feel very blessed to work at Ventura College and be part of the Pirate Family of Fun!!!
Best wishes,
Kim
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Koffee with Kim
- Thursday, November 10 at 3 p.m.
- Wednesday, January 25 at 9 a.m.
- Tuesday, March 21 at 3 p.m.
- Thursday, April 20 at 9 a.m.
Captain’s Chat
- Wednesday, February 8 at 2 p.m.
- Thursday, April 6 at 2 p.m.
Open Executive Team Meeting
- Monday, November 21 at 2:30 p.m.
- Monday, March 13 at 2:30 p.m.
Celebration of Successes
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S:AIL in STEM HSI Grant Inaugural HSI Summit - Part II – October 21
- Holiday Gathering – Thursday, December 8 at 11:30 a.m.
- End of Year Celebration & Retiree Recognition – Thursday, May 4 at 11:30 a.m.
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Highlighting the amazing Administration, Faculty, Classified Professionals, and Students that make up our pirate family. This month's highlights include: Julissa and Jasmine Perez (Students), Sandra Chavez (Evening & Weekend Activities Attendant at VCEC), Jenna Garcia (English Professor), and Amanda Picard (Child Development Center Supervisor) | |
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Julissa and Jasmine Perez
VC Associated Student Officers
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Sandra Chavez
Evening & Weekend Activities Attendant at VCEC
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Jenna Garcia
English Professor
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Amanda Picard
Child Development Center Supervisor
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VC Campus Retreat
Our Campus Retreats allow the entire campus community to come together and learn the exciting activities and events in store for us, celebrate campus successes, and connect with peers. Our October retreat was well attended and the presentations were well received. Please visit our website for links to the presentations.
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First Year Experience
So far, the majority of students have met with our FYE counselor or another academic advisor to complete their educational plan. We have several workshops coming up including an organization workshop, a major exploration workshop, and the VC Foundation will also be presenting a workshop at the FYE center for their scholarship application that opened this month.
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Guest Artist Visits Ventura College
On October 5 and 6, professional ceramic artist Andrew Clark visited Ventura College. He did student workshops both days and a lecture that was open to the public.
Andrew is a ceramic artist and teacher who has been working with clay since 2008. He makes functional pottery out of his studio located in Jackson, Tennessee. He also manages Companion Gallery and teaches community art classes at East Mitchell Clay. To find out more about Andrew and his work, visit his website. Thanks to Jenchi Wu for arranging this amazing opportunity for our students.
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HSI Summit Part 2
Ventura College will host the Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Summit Part 2. Building upon the outcomes of the Inaugural Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Summit Part 2 will continue to build upon the strategies, best practices, and asset-based approaches to the development of our capacity to serve historically marginalized students. Part 2 will leverage the participant’s agency to develop, and enact, an HSI action plan to move VC towards identifying how faculty, staff, and students will work together to intentionally and authentically serve our students, support their ability to thrive and evolve our HSI Identity. This event will take place at the ASC on Friday, October 21, 2022.
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Outreach is Off and Running!
Outreach has been off to a running start with Higher Education week in October, and other outreach events. In one week we went from Santa Barbara to Fillmore (and everywhere in between!), providing information about Ventura College, ranging from our Career Education Programs, Financial Aid opportunities and the many services that our campus provides. We also had the opportunity to visit one of our local middle schools, building that college going culture. In addition, the Outreach Team has been supporting the Financial Aid Department - attending events, tabling and providing information. The future is busy for us as we have many more scheduled events to come. Follow us on social media and see how we are connecting with the community! @vcoutreach
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MESA Serving over 160 Students!
The VC MESA program is serving about 160 students this semester, providing services including a study center, tutoring, academic excellence workshops, counseling, transfer preparation, and connection to industry and STEM careers.
Last month two speaker series were hosted for students. One focused on internship opportunities through the Ventura County Naval Base and the second provided insight into the life of an engineer working in the public and private sectors. Our Annual Celebrating Women in STEM was held October 11.
We are proud to report that eight students who have been active members of MESA for over a year have been selected to attend the National SACNAS. Congratulations to our MESA Alumni for receiving the SHPE STAR award this year, Justin Arbaiza we are so proud of you!
Thanks to our industry partners for your continued support, Dr. Ramon Flores, Mark Campbell, Silvia Faulstich, Diego Ruvalcaba, Jose Jimenez, and Xavier Ramirez.
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43 Law Academy Recruits Graduate!
The Ventura College Basic Law Enforcement Academy is proud to announce that 43 recruits graduated on September 30th. The academy is a partnership with the Ventura County Criminal Justice Training Center. This class had one of the highest retention rates in many years and all recruits are now employed. We congratulate the students on their success.
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Help plan Ventura’s future!
The City of Ventura is updating its General Plan, a document that defines the future of Ventura. Your input at this critical part of the process helps address future land use, affordable housing, economic development, climate change, public services, and community character.
Please take the survey by October 24, 2022, to provide detailed feedback and your vision on Ventura’s future. Learn more and share your input at www.PlanVentura.com.
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Our Ventura College leaders and outreach team visited Oxnard Union High School District in September to meet with principals and district leaders to share information about Ventura College. So many good things are available for our students including Cash 4 College, dual enrollment courses, zero-text book cost classes, free education with our Promise program, and events such as Pirate Days in Spring 2023!
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From left to right are: Kim Hoffmans, Vanessa Stotler, Toria Vasquez, Alma Rodriguez, Alejandra Ildefonso, Jesus Vega, Damien Peña and Victoria Nielsen. | |
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Cash 4 College a Huge Success!
Our Financial Aid department hosted a successful Cash for College last Saturday. Over 250 people attended and there was a line out the door before the event started. Not only did students receive help with financial aid, but they also learned about all our Student Services. Join the next Cash for College event at Ventura College East Campus on October 22. Everyone who helps will receive a free t-shirt to wear at the event. Show your #VCPiratePride and help us put our students first!
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Vet Net Ally
Ventura College Faculty and Staff are invited to attend the VET NET Ally program on Friday, October 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. via Zoom, or in person at Shasta College. The VET NET Ally program was developed at CSU, Long Beach to educate members of the college community, foster a supportive campus atmosphere, and establish a network of visible allies for veterans. Community professionals are welcome to attend to learn more about student Veterans.
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A Pirate Treasure is a way to recognize colleagues and say thank you for outstanding support to our college community. | |
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