October 2024

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

portrait of coastline college president dr. vince rodriguez

Dear Coastline College Team Members,


As we turn the page to November, I want to take a moment to reflect on the efforts and achievements of our college community over the past month. October has been a time of vibrant activity and meaningful progress, and I am happy to share some highlights with you.


First, I want to acknowledge the upcoming election. Regardless of the outcome, we remain one college in the joint pursuit of shaping minds and enriching our communities. 


Around the college, we have witnessed remarkable work and dedication. Our faculty and staff have continued to innovate and inspire, creating an enriching environment for our students. 

October also brought with it the joy of harvest celebrations. Our campus was alive with festive activities, from scavenger hunts to costume contests, bringing together students and employees in a spirit of camaraderie and celebration. These events not only highlight the creativity and enthusiasm of our college but also strengthen the bonds that make our college a special place. 


I am also excited to announce several new and exciting interviews and hires. We will be welcoming a number of talented individuals to our team, each bringing unique skills and perspectives that will undoubtedly enrich our academic and administrative endeavors. Their contributions will be instrumental as we continue to strive for excellence in all that we do. 


As we move forward into November, let us carry the momentum of October’s successes with us. Together, we will continue to build a vibrant and inclusive community. 


Sincerely,

Vince Rodriguez, Ed.D.

President, Coastline College

ANNOUNCING PACE+! COASTLINE'S DIRECT ASSESSMENT COMPETENCY-BASED EDUCATION PROGRAM


The Coastline CBE Team is excited to share some new developments as we aggressively pursue the implementation of our Direct Assessment CBE program that will launch in 2025. 


Coastline’s new Direct Assessment CBE Program will be called Pace+. This program name represents the fact that the program is based on student-directed pacing, a revolutionary concept that puts students at the center of their journey. Students will be able to continue their work across terms, take pauses when life gets in the way, and accelerate their journey when they are more familiar with content. Instead of having specific due dates for each course, students will work at their own pace, supported by faculty and staff as they progress toward completion. 


Another exciting development is that ACCJC has been approved for their Expansion of Scope to include Direct Assessment programs. This means that Coastline’s ACCJC approval is now valid in the eyes of the Department of Education. Coupled with Coastline’s recent approval from the Department of Education’s Direct Assessment Committee, Coastline is well on our way to full approval to offer financial aid for the Pace+ program. 


Lastly, this month Coastline will be presenting at the Competency Based Education Network’s CBExchange conference on November 12th in Colorado. The presentation will be an overview of our Direct Assessment CBE implementation efforts thus far as we continue to lead the state and the country in this important effort. 

COASTLINE ASG OFFICERS ATTEND STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE


Associated Student Government student leaders attended the 2024 Student Leadership Conference hosted by the California Community College Student Affairs Association from October 11-13, 2024.


The event was held at the historic Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, with the theme "Leaders Taking Stage: Centering on Authentic Leadership." Students had the opportunity to participate in various sessions focused on networking basics, the power of storytelling in advocacy, and best practices for driving change.


The ASG attendees expressed deep gratitude for the chance to participate and are eager to share the knowledge gained with their fellow officers. Those in attendance included ASG President Amelia Le, ASG Military Senator Chad Lloyd, ASG Campus Clubs Senator Hasanah Chhom, and ASG Legislative Affairs Senator Patricia Rodriguez.

EXPLORING CAREER PATHWAYS AT SBCC'S ANNUAL CONFERENCE


On Saturday, October 19th, Coastline Community College participated in Strength-Based Community Change’s (SBCC) 3rd Annual Conference, where we proudly showcased our college and services to attendees. Our team, including Dr. Justin White, Katherine Amoukhteh, Michelle Edison, Marlene Ayala, and Natalya Howe, delivered a compelling joint presentation on pathways in Career Education and Adult Education.


The conference drew approximately 500 community members from Los Angeles County, who engaged in enriching workshops covering topics such as safer communities, job resources, the fatherhood initiative, youth initiatives, and thriving families. This event provided a wonderful opportunity for community members to explore career options and discover valuable resources, and garnered a significant interest in Coastline for their educational journeys!

REPRESENTING COASTLINE AT GGUSD, MNUSD, AND HBUSD COLLEGE FAIRS


Representatives from Career Education, Adult Education, and the MESA Program recently attended college and career fairs for Garden Grove, Newport-Mesa, and Huntington Beach Unified School Districts.


All three college and career fairs were a tremendous success, attracting around 800 students and parents at each fair where they were eager to explore their future paths. Our dedicated team showcased the advantages of a community college education, highlighting various programs and opportunities that equip students with the skills they need for today’s job market. Attendees engaged with our table, learning about career pathways, various clubs and programs, and student services offered at our college. The positive feedback from the community highlights the importance of preparing students for successful career journeys.

COASTLINE'S TOM BOSCAMP HONORED AT NATIONAL NAVPA CONFERENCE


At the recent National Association of Veterans Program Administrators (NAVPA) conference in Kansas City, Tom Boscamp, the Coordinator of Coastline College's Veteran Services Center, received two prestigious honors. He was elected to NAVPA's Board of Directors, a position that will enable him to influence the leadership and direction of veterans' programs across the country. This election underscores the trust and respect he has earned from his peers in the veterans' affairs community.

 

Additionally, Boscamp was awarded the esteemed NAVPA Service Award, which recognizes individuals who show exceptional commitment to serving veterans through educational and resource initiatives. His accomplishments reflect the dedication and excellence of Coastline College's Veteran Resource Center, highlighting its commitment to enhancing the lives of veterans.

RESOURCES FOR MANAGING ELECTION-RELATED STRESS & ANXIETY


As we approach election season, we recognize the unique challenges it can bring for students. Heightened media exposure, social tension, and intense discussions may increase stress and anxiety, underscoring the importance of prioritizing mental well-being. Maintaining a balanced perspective helps reduce burnout, fosters healthy connections, and builds resilience amidst potential divisiveness.


To support you in assisting students with these challenges, we’ve compiled several resources offering practical strategies for managing stress, staying informed without becoming overwhelmed, and cultivating a supportive environment. Please feel free to share these tools with students as part of your mental health outreach efforts.


Election Stress Resources


 

 

 

 

 

Thank you for your dedication to supporting our students' well-being, especially during such impactful times.

dolphin graphic with text "traveling dolphin recipient of the month"

CONGRATULATIONS TO VANESSA AYALA, TRAVELING DOLPHIN WINNER FOR OCTOBER!


Classified Senate is pleased to announce that Vanessa Ayala has been awarded the Traveling Dolphin Award for October 2024. Yesenia was nominated by prior recipient Yesenia Gonzalez, who shared the following:

I would like to take a moment to recognize and congratulate Vanessa Ayala, Student Equity Program Assistant, for her incredible support to students who are facing basic needs such as mental health, housing instability, and food insecurity. Vanessa, your compassion and dedication are truly inspiring and the positive impact you've made on these students' lives is evident. I’m grateful to work with someone who puts so much heart into everything they do. Thank you for all the effort, care, and time you invest in making sure these students have the support they need to succeed. It’s my pleasure to pass the Traveling Dolphin Award to you!

Yesenia Gonzalez, October 2024


Please join us in congratulating Vanessa!

A PUBLICATION CELEBRATION


Congratulations are in order to not one, but two Dolphin wordsmiths celebrating publication! Congratulations to Beth Syverson, COAST Music Instructor, and Josiah Golojuh, English Instructor, on their recent accomplishments!

BETH SYVERSON, COAST PROGRAM MUSIC INSTRUCTOR


Congratulations Beth Syverson, Instructor for the COAST Music Certificate Program, for her significant contributions as an advocate and educator in the areas of adoption and mental health. Beth recently co-authored a book with her son titled Adoption and Suicidality, which delves into the complex intersections of adoption experiences and mental health challenges. In recognition of her expertise, she was also featured on National Public Radio (NPR) to share insights on this critical topic, providing a valuable platform for increasing awareness. In addition, Beth hosts a podcast titled Unraveling Adoption, where she addresses a range of issues related to adoption and mental health. Her dedication to these areas has created invaluable resources for those seeking to deepen their understanding or support others.

JOSIAH GOLOJUH, ENGLISH INSTRUCTOR


We are excited to spotlight Coastline College faculty member Josiah Golojuh, Professor of English, on the release of his debut novel, The Paper Boy. Josiah holds a Master’s Degree in Screenwriting from USC and is a proud member of the Producers Guild. His short film The Illuminator has been showcased in Los Angeles and Pittsburgh. Additionally, Josiah co-founded and programmed the Graphation Film Festival, hosting events in Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, and Seattle, which garnered media attention from CNN and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. His novel, The Paper Boy is a gripping tale of friendship, loss, and the dark secrets that lurk beneath the surface. Daniel’s paper route is his refuge from the harsh realities of growing up. Navigating a neighborhood filled with unique and often troubling characters, he seeks solace in comic books, action figures, and most of all, his imagination.

UPCOMING EVENT:

THE JOY OF BEING YOUR STRANGE SELF - A CONVERSATION WITH LISA MACAFEE


Join us for an inspiring workshop featuring Lisa Macafee, an academic counselor, doctoral student, and researcher who identifies as autistic, non-binary, and autigender with multiple disabilities. Lisa will share their personal journey of how embracing labels has been empowering, helping them understand that they are not broken, just different. Through their story, Lisa will highlight the importance of self-kindness and acceptance, and the transformative power of therapy in confronting internalized ableism, transphobia, and homophobia. In this space, you are invited to embrace your full self, find your voice, and connect in community with other Coastline students! After the workshop, join Student Mental Health Services for follow-up group meetings to continue the conversation.


EVENT DETAILS:

Friday, November 8th

2:00pm - 3:30pm (PDT)

Online via Zoom - Register to Attend


Questions? Contact Alison Carlock at acarlock@coastline.edu.

Coastline College | 11460 Warner Avenue, Fountain Valley, CA 92708 | (714) 546-7600 | coastline.edu