August 15, 2022

It was good to see everyone on Friday after two years of remote convocations. Gathering for breakfast, lunch, and ice cream made coming back that much easier. I hope you enjoyed visiting with colleagues and attending the professional development workshops and school/division/department meetings.

This semester, we welcome eleven new full time faculty, three managers, and eighteen classified staff. Their photos and where they work are included in this newsletter. As you see our new colleagues around campus, please introduce yourself and welcome them to SCC. 

When you arrive on campus, I hope you notice the beautiful grounds and buildings, the results of our Fairfield campus improvement plan. Our buildings have been painted, we added accent colors on the corners and entry ways, and attached building numbers that are visible. After 50 years, we needed to “freshen up” our look!

Our enrollment has increased over this same time last year. As of August 12, our student headcount was 8,436 compared to 8,240 during the same time last fall. How did we increase our headcount? 

• Outreach staff generated more than 1,000 applications from their work with high school graduates.
• Staff in Financial Aid and Admissions and Records responded to more than 73,000 phone calls and emails.
• Counseling provided 1,700 appointments, 360 drop-in sessions, and registered 283 students for workshops.
• Faculty engaged students in meaningful discussions encouraging them to complete courses and make progress towards a degree or certificate.  

During the past two years, we recognized the importance of community and how much we missed gathering with colleagues. While working remotely has its benefits, coming back to campus, in some capacity, is essential to who we are. Creating a sense of place for students is a significant part of our work and while we have effectively taught and provided services remotely, it is far more difficult to create a sense of place without being here. Much of our work this year will focus on three areas that affect students and their sense of belonging:

1. Retention: Encourage students to stay in class by reaching out frequently. Students need to know they are not alone and faculty and staff are available to help them sort through life’s challenges. Let’s engage students in conversation, identify resources, and help them with options.
2. Course Success: Increase success rates, across all disciplines and student groups, using data to inform strategies, decisions, and pedagogies. Our research office is gathering data to identify successful course-taking patterns for first time students. We will examine that data and use it to inform how we promote enrollment for first time students in the future. 
3. Improve the Student Experience: Focus on making Solano College a place of unconditional belonging for employees and students. We are responsible for establishing a sense of place. How we acknowledge and greet one another and how we speak about our colleagues sets the tone for students. We inform the student experience by valuing each other. Let’s remain positive and practice kindness and compassion towards each other and our students.

At the end of my comments on Friday, we shared a news story about a recent graduate, Janon Thomas. What we didn’t share were the staff who initiated Janon’s application for her degree. Many thanks to Kristin Conner and Carolyn Moore for recognizing Janon and bringing joy to her family. You both exemplify what it means to create a sense of place for our students.  

Wishing everyone a semester full of opportunities to reconnect and celebrate all that we do.

Celia

P.S. Missed Friday’s Convocation? Enjoyed it so much, you’d like to watch it again? Watch the livestream at: https://welcome.solano.edu/convocation-2022/

The following guidelines set out expectations, recommendations and requirements for faculty, staff and students returning to on campus classes and activities Fall 2022.

We ask that you please read these guidelines carefully and adhere to required protocols for the safety of the campus community.

PLEASE NOTE: Everyone coming to campus should assess the current County risk and WEAR FACE COVERINGS when appropriate, especially indoor spaces with limited air circulation. Although PCR testing on campus is no longer available, the COVID caseworker can assist any staff or students with their testing needs. Solano County has implemented FREE local test and COVID treatment locations. Antigen (home) tests are available upon request to staff/students who are required to test due to COVID exposures, symptoms or positive cases.

All campus activities are recommended to observe social distancing wherever appropriate, especially indoor spaces with limited air circulation. Face coverings are recommended when distancing is not possible. Rooms that have exterior doors, that can be opened for ventilation purposes, are preferred and should be utilized when available. 

As recommended by the Solano County Public Health, due to the COVID positivity rate, all employees and students returning to campus have the option to wear face coverings at all times while on any of the college campuses or sites. Masks are recommended when the County risk warrants the use of face coverings. These County COVID levels are tracked daily, and notifications will occur if necessary.

Classrooms will continue to be cleaned and sanitized each evening. Cleaning/Sanitization products are available by request through Solano College facilities/custodial services. Each room will have Personal Protective Equipment such as masks and sanitization products.

Students will be asked to monitor their health and refrain from visiting campus while experiencing COVID symptoms. Students that are asked to isolate due to exposures, and symptoms, will be guided through the process. Students should contact covidcaseworker@solano.edu (and cc on-campus professors) when they experience symptoms or test positive. The caseworker will advise what the protocols will be prior to return to campus. Our goal is to support every student individually to succeed and remain healthy.

A box of the following PPE materials will be delivered to classrooms that are scheduled for in person use:

·      Face masks

·      Hand sanitizer

·      Hospital Grade Disinfectant

·      Paper Towels

We recommend any student or staff member who has been exposed, or tested POSITIVE for COVID 19, reach out to your medical provider. There are currently treatments/medications for the treatment of COVID 19. Vaccination is the most efficient way to prevent COVID 19, including Booster vaccinations when advised by your health care provider. 

Faculty should clarify to students (in person, and via Canvas) that anyone who feels unwell should not leave their house or come to campus under any circumstance. Any person who is unwell should self‐ isolate, monitor symptoms and consult their health care provider. If a student or faculty member becomes unwell while on campus, they should leave immediately, self‐isolate and monitor symptoms. If a student discloses that they have been in contact with someone with COVID‐19 they should monitor symptoms, consult their health care provider, contact COVID caseworker and self‐isolate if required. Any faculty member who has been in contact with someone with COVID‐19 should monitor symptoms, consult their health‐care provider, contact COVID caseworker, and self‐isolate if necessary. When traveling to conferences and continuing education events, be aware of the COVID risk in the County where you are traveling, and face coverings are recommended for travel and indoor locations that do not allow for proper distancing or proper ventilation.

Staff Members may contact their supervisor/manager for the COVID leave/absence report. Completed documents should be sent to tracy.drake@solano.edu.

If a student discloses that they have tested positive for COVID‐19 they must not come to campus. The student should inform the faculty member, and COVID Caseworker Team immediately via email so proper protocols can be implemented. The COVID Director, Alison Aubert is the central point of communication for disseminating information as needed about positive COVID‐19 cases and determining when or if on campus activity should be altered d as a result. For any other questions, please contact Alison Aubert (707) 864-7166 or Alison.aubert@solano.edu.

A recent Daily Republic article spotlighted the SCC Department of Public Safety internship program.

The Solano Community College Department of Public Safety is starting a Community Service Officer (CSO) student internship program for the fall semester. As law enforcement agencies continue to struggle to recruit officers and strengthen community trust, the college public safety department feels one of the ways to help address both of these issues is to invite students to be a part of the agency through the internship program. Students will earn college units towards their degree while making new friends who share the same commitment of caring for the safety of others and their community.

“This program is a great tool in giving students an important insight into law enforcement. Students who participate as interns can relate their experiences with other students, friends and family members thus could help enhance and strengthen community relations. Ride-alongs with officers can show students the challenging job officers have and learn about other aspects of the job that the public seldom sees,” said Chief Brian Travis. “Being in law enforcement today is not what it used to be so we want to make sure those who are interested know that it’s still a great and noble profession and that you still make a huge difference,” Chief Brian Travis continued.

To become an intern for Solano College Department of Public Safety, students must be at least 18-years-old, enrolled in Criminal Justice 001 or have completed the course and maintain a 2.50 GPA or higher overall. Interns must pass a background check and serve a minimum of 4 hours a week during the course of the semester to earn 1 college unit towards their criminal justice degree.

For more information about this program please contact Solano College Department of Public Safety at 707-864-7131.

Solano Community College Department of Public Safety will begin parking enforcement in faculty and staff lots on August 29th. Designated disabled parking spaces are available at all campuses and a disabled placard or plates AND a SCC parking permit are required when parking in these spaces.

This fall we are providing FREE parking for students and guests who park in the student lots. No daily or semester permits will be required. All vehicular codes will continue to be enforced including parking in stalls designated for disabled, red and yellow zones, and speed limits. 

Faculty and Staff will log onto MySolano and complete the parking permit request form beginning August 15. A permit will be sent directly to your address. You can print a temporary permit to use until you receive a permanent one. The permanent faculty and staff permits will be good through September of 2024. 

For questions call SCC DPS at 707-864-7131 or On-Duty Officer at 707-580-6526.

Congratulations to Commodore “Comm” St. Germain, Erin Farmer, and LaNae Jaimez who were selected by their peers as Distinguished Faculty. Comm and Erin presented at Fall Convocation and LaNae will present in the Spring. To see the distinguished faculty presentations, watch the Convocation livestream at: https://welcome.solano.edu/convocation-2022/

Distinguished faculty member, Dr. Commodore St. Germain shared a number of links in his Friday presentation. If you’d like more information on his work with STEM students, click on these links:

STEM Club – www.comstgermain.com/stem-club

aSTEM – www.comstgermain.com/aSTEM

Solano Success – www.comstgermain.com/solano-success

Main page link: www.comstgermain.com

Follett Higher Education has been selected as Solano Community College’s campus bookstore partner, effective July 1^st. With more than 140 years of experience in higher education, Follett’s partnership brings new resources, innovative technology, and enhanced product assortments to Solano Community College. Please check out the new website at www.SolanoBookstore.com, or stop by the store to meet the new store manager, Tymofii Vehera Los. 

Tymofii (pronounced similar to Timothy) previously worked at Cosumnes River College as the Course Materials Manager and attended American River College for his AS in Computer Science. He hails from the Ukraine and speaks Ukrainian, Russian, and English. Tim attended three years of art school and loves art, classical music, and cars. 

The normal store hours will be Monday-Thursday: 9a-4p and Friday: 9a-1p. Feedback is always welcome on any of the new changes. SCC and Follett are excited about this new partnership!

The Solano Community College men’s tennis team recently earned some national recognition, and not for the excellent won-loss total on the court this season but for the behavior of one of its top athletes.

Connor Ard (pictured left), our 2022 Conference Champion for the program and in Men's Doubles, deservedly won the ITA National Arthur Ashe Leadership Award! Read about this prestigious award and watch for updates from his upcoming trip to New York where he will be recognized during the US Open!

50th Anniversary of Title IX- "In Conversation with Pamela Price: The History of Title IX," September 8, 2022, 5:00pm, SCC Theatre, Bldg. 1200

SCC Ed Foundation Tee Off for Education and Scholarships- October 7, 2022, Rancho Solano

Men's Pro Challenger Tennis Tournament- The Tournament returns to SCC October 8-16, 2022

Main Kiosks- We’ve cleaned up our act! Make sure to visit the main kiosk between buildings 300 and 400 to see the new photos and welcome messages. Many thanks to Sandy Lamba, Danny Murillo, Jason Yi, Janie Sinkewiz and Claire Gover for cleaning out the space and posting photos of our students.

Find the Falcon- Remember Find the Falcon? We will bring back this fun event throughout the fall semester. Watch for specifics, coming soon!

Student Services will be provided throughout Fall semester according to the following schedule:

In Person Services: Tues, Weds, Thurs 10am-4pm

Remote Services: Mondays and Fridays (phone, email, and zoom appointments)

Please note that on Monday August 15th we will provide in-person services from 10am - 6pm.

You're invited to our Grand Opening celebration, Wednesday, August 31 at 12:30 pm in Building 1400, Room 1428 on the Fairfield Campus.

It is an understatement to say that the last few years have been a bit more challenging and we believe the Wellness Center at Solano Community College will serve everyone well in a variety of ways. In short, the goal is to provide culturally responsive services, in a safe place, where people can “chill”—yes, relax, play games, draw, share poems, and do so much more! We will offer support groups, co-facilitated by our very own well-trained alumni and student, and host presentations and share strategies that all serve to help us be well. And, build community! 

A little more about our awesome Wellness Center Leads... they both are trained in Human Services which means they are equipped with specific knowledge and skills to create alliances and facilitate change, run groups, and case manage a diverse population. These students learned in a supportive, practice-oriented environment and are eager to serve at the Wellness Center. 

Abigail “Abby” Bayquen is a proud first generation Filipino-American, US military child that grew up in Japan. She is a Solano College 2021 Human Services Graduate and soon will earn her AA-T in Criminal Justice as well. She serves as a Student Representative for the National Organization of Human Services Board of Directors, enjoys volunteering her time, and sleeping. She also enjoys singing (badly); and shopping, which is why she must work at Solano College’s Wellness Center! 

Mikeyan Murray’s pronouns are she/her and is getting ready to graduate in the Fall of 2022 with her Human Services Associate’s Degree! Her life’s purpose is to go out into the community and be a bright shining light in someone else’s life. Once she discovered her purpose at a young age was to help others, she decided to use that to the best of her ability and continue to work in environments with the youth/young adults as a Youth Mentor in order to be a role model for them and help with not only their academic needs, but also personal needs. An individual’s race, sexuality, abilities, nor any physical feature could stop her from being a support to another individual which is what lead her to work here at the Wellness Center! 

We now have guidelines for assisting emotionally distressed students. Whether is it a student emergency or disruptive campus or classroom behavior, these guidelines will guide you through how best to help them.

We've also gathered a list of mental health and community resources for you to assist students. Those can be found here.

Crisis Hotline - 988: 988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), and is now active across the United States. When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.

Please encourage students to create their account now so when they need the services they will be able to access them instantly. Access is through the link mentioned below on a desktop or mobile device. There is also a link embedded in canvas.

More info and giveaways (to encourage account creation) will be available at the following events:

-Gift Card drawing for accounts created Aug. 15 – Sept. 2 (winners to be notified by Timelycare)

-Welcome Table: Aug. 15 and Aug. 16 (10am – 1pm), in front of 400 Bldg.

-Find the Falcon: Thurs. Oct. 13 (11am -1pm and 1:30 – 3pm) 400 Bldg., Rm. 437

More: if you come into contact with a student who you feel may need mental health services, the TimelyCare staff are available for consultations with faculty and staff on best ways to approach the student and answer any concerns you may have about the student situation and what services would be best. Call 833-4-TIMELY anytime!

The Solano Community College District Measure Q Bond program continues to successfully build for the direct needs of our students today and for the future! After constructing new Bio-technology, Auto-technology, Science, Library Learning Resource Center, Data Center, and complete remodels of the Theater building and Vacaville Annex, the Bond program is pursuing clear and present needs driven upgrades, replacements, and repairs.

The program has also improved everything from ADA barrier removal, pedestrian access and wayfinding, to air-conditioning systems, building exteriors, infrastructure, and technology. You will find a link to the Measure Q Bond Program page at: https://welcome.solano.edu/measure-q-homepage/

There you will find a wealth of information and resources related to past, present, and future Measure Q projects. Be sure to look into the active projects where information is available for all active projects. Also look at our planning documents, especially the most recent Facilities Master Plan where much of our current project outlook comes from. 

One example of our exciting projects is a new 1.5 megawatt solar installation over the north parking lots, which will also add Ten (10) new EV charging stations in the south lot. We are coupling that with a full central plant replacement project which will combine with the solar project to greatly reduce the District’s climate impact and energy costs! We will generate our own power which will feed our new electrified heating and efficient cooling systems, thus lowering our carbon footprint and energy costs in a very sustainable fashion.

Over the summer, SCC resumed bootcamps for 8^th-12^th grade students. We offered Girl’s Welding Camp, Boys and Girls Welding Camp, Auto Tech, Cybersecurity, and Advanced Manufacturing (Robotics). Many thanks to the faculty and staff who provided students innovative instruction, lunch, and a camp t-shirt.

Pictured: Fifteen of 27 students awarded PTK membership at the California Medical Facility August graduation ceremony.

Solano Community College Rising Scholars Program serves justice-involved students currently incarcerated at California Medical Facility, California State Prison-Solano, and Solano County Jail. This program has also partnered with SOAR (Students Overcoming Adversity & Recidivism) to assist in providing college classes to students at Solano County Juvenile Detention Facility.

Over the last year, Solano Community College has experienced exponential growth in the number of justice-involved students inducted into the prestigious Phi Theta Kappa international honor society. 

At Solano Community College, we are very proud of the many incarcerated students who qualified for and were inducted into PTK. Despite the difficulties of acquiring a college education while incarcerated, these students have excelled and demonstrated their commitment to improving their lives, and the lives of others, through education, service, and leadership.

Special thanks go to Solano College Phi Theta Kappa Beta Mu Gamma chapter, PTK advisors, Professor LaNae Jaimez and Professor Michael Wyly, Rising Scholar Faculty and support staff, leadership at SCC, the SOAR program, and the education coordinators at the correctional. These individuals and groups have provided steadfast support for the Rising Scholars Program and our many incarcerated and formerly incarcerated students at Solano Community College.

SCC is working hard to find a food services provider for the Fall semester. Unfortunately, we won’t have one in place by the time classes start on August 15th. We will keep everyone updated when we are ready to re-open the kitchen!

Twelve SCC students went to a French restaurant in Berkeley, and then toured the campus with SCC alumni, Eric Cortes. They all got a chance to practice their French language skills throughout the day.

Graphic Design and Illustration Professor Sarah Wasley-Smith says she is continually inspired by the students she teaches. In 2019 she started to connect with some of her students about participating in a book she was writing. Their responses are what motivates her and inspires her every day. 

Her book "Our Stories" is a graphic novel that features 26 students and how they found their place in the arts. Sarah will exhibit and launch her book  on August 19th at the Herger Gallery on the main campus from 6 to 8:30 pm.

SCC student Janon Thomas passed away shortly before graduating last spring. She had earned enough credits for a liberal arts degree and this summer her mother received Janon's diploma. KPIX-TV spoke with her mother about what it means for the college to honor her daughter posthumously.