As we head into Spring, I have been thinking about resilience. For the past 12 months we’ve shown remarkable resilience, from sheltering in place during a global pandemic, to developing new skills to provide online instruction and online student services, to coming together to demonstrate all four colleges meet accreditation standards.
I am pleased to update you on a variety of important news items issues at Peralta Community College District.
COVID-19
First, I want to note how wonderful it is that we are starting to really see the light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to COVID-19 vaccinations in California. We should be pleased that Governor Newsom and third-party administrators like Kaiser Permanente and Blue Shield of California (both headquartered right here in Oakland) have been making great progress in getting the vaccines to People of Color, first responders, frontline workers, and educators.
While we, as a society are far from reaching “safety,” it is encouraging to know that we are on the path to get there. That being said, I encourage you to get vaccinations if you are among the groups it is offered to and it is in your belief system and I encourage you to remain vigilant, with physical distancing, wearing a face covering, and washing your hands.
So, you wonder, “Will all classes next semester be in-person?” Unfortunately, no. For the summer 2021 semester, all course offerings will be 100% online except a limited number of Career Education and Athletic Conditioning courses that will be determined by the College leadership and will be conducted in alignment with all safety and social distancing protocols. Student services will continue to be offered online.
The physical campuses of the four Colleges remain officially closed through the summer semester and the end of July 2021, with the same exceptions as we have now (individuals performing essential tasks on site, the limited classes with face-to-face instruction, and the coached athletic conditioning sessions). The District offices will remain under work from home guidance with workers performing essential tasks being onsite as prescribed by their managers and human resources.
During the fall 2021 semester, the majority of courses will continue to be offered 100% online with limited hybrid and face-to-face course offerings to include Career Education, Athletic Conditioning, Science Laboratories, and selected courses and/or programs to be determined by the College leadership. Additionally, the administration is considering offering limited Student Services face-to-face support for students, but no formal determination has been made.
Join me in acknowledging the staff and instructors who so quickly adapted to virtual classrooms and make teaching and student services realities during the pandemic.
Accreditation
On March 1-4, educators from peer institutions conducted virtual site visits of the Peralta Community College District and the four colleges. These peer reviews were conducted on behalf of the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) and were part of an accreditation process that included the Special Reports we submitted last November, and the excellent Institutional Self Evaluation Reports (ISERs) submitted in December 2020.
Thanks to the dedication and hard work of many, many people throughout Peralta, we received some preliminary good news. None of the colleges received concerns about standards of accreditation, and in fact several commendations were offered. My gratitude goes out to all who helped make these virtual site visits a success. It takes a dedicated team. Thank you!
In addition to the feedback each of the four colleges received, the visiting teams shared feedback regarding the District and the Board of Trustees. A few concerns were raised over Standard III: the District’s financial stability, internal controls and administrative capacity. The teams recognized the ongoing efforts of the Colleges, the District, and the entire Peralta community as we work together to solve these issues.
Some concerns were also shared over Standard IV: the Board’s ability to make financial decisions, delegate authority and make decisions independent of outside influence. The team also recognized the effort of the Board of Trustees to become a high functioning team, and believe if the efforts of the last few months are sustained, the Board will accomplish their goals and clear up these concerns.
Following the site visits, the leader from each of the visiting teams will author a report to be submitted to ACCJC. At the June 2021 meeting, the ACCJC will make a determination regarding accreditation informed by the reports, evidence, and any material changes that may happen between now and then. We remain confident that the Colleges are on the right path and we are confident that each College will meet the standards of accreditation.
Tenure
I want to note some important milestones and kudos to our faculty and leadership. On March 9, Dr. Siri Brown, Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs and Student Success, hosted an online reception to celebrate and honor newly tenured faculty members. This important and well-earned designation was granted to:
Berkeley City College
· Alejandra Oseguera
· Fatima Shah
· Michael Orkin
College of Alameda
· Byung Kyu Park
· Richard Kaeser
· John Taylor
It was a lovely event. While it was unfortunate we were not able to celebrate in person due to the pandemic, it was wonderful to acknowledge the service and dedication of these six tenured faculty members. Congratulations to you all and thank you for committing to educating our students!
President Garcia Honored
In addition, I want to note that Dr. Angélica Garcia, President of Berkeley City College, has been honored by inclusion in a list of 25 outstanding educators published by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education. The March 4, 2021 issue of Diverse, published in honor of Women’s History Month, is the publication’s 10th anniversary of highlighting women who have made a difference in the academy by tackling some of education’s toughest challenges.
Dr. Garcia, BCC President since May 2020, is widely recognized as an effective and collaborative higher education leader with emphasis on innovation, social justice, and equity while promoting academic excellence. Berkeley City College is an awarding winning institution known for civic engagement, student support services including those for veterans and the undocumented community, and a top college for Fulbright scholars and students transferring to four-year schools including UC Berkeley. Congratulations to Dr. Garcia. You can read more about this honor in Peralta Gems here.
Campus Safety Pilot
Lastly, I want to recognize that our new campus security providers, A1 and Marina are doing an excellent job. They have been a visible presence on campuses with their florescent jackets and black pants. We want to thank them for their services to our PCCD community.
And lastly remember this. We are resilient. We are strong. We are Peralta Proud.
