College of Alameda Invites Peralta Students to Tour CSU Sacramento and UC Davis Campuses

After a hearty early morning breakfast at the College of Alameda campus on May 6, 2022, 24 Peralta students, faculty, and staff departed for a series of site visits to the California State University (CSU), Sacramento, and the University of California (UC), Davis campuses.

 Although originally organized as an opportunity for College of Alameda EOPS, CARE, CalWORKs, NextUp, ACCESO, and Puente students, an invitation to participate was extended to all Peralta students.

Upon arriving at CSU, Sacramento, the eager students attended an admissions presentation by Senior Associate Director of Admissions and Outreach Mr. Charles Cole, followed by a tour of the beautiful 305- acre campus. The student tour guide highlighted the university’s close relationships with and proximity to leaders at the California State Capitol for students interested in exploring careers in government, leadership, law, and policy.

The next stop on the tour was UC Davis, where students were greeted by the Director of Evaluation in Undergraduate Admissions Ms. Veronica Zendejas. After enjoying lunch together, students were given a tour of the expansive 5,300-acre UC campus. The school’s agricultural focus and environmental awareness at the car-free campus were underscored by the prolific use of bicycles as the primary mode of transportation for students, faculty, and staff.

Participating Peralta students said that the outstanding amenities that the universities offered, including research facilities, learning communities, student clubs, internships, study abroad, fitness centers, and specialized libraries among others, inspired a greater interest in transfer and new hope for the tantalizing possibilities of the next phase of their college education.

The tours were organized by CoA Student Services Specialist Ms. Mayra Arevalo- Agyapong, Hispanic Serving Institution Grant and ACCESO/Puente Programs Director Mr. Horacio Corona Lira, EOPS/CARE/CalWORKs/NextUp Project Manager Mr. Louie Martirez y McFarland, and EOPS/CARE/CalWORKs/NextUp Staff Assistant Ms. Nesi More.

College of Alameda Welcomes a New Bursar

Ms. Yolanda Young has joined the College of Alameda’s Administrative Services Division as the College’s full-time Bursar. She has been serving in the position on a part-time, interim basis, since August 2021. Yolanda brings extensive experience in customer service, financial record keeping, banking, third-party billings, and various other skills that will help the College more efficiently serve students.

The EMAP: Equitable Math Assessment Project Was One of Seven Projects Selected for a Scaling Success Grant

In a letter dated May 20, 2022, College of Alameda President Dr. Jones received notification from the Governor's Office of Planning and Research and the California Learning Lab that a grant proposal had been selected for a California Education Learning Lab award of up to $385,000. The proposal was submitted collaboratively by California State University, East Bay (CSU East Bay) in partnership with College of Alameda, Berkeley City College, Laney College, Merritt College, San Francisco State University, and Ohlone College.

The EMAP: Equitable Math Assessment Project was one of seven projects to be selected for a Scaling Success Grant based on the recommendations of an expert Selection Committee. The project is under the leadership of Julie Glass, Ph.D. and supported by Bruce Simon, Eric Hsu, Ph.D., Andrew Bloom, Ed.D., Kelly Pernell, Vanson Nguyen, Ed.D., Kathy Williamson, and Sun Young Ban, Ph.D.

This project proposes to scale the work of the Bay Area Math Collaborative (BAM-C) to reach more faculty and students with their approach of clustering content around “Big Ideas” such as: creating assessment resources that align with the existing re-organized content and activities in the Precalculus Course Guide; developing a checklist tool for teachers to reflect on teaching practices; alignment of instruction, and assessment. Upon final agreement between CSU East Bay and the Foundation for California Community Colleges, which is administering the grant on behalf of the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, the project will begin on July 1, 2022.

First Puente Banquet Dinner a Great Success!

College of Alameda's Puente Program celebrated its inaugural Puente Banquet Dinner on Wednesday, May 18, at 5:30 p.m., at the Pier 29 Waterfront Restaurant in Alameda. The event celebrated the personal and academic accomplishments of Puente students and their families. Guests included students from Puente cohort 1, cohort 2, Puente 2022 graduates, and their families. College of Alameda classified staff, faculty and administrators also attended; as well as community and university partners.

The event opened with a welcome from the night's emcee, Puente Counselor, Danna Chavez Baquero, and a welcome from Puente Director Horacio Corona Lira, followed by remarks from the College of Alameda President Dr. Nathaniel Jones III, and a keynote from Puente Project Executive Director Julia Vergara. Dean Lilia Celhay was honored as Puente Champion for 2021 and Marcean Byrant was honored as Puente Champion for 2022. Both honorees were recognized for their outstanding commitment and contributions to the College of Alameda's Puente Program and students. The banquet closed with a recognition of Puente students with special remarks from Puente 2022 graduates.

The well-orchestrated event was organized by members of the College’s Puente team: Puente Counselor Danna Chavez Baquero, Student Services Specialist Mayra Arevalo-Agyapong, Puente English Instructor Maurice Jones, and Director Horacio Corona Lira.

Academic Senate Emeritus Luncheon Honors Faculty Retirees

The College’s Academic Senate held a special luncheon on Friday, May 20, 2022, at the Pasta Pelican Restaurant in Alameda, honoring their retiring colleagues. Prior to the pandemic, this luncheon was an annual event. This year’s event included six faculty members who retired from the period of 2019 through 2022, including Bill Andrews (Auto Body & Paint), MeeYing Coffer (Radiology), Debbie Green (Student Accessibility Services), Bob Grill (Computer Information Systems), Phyllis Tappe (Student Accessibility Services), and Juanita Tyree (Radiology).

Financial Aid Office Invites Students and Prospective Students to a Popcorn and Soda Special in June

Students, prospective students, and their parents are invited to College of Alameda’s Financial Aid Popcorn Special, on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. in front of the A-Building. Since the last day for students to submit their documents for the 2021-22 Award Year is August 12, 2022, this event will provide a great opportunity for students to:

• Check their financial aid status• Complete their financial aid files
• Schedule 1:1 appointments to complete their FAFSA/Dream Act application to meet with a financial aid staff
• Receive assistance with any financial aid questions
• In addition, there will be plenty of popcorn, soda, fun games, and raffle prizes!

This article is an excerpt from the President’s Report, written by Dr. Nathaniel Jones III, College of Alameda President, that was presented to the PCCD Board of Trustees during their regular meeting on Tuesday, June 14, 2022. To view as a pdf, click here.