Financial Aid Popcorn and Soda Social Event Is a Big Summer Hit at CoA

College of Alameda’s Popcorn and Soda Social was held on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, outdoors in the Quad Area at the College campus.

 About 60 people attended the festive event. Students received a variety of financial aid-related services, including personal assistance checking their financial aid status, completing their FAFSA/Dream Act applications, responses to their specific financial aid questions, and information on accessing the Financial Aid Office’s social media platforms (TikTok and Instagram) to stay abreast of financial aid deadlines and updates.

Over 50 percent of the attendees reported that they had not yet completed their FAFSA/Dream Act applications. Students were provided hands-on support to complete their applications and they received additional financial aid guidance. Many students brought their young family members, who enjoyed free treats, games, and prizes.

Special thanks to those who helped make the event possible: the CoA facilities team for set-up; faculty, administrators, and classified professionals who participated in the event; Director Natalie Rodriguez for providing the popcorn machine; and Admissions Dean Dr. Amy Lee for her support of this creative approach to providing financial aid services in a fun and informative manner.

Congratulations to CoA’s New Vice President of Instruction Dr. Diana Bajrami

During the Spring 2022 Semester, CoA launched a national search for the Vice President of Instruction (VPI) position. Dr. Bajrami’s appointment reflects the search committee's dedication to finding a VPI that will deliver on COA's commitment to academic excellence, budgetary competence, and community engagement. Dr. Bajrami has been a member of the District since 2001 in various faculty, shared governance leadership, and administrative roles ranging from full-time economics instructor to Interim Vice President of Student Services at Berkeley City College. Dr. Bajrami holds a Doctorate in Education with a concentration in Community Colleges as well as master’s degrees in Economics, Business, and Social Work.

Welcome to Our Newest Staff Member

Sandi Rivera-Cordova has joined the CoA Admissions and Records (AR) team as an AR Technician. Sandi has worked for the District for seven years in various positions, including as an Admissions and Records Technician at Merritt College. She also has worked with District Admissions and Records supporting the setup of the Transcript Evaluation Project. Most recently, Sandi worked at Mills College as an Administrative Assistant for Academic Records. Bilingual and bi-literate in Spanish., she is a first-generation college graduate, who graduated with Highest Honors from Merritt College.

CoA President Completes the Harvard Seminar for New Presidents

The Harvard Seminar for New Presidents (HSNP) began July 9, 2021, virtually and concluded on-campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts in June 2022. CoA President Dr. Nathaniel Jones III completed all of the seminar sessions and attended the June event that was held at the Harvard campus.

The Harvard Seminar for New Presidents (HSNP) provides a practical orientation to the presidency, familiarizing new presidents with the opportunities and hazards they will likely face while also preparing them to respond to the multiple responsibilities that await them in their new roles. The program included faculty-led sessions, discussion groups, and most importantly, connections with an extraordinary peer group of colleagues from across the country and internationally. Participants had the opportunity to reflect on and consult with experts about their particular concerns and circumstances and covered issues such as:

Explore the president’s multiple roles: chief executive officer, senior personnel officer, and academic leader

• Understand the relationship between the president and board of trustees
• Examine the components of the fundraising process and financial leadership
• Explore the importance of the culture and traditions of an institution
• Consider how to enhance the effectiveness of the senior leadership team
• Consider the opportunity and challenges of social media in the president’s communications
• Reflect on the role of the president in strategy development

College of Alameda Co-Hosts City-Wide Job Fair

On June 29, 2022, the College of Alameda in partnership with the Emerging Leaders of the Alameda Chamber & Economic Alliance, including the Alameda County Workforce Development Board, and Home2 Suites, hosted a city-wide Job Fair. The Emerging Leaders group was organized to promote community engagement and instantiate healthy, inclusive values throughout the community. The Alameda Job Fair provided a valuable opportunity for local college and high school students to connect with local businesses. CoA President Dr. Nathaniel Jones III, Vice President of Administrative Services Augustine Gill, and Career Center Director of Workforce Systems Stefanie Bradshaw attended the event and provided information about the College. Trustee Bill Withrow also attended the event. Thirteen businesses and organizations shared career and employment information with the more than 75 job seekers that came to the Fair.

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, July 12, 2022. To view as a pdf, click here.