COA Hosts Fall New Student Orientation

On August 20th, the College of Alameda welcomed 49 new students to our beautiful campus in preparation for the start of the Fall semester. As the newest members of the Cougar family, we know the inherent value of learning how to navigate our college community and access the numerous resources available. The most emphasized resource during our new student orientation was our Financial Aid Program. We strive to ensure EVERY student completes their Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) as we know the cost of college has a direct impact on access, persistence, and completion. CoA is also keenly aware of the implications associated with the Student-Centered Funding Formula and believes it’s our obligation to students, our college and district as well as our community to maximize our funding opportunities under this new funding model. Our efforts to highlight the benefits of Financial Aid for all students will remain a central focus for the college. In addition to learning about the services offered at the college, we provided our incoming class with a Chromebook as an essential tool for students in the 21st Century.

Our students were energized throughout the day and were able to make lifelong connections with their fellow classmates and CoA employees. I am PROUD of the CoA team for planning a wildly successful event focused on topics important to students. Our new students are now better equipped to start their first semester with sound footing.

Doubling Down on Enrollment Initiatives

College of Alameda is laser-focused on increasing enrollment as our data highlights we’re not serving all that could benefit from our innovative degree and certificate programs. Our esteemed faculty are working diligently on AB 1111 the Common Course Numbering Project, which will simplify the course selection process for student and expand their access. Faculty continue to develop Program Maps for students to provide greater clarity on what is required to complete a program and courses that will satisfy the requirement. Another enormous project our faculty is tackling is AB 928, which simplifies the transfer pathway. With transfer being a critical component of the Student-Centered Funding Formula, we appreciate the hard work underway and it speaks to the constituencies' desire to intentionally serve our students. Our committed Classified Professionals, College of Alameda has been embarking on texting campaigns. We have amazing short-term classes so we sent out a text to students who have less than 6 units to encourage them to enroll in at least 6 units so that they can get an AC transit pass. This was also included on the front page of the website for additional coverage. We are using texting campaigns, emails, and posting information on the website to inform students about the opportunities and resources available to them. We want to ensure that every student is aware of the support services that are available to them.

Cougars Prepare for Competition

Under the leadership of former Acting President Luster, Vice President Lewis, Athletic Director Vaughn and former Dean Rodriguez our Athletic Program has two exciting new additions to our coaching team, which will no doubt drum up excitement on the Island. We extend a Cougar welcome to:

Coach Justin Hoover

Justin Hoover is a Bay Area born and raised volleyball player and coach. Justin attended college at Colgate University where he played D-I varsity ice hockey but left the team after a year to play volleyball. He played all the remaining years at Colgate with the club team competing against D-3 schools across NY State. Justin also played in France with the University of Dijon during his study abroad. Justin began his coaching career in 1998 at Head Royce, as the JV girl’s coach, received his first coaching certification from Gold Medal Squared in 2001 coached the Colgate D-1 women’s club volleyball team from 2001-2003. From 2003-2009, Justin coached high school and club volleyball in the Bay Area with M-Power, Xceleration, Golden Bear, and St. Mary’s College High School until 2009. Justin resides in Piedmont, CA with his wife and three kids.

Coach Gary Payton

Gary Payton, “The Glove,” is known as the best defensive point guard of all time. Payton was a nine-time NBA All-Star selection during his seventeen-year NBA career. In 1995-96, Gary was selected the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the first point guard to receive this award. For nine consecutive seasons, from 1993-94 through 2001-02, Payton was honored with an NBA All-Defensive First Team selection. Gary was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 1990-91. Over the course of his career, he was selected All-NBA First Team twice, All-NBA. Payton won a gold medal with the USA Olympic team in Sydney, Australia in 2000. Most recently winning the Big3 Championship 2024. Payton engages in extensive community work offering youth basketball camps in Oakland area and transforming the lives of the youth.