CoA Kicks Off Fall Semester with a Series of Robust Flex Day Activities Focusing on Future Shaping

The CoA Staff Development Committee, led by Chair Drew Burgess, planned a series of forward-looking Flex Day activities focusing on the topic of Future Shaping, and themes of hope and team building. The innovative series of workshops took place on August 18, 2023. Flex Day was offered in a Hy-Flex format with many participating in-person as well as online via Zoom. 

The morning began with a welcome address by Acting President Dr. Diana Bajrami, followed by presentations featuring Academic Senate President Jennifer Fowler, Classified Professionals Senate President Louie Martirez y McFarland, and Peralta Federation of Teachers representatives Andrew Park and Richard Kaeser. The keynote morning address titled "Integrated Services" was presented by Acting President Bajrami and VPSS Dr. Mildred Lewis. Dr. Bajrami focused on Guided Pathways Integration with the SEA (Equity) and Dr. Lewis discussed training under the theme of integration, Learning Communities, Financial Aid, Improved Student Services Onboarding, and Student Services Enrollment Strategies.

The afternoon sessions continued the morning’s momentum, beginning with a Joint Divisions Meeting followed by a series of individual presentations on a variety of subjects.

Professor Dr. Didem Ekici engaged participants with her exploration of "Modeling Guided Pathways," offering an in-depth look at the College's work in this area.

Professor Vanson Nguyen's insightful presentation on "New Faculty Onboarding" shed light on the institution's commitment to nurturing new talent.

Professor Andrew Park spoke about "Faculty Contract Rights."

Executive Assistant, Office of Instruction, Marivic Lazardo brought a practical perspective with her discussion on the logistics of "Travel Requests."

Project Manager for EOPS/CARE/CalWORKs/Next UP Programs and SALAAM Learning Community Louie Martirez y McFarland presented "Classified Professional Updates for Student Improvement," underscoring the pivotal role of support staff in enhancing the student experience.

These Flex Day activities and themes highlighted several important principles and ideas including, innovation, authenticity, academic excellence, diversity, and inclusion. With these guiding principles, the extended College community continues to pave the way for a continuously improving, inclusive, and dynamic educational experience for all students.

Hundreds of Students Attend CoA’s Fall Enrollment Festival

The CoA Enrollment Festival held on Saturday, August 19, 2023, was a resounding success. This event stands as a testament to the invaluable in-person support that our students require as they navigate the enrollment process, apply for financial aid, and engage with their counselors.

The festival facilitated the support of over 250 students, with the tireless presence of the College’s dedicated Student and Academic Services teams, guiding and warmly welcoming each student.

The event was organized under the cooperative leadership of VPSS Mildred Lewis, Interim Dean Natalie Rodriguez, VPI Maurice Jones, Dean Reza Majlesi, Dean Eva Jennings, and Director Stephanie Bradshaw.

Dr. Bajrami’s Editorial Has Been Published in the Alameda Post

Shaping Futures--College of Alameda’s back-to-school focus on education and opportunity, by Dr. Bajrami, was published in the Alameda Post on the first day of the Fall 2023 Semester, August 21, 2023. The editorial features several new College initiatives that will launch in the next academic year, including a grant-funded, on-the-job training program, and the new Rising Scholars program that will provide comprehensive support services for members of our community who have been impacted by the justice system. The editorial is available online at: https://alamedapost.com/op-ed/shaping-futures/

This article is an excerpt from the President’s Report, written by Dr. Diana Bajrami, College of Alameda Acting President, that was presented to the PCCD Board of Trustees during their regular meeting on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. To view it as a PDF, click here.