Student Accessibility Services at Laney College!

Laney College’s Student Accessibility Services (SAS, formerly DSPS) goes that extra mile to help students in need of accommodations to support their learning experience! Along with testing accommodations, notetaking, and other support, students have also been able to get real-time support through Campus Solutions using the Accessibility Information Management (AIM) module. Laney welcomes Chelsey Young, who will be helping students with their approved testing accommodations for online and face-to-face classes. Students may contact her at LaneySASassessment@peralta.edu.

Kudos to Program Coordinator Nate Failing and the entire SAS team for their part in promoting student success at Laney:

Classified Professional Colleagues

Alex Cervantes
Chelsey Young
Kim Cael
Alexandra Cipher

Faculty Colleagues

Miriam Zamora-Kantor
Irina Rivkin
Jessica Owyoung
Jim Giola
Sidney Wong

Laney College Quad the Place to be on February 23 for Black History Month

Laney College celebrates Black History Month by coming together on February 23 for a special celebration on campus. From 11:45 – 1:00 p.m. and then 2-4 p.m., attendees can enjoy Swahili Pop Music, dance from Tanzania, light refreshments, and more. Thanks to the Laney College Black Student Union, the Associated Students of Laney College (ASLC), the Umoja-UBAKA Program, Black Laney Love (BLL), and the Laney College Chapter of the NAACP for hosting the many events this month to celebrate and honor so many in our African American community through the highlighting of cultural and historical experiences.

Laney College Biomanufacturing Program Featured on East Bay Airwaves!

Laney’s Biotechnology Technology Program was the subject of a February 14 Broadcast on Encinal Radio (KJTZ 96.1), with the segment featured on SoundCloud. The show featured Laney Biomanufacturing Professor Douglas Bruce, who was interviewed about the College’s collaboration with Encinal Jr. & Senior High School and Checkerspot, an advanced biomaterials company.

Earlier this school year, students from the Laney/Encinal Biotechnology Program were hosted by Checkerspot at its headquarters in Alameda, where they learned about the company’s work and the larger biotechnology industry. They especially heard about how the company is doing its part to fight climate change through algae-based oil production. Learning experiences such as this visit and tour go hand in hand with our first-class learning environments, where students are now learning to grow the very algae cells Checkerspot uses to produce this same bio-based oil. As part of lab work, Students will be imaging cells and conducting experiments to optimize their growth in the lab as future professionals in the industry.

Along with Professor Bruce, the radio piece featured Checkerspot CEO Charles Dimmler, Communications Director & Fermentation Scientist Nina Reyes, and Stella, a student. Listeners to this radio segment will learn what biotechnology is, how it can advance and benefit materials, what its role is in fighting climate change, and how the community can individually and collectively make a more positive impact on the environment.

Industry engagement is but one key element to Laney’s Biomanufacturing program, and there is more to come concerning this incredible partnership with Checkerspot, as well as the College’s many partnerships throughout Career and Technical Education. Stay tuned!

Valentine’s Day Giveaway

Laney’s Public Information Office launched a Valentine’s Day Giveaway on February 8th, with participants who left a Yelp review getting the chance to win dinner for two from Laney’s own Food Services Team. In total, three lucky winners enjoyed a four-course gourmet meal to celebrate with on the 14th. The campaign has boosted Laney’s visibility through Yelp reviews and winning testimonials like this:

“I'm a couple weeks into taking 6 units while working full time. Every staff person I've interacted with has been really kind and extremely helpful. It's right next to BART and near major bus lines so it's really easy to get to. They offer a large amount of resources – free printing from the library, free lunch (!), produce and pantry pick-ups...probably many more to explore. The two professors I have, have been approachable, kind, and supportive. I also appreciate them prioritizing safety on campus with regard to COVID.” – Rita T., first-place winner.

Laney congratulates Rita T., Jule F., and Winnie T., our lucky winners, and extends special thanks to Public Information Officer Larena Baldazo and Food Services Manager Neil Burmenko, whose innovative collaboration made this promotional event possible.

This article is taken from the President’s Report, written by Rudy Besikof, Laney College President, that was presented to the PCCD Board of Trustees during their regular meeting on Tuesday, February 22, 2022. To view as a pdf click here.