Laney Enjoys Increased Summer, Fall 2024 Enrollments

With the Summer 2024 semester underway, the College is pleased to share that enrollment numbers are high despite reductions in scheduling. Though the Summer Schedule is 6% smaller than last year’s, the College is enjoying 4% growth from a year ago in enrollment and 3% more resident Full Time Equivalent student numbers. Classes are full, at productivity levels well above the 17.5; in fact, as of June 12, it was 18.19, or more than 36 students per section. Many thanks to the outreach efforts of colleagues as well as the work of staff, faculty, and administrators.

Fall is also showing growth with 9% more students, 8% more enrollments, and full sections in Career Education sections that include Carpentry, Welding, Culinary Arts, and Machine Technology as well as Cosmetology. As Laney moves into the Fall semester, it looks forward to welcoming students and the community to continue enrolling and stands ready to provide support, especially through events such as our August 10 and 17 One Stop Saturdays, held on campus from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Laney, Berkeley City College Come Together to Mobilize Youth, Promote College Readiness

On June 15th, Laney College’s APASS Program kicked off the launch of APIs Mobilize's Mobilize Youth Leadership Program, a collaborative effort with College of Alameda and Berkeley City College. Laney College President Rudy Besikof praised the collaboration, saying, "Laney is pleased to hold the program in person on our campus for a second straight year, and we are only better with great partners such as COA, BCC, and Mobilize Youth.” The first meeting of the program featured guest speaker, Dr. Jennifer Tran, Professor and President of the Oakland Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce (pictured below right in blue).

The five-week program empowers students with leadership skills, advocacy knowledge, and mentorship, while speaker mentors act as role models fostering confidence and discipline for high school success and college readiness. APIs Mobilize Founder/Executive Director Dr. Annie V. Lam celebrated the new cohort of students, stating, "This program continues to thrive because of our dedicated partners. Their unwavering support and commitment have been instrumental in shaping the future of our students. We are providing these young leaders with the tools they need to succeed and make a significant impact."

Dr. David Lee, Director of the Asian Pacific American Student Success Program at Laney College, highlighted the program's impact, noting, "Dr. Annie Lam and her team have created an incredible platform for student growth. The skills and networks these students develop here will serve them throughout their lives."

Dr. Phoumy Sayavong of Berkeley City College added, "The mentorship and support from this program are invaluable. It equips our students not only for academic success but also for their professional journeys, ensuring they are well-prepared to lead."

The program is supported by the Peralta Colleges, with special appreciation to the Laney College Bistro and staff for catering the institute.

Laney Closes Successful 2023-24 by Honoring Faculty, Classified Professionals

With a 25% increase in enrollment over the past 2 years and a 30% increase in degrees & certificates awarded from a year ago, the College closed 2023-24 by appreciating faculty and staff.

President Besikof’s Coffee on the Quad paid gratitude to all employees with a special emphasis on faculty on May 13 during College Hour on the Quad. Cake was served along with the traditional Cuppsa Joe, and VPSS Marlon Hall, Professors Leslie Blackie, Emily Quach, Fred Bourgoin, Executive Assistant Elena Sanchez, student employee Moussey Tariku, and Professor Marla Leech – pictured from left to right – were among those taking part.

As many classified professionals were busy closing out the Spring semester in May, Laney waited until Wednesday, June 12th. to hold its first “Day on the Green,” a day of community with fellow classified professional colleagues before the Summer Session. Over 60 Classified Staff attended this day of fun in the sun. Attendees brought blankets, enjoyed hearty refreshments, and played games such as Jenga, Corn Hole, Tug of War. The Classified Senate worked with President Besikof to make this a day that was not labor intensive for our custodial team, meaning they could enjoy the day without setting up the event. Special thanks to Classified Senate President Hope Lane for providing leadership to make the day happen.