In September 2022, Mark Johnson (Executive Director of Marketing, Communication & Public Relations at Peralta Community College District) had the great pleasure to interview Sheng Thao, soon to be elected Mayor of Oakland, about her experiences as a graduate of Merritt College. We are proud to have a Merritt Valedictorian as the new mayor of Oakland. Congratulations Sheng Thao!
An interview with Merritt Graduate and new Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao
Jan 9, 2023, 2:04:47 PM / by Aaron Harbour -->
Chancellor Announcement: Season's Greetings 2022
Jan 3, 2023, 2:41:00 PM / by Jannett N. Jackson -->
Dear Peralta Colleagues,
In case anyone needs a reminder, the Peralta Community College District will be closed for our winter break from Friday, December 23rd, 2022, through Monday, January 2nd, 2023.
Merritt College President's Report – December 13, 2022
Dec 12, 2022, 4:50:18 PM / by David M. Johnson -->
New Appointments to Merritt Administrative Team
Merritt College is happy to announce two recent appointments to the administrative team. Marie Amboy has agreed to step in as the Acting Vice President of Administrative Services, and Nghiem Thai has committed to serve as the Acting Dean of Allied Health and Public Safety.
Mask Policy Update for Spring 2023 Semester
Dec 9, 2022, 3:17:00 PM / by Johnathan Freeman -->
Dear Peralta Community,
Per our policy to follow Alameda County Public Health Department guidelines, and based on discussions with union leaders, it is agreed that in January 2023 masks will become optional on Peralta Community College District (PCCD) property and will no longer be required. People may choose to mask at any time.
Chancellor's Thanksgiving Announcement – November 23, 2022
Nov 24, 2022, 4:54:00 PM / by Johnathan Freeman -->
Hello Peralta Colleagues,
I don't know about you, but I am very much looking forward to the Thanksgiving break on November 24-25, 2022. Working at Peralta Community College District can often feel like stepping on a treadmill that’s already going 10 miles per hour. There’s always so much going on. We all need this break to recharge and reflect.
Merritt Chemistry Instructor Elected to Berkeley School Board
Nov 24, 2022, 4:00:00 PM / by Johnathan Freeman -->
Merritt College congratulates Dr. Jennifer Shanoski for her election to the Berkeley School Board! You may know her as a chemistry instructor at Merritt or as PFT President, but you can now add the title of elected official to her name.
Merritt College Employees and Students Attend Conferences
Nov 23, 2022, 12:50:37 PM / by Johnathan Freeman -->
Two weeks ago, two different groups from Merritt had the opportunity to attend the conferences that empowered and inspired them. On Wednesday, November 3, five employees attended the first California Community Colleges Organization de Latinx Empowerment, Guidance, and Advocacy for Success (COLEGAS) Annual Conference in Long Beach.
The Peralta Charrette: A Community Forum held at Laney College
Nov 18, 2022, 10:08:09 AM / by Mark Johnson -->
The first-ever Peralta Charrette was a huge success. We really appreciate the approximately 200 community members who participated for taking the time to register, attend, and share their thoughts and concerns as the Peralta Community College District (PCCD) works on our five-year strategic plan and the Peralta Colleges – Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, and Merritt College – work on their educational master plans.
Spring is Free at the Peralta Community College District
Nov 17, 2022, 11:30:41 AM / by Johnathan Freeman -->
OAKLAND, Calif., November 16, 2022 – Course registration fees are being waived for the Spring 2023 semester at all four of the colleges within the Peralta Community College District (PCCD) in the East Bay: Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, and Merritt College. The fee waiver is available to all California residents – documented and undocumented – who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). There is no minimum course credit requirement.
Merritt College President's Report – November 16, 2022
Nov 16, 2022, 12:53:55 PM / by David M. Johnson -->
Merritt College Employees and Students Attend Conferences
Two weeks ago, two different groups from Merritt had the opportunity to attend the conferences that empowered and inspired them. On Wednesday, November 3, five employees attended the first California Community Colleges Organization de Latinx Empowerment, Guidance, and Advocacy for Success (COLEGAS) Annual Conference in Long Beach.

