I am pleased to share with you that last month’s 2nd Annual Alameda County Behavioral Health Department Re-Entry Conference, which Merritt College had the honor of hosting again this year, proved to be a phenomenal success. The theme: "Beyond Survival: Reclaiming Power, Purpose, and Possibility," exemplified the transformative power of cross-sector collaboration in service of our most vulnerable community members.
On March 26, the East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation (EBALDC) held a "topping off" ceremony to celebrate progress on the new senior housing complex that is being built across the street from the Laney Campus. The new building will have 97 units of affordable senior housing and commercial space on the lower level.
As CoA approaches the culmination of the academic year, the college community continues to demonstrate the power of connection, engagement, and student-centered programming. Across instructional and student services areas, our campus has activated a wide range of experiences designed to support persistence, build belonging, and celebrate the holistic development of our students.
On March 17, Merritt College hosted the Career and Wellness Resource Fair. This incredible event was the product of intentional collaboration and strategic partnership development, with our Sankofa Program successfully partnering with the group Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency (BOSS), as well as key campus programs including EOPS, SAS &, ASMC, and the Basic Needs Center.
Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) is an important opportunity to celebrate the strength, resilience, and contributions of transgender and gender nonconforming individuals while also raising awareness of the barriers they continue to face. It is both a moment of recognition and a call to action, affirming the right of all people to live authentically, safely, and with dignity.
I want to begin by thanking our Council of Department Chairs and Program Directors (CDCPD), the Merritt College Academic Senate, and the Chancellor’s Office for their work, circumspection, and support as it pertains to this year’s faculty prioritization. I understand and appreciate the time and effort that went into evaluating Merritt’s staffing and programmatic needs as we prepare ourselves for this next chapter.
Laney College Women’s Basketball closed out its final home game on February 17 with a Sophomore Night celebration honoring nine student-athletes who will transfer to continue their academic and athletic careers. The event included a campus pre-game tailgate hosted by ASLC and the President’s Office, bringing together students, employees, and fans in support of the team.
One of the most significant milestones in an academic career is the awarding of tenure, a recognition of sustained excellence in teaching, service, and commitment to students. Tenure represents the pinnacle of faculty achievement and reflects the trust institutions place in educators to steward academic integrity, intellectual inquiry, and student learning for years to come.
Berkeley City College celebrated Black History Month with a series of events throughout February and the first week of March honoring Black culture, history, and achievement.
Enrollment at Merritt College is on the rise! Compared to this time last year, we have 239 more students taking our courses (our headcount has reached 7,317). Our resident FTES figures are also up by three percent from Spring 2025 to Spring 2026.
