A monthly digest of SBCC faculty and staff news
A monthly digest of SBCC faculty and staff news

Cliff Notes: December 2021

Although many of us have returned to campus, many continue to work remotely. During this time of transition, Cliff Notes employee newsletter is still one way we can keep our campus community together. As usual, if there is news about your department that you would like to share in future issues (awards, recognitions, special lectures, presentations or events you are conducting on campus or via Zoom, etc.), let us know. You can send items of interest to marketing@sbcc.edu and include “Cliff Notes” in the subject line.
Campus Highlights

EOPS/CARE Program hosts Thanksgiving dinner and holiday book giveaway

For decades, SBCC’s EOPS/CARE Program has hosted a Thanksgiving dinner and holiday book giveaway for our single parent and CalWORKs-eligible student parents. In the recent past, campus shutdowns due to fires, the global pandemic and a growing public discourse on Native perspectives on Thanksgiving served as an invitation to create a “new normal” for this annual tradition. Read about this year’s event in a letter from EOPS/CARE/CalWORKs Advisor and SPARC Coordinator Chelsea Lancaster.

Former students invited back to campus to receive assistance in rejoining SBCC 

The Re-Enrollment Days event hosted by Student Services on Dec. 3-4 assisted over 100 previously enrolled students – those who stopped attending sometime between Spring 2020 and Fall 2021 – in getting a fresh start for the new year by enrolling for the Spring 2022 term. Those who attended the event were instructed on how to receive up to $500 in Campus Store credit to cover the costs of books and school supplies. 

Thanks to all the staff from various departments and offices for providing one-on-one assistance and helping students overcome whatever hurdles they may have been facing. 
Awards and Kudos

SBCC’s music department nominated for 2022 Exemplary Program Award

Each year, the Academic Senate of California Community Colleges awards several college programs for their extraordinary work. For going “above and beyond” in helping students during the pandemic, the SBCC music department has been nominated for the “2022 Exemplary Program Award.” Winners of this prestigious award will be honored at the January 2022 Board of Governors meeting. 
Read the full story in The Channels.

SBCC ranked among best community colleges in California

Niche.com, an online resource providing information on schools and colleges across the United States, has rated SBCC as the No. 2 best community college in California. 
See Niche.com for the full list.
Faculty
Photo by August Lawrence

Spotlight in The Channels: Communication instructor Mika Garard

In a story that appeared in the Dec. 3 issue of The Channels, Communication instructor Mika Garard was described as “the lively professor who teaches public speaking and greets students with a warm smile.” Born and raised in Japan, Mika not only teaches communication classes, she is also co-directing the Summer 2022 Japan Study Abroad Program, where participating students will stay for four weeks and experience traditional Japanese practices like tea ceremonies and Zen meditation. Read the full story in The Channels.
Photo by August Lawrence

Spotlight in The Channels: yoga and pilates instructor Bonnie Lewis

In the Nov. 23 issue of The Channels, Bonnie Lewis was featured in a story by staff writer Melanie Janicke. As a yoga and pilates instructor, Bonnie explained how she had to “relearn how to teach” in an online environment when the pandemic started, and how grateful she is now to be back on campus and teaching in-person again.
Staff
Photo by August Lawrence

Spotlight in The Channels: Becky Bean praised for bolstering students with health and wellness

Since the summer of 2018, Student Program Advisor Becky Bean has been providing support for our students’ mental and physical health through The Well, SBCC’s student health and wellness services center. The Well was recently honored by the California Community Colleges Board of Governors with an Exemplary Program Award for 2020-21. On Nov. 19, The Channels ran a story about Becky, where she discussed the focus of her work. Read the full story in The Channels.
Photo by August Lawrence

Spotlight in The Channels: Jason Walker offers technical and emotional support

Most of us around campus know Director of Information Technology User Support Services Jason Walker for his timely and thorough technical support. Did you also know that in November 2019 he voluntarily became the campus chaplain? As such, he works with the SBCC bereavement services team to offer emotional support to members of the campus community who are grieving, as well as conduct flag lowering ceremonies, tree-planting services and much more. 
Read the full story in The Channels.

Longevity Recognitions

Each month the college recognizes the longevity and dedication of our employees and the impact that those employees have on students, the institution and the culture of excellence at Santa Barbara City College. At the Nov. 18 Board meeting, the following employees were recognized:
Jesse Aguilera, Facilities Assistant, 10 years
Mary Saragosa, Student Program Advisor, 20 years
That makes a total of 30 years of service to SBCC. Well done and thank you!
Vaquero Voices Podcast
Webmaster Hong Lieu and Senior Admissions Tech Akil Hill
Continuing their casual, informal conversations with colleagues, Hong and Akil got together in November with Interim Executive Vice President Dr. Kathy Scott, and later the duo met with SBCC Women’s Basketball Coach Sandrine Rocher-KrulCheck out current and past episodes here...
Episode 26 - On Dec. 1, Akil and Hong welcomed coach Sandrine Rocher-Krul for a deep dive into what it means to coach and teach students today. Along the way, the trio discussed humanism; books by Michael Sokolove, Terry Orlick and Frederick Joseph; and TV specials on Colin Kaepernick and Mary J. Blige.

Episode 25 - On Nov. 3, Akil and Hong welcomed Dr. Kathy Scott to the show to talk about being EVP at SBCC. From there, the trio discussed the benefits of eating a Mediterranean diet, tea, coffee, what it means to be able to name intersectionality — plus favorite works from James Baldwin, Zora Neale Hurston, Jocelyn Enriquez and Buffy. Akil closed the show with a discussion on the benefits of traveling and why Turkey is a must-visit bucket list destination.
Upcoming Events
The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department will offer a vaccine clinic on Wednesday, Dec. 22, 9 a.m.–noon, at SBCC’s Cliff Drive East Campus in the Student Services tent. Appointments are suggested, but not required. Pre-register at My Turn. The vaccinations are free. The Pfizer Pediatric vaccine is available for people five years old to 11 years old. The Moderna vaccine and booster are available to people 18 years old and above. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is available for those 18 years old and above. Flu shots will also be available to children and adults. Parking in Lot 1A is free and open to the public. Masks are required.

Quire of Voyces to perform Dec. 18-19

Under the direction of SBCC Music department chair Nathan Kreitzer, the Quire of Voyces has been described as “a voluptuous tapestry of sound, vocal purity and radiant sonorities.” You’ll have the opportunity to hear this amazing a cappella group at St. Anthony’s Seminary, 2300 Garden St. Santa Barbara, on Dec. 18 at 7 p.m., or Dec. 19 at 3 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door and in advance at the Garvin Theatre box office (805-965-5935) and at Chaucer’s Books until Dec. 17 at noon. $20 general admission, $15 for students and seniors.
Updates

La Playa open to the public 

La Playa Stadium’s track and stadium stairs are once again open to the public on weekends and holidays. Additionally, the track will be open Friday, Dec. 10, 5-10 p.m.

Beginning Saturday, Dec.11, and for the duration of the winter break, both track and stairs will be open daily through Sunday, Jan. 9. Weekday hours are typically 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Weekend and holiday hours are 6:45 a.m.-10 p.m.

Please note: Postseason athletic competitions in early December may reduce public access to the track’s open hours. Signs will be posted with adjusted hours should such events occur. In addition, the track will be closed for repairs Monday, Dec. 13 and Thursday, Dec. 16.

Public hours for the spring semester, which begins Monday, Jan. 10, will be announced at a later date based on an evaluation of the COVID-19 health and safety protocols needed to protect our students and employees at that time.

Campuses to close for winter holiday

All three SBCC campuses will be closed for the winter holiday beginning Thursday, Dec. 23, at noon. Campuses will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 4. The Spring semester starts Monday, Jan. 10. Enjoy the holidays!
Recent Press Releases
Keep up-to-date with all SBCC press releases by checking the website or sign-up to receive press releases in your email inbox. 
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