At College of the Canyons, as we navigate the challenges, shift, and barriers presented by the COVID-19 pandemic so far, all of us are called upon daily to make sacrifices, and at the same time look out for one another, demonstrate extra consideration, regard, care, and teamwork.  As we do, as we put aside preferences; struggle to be comfortable; embrace the unknown; allow ourselves to be vulnerable; ask for help; and learn something new – we grow stronger together.

I am always touched when people are kind.  But, in the present times in which we find ourselves…where everything is dramatically different than it was two months ago; when we are responding to new information from national, state, and local entities several times a day; when we are disconnected from our daily routines; and when we are all uncertain and unclear, as a past supporter of COC, your consideration and generosity inspires us.

Because you have invested in us, you may be wondering what we are up to over here.  Well, we are definitely here!

At College of the Canyons, on our two campuses, we are experiencing daily what “coming together” means.  Each day, our faculty, staff, administrators, and students step up to navigate and assume more responsibilities, while learning new ways to help us to keep moving forward to ensure we enhance access, engagement, and success for students.

If you were here on our campuses, you would observe the beauty of spring flowers in full bloom and an unusual sense of peace, quiet, and hope.  Ninety-five percent of our staff are telecommuting and providing virtual instruction and support for our students.  Through it all, people are creative, resilient, and flexible; and, our determination, focus and Cougar spirit are stronger than ever as we debrief, design, decide, do and deliver every hour of each day.

What we have been able to accomplish in the last two months is nothing short of amazing.  As we have come together in ways we never imagined, our response to this crisis is “COC Proud”!  As one college in one community, we step up to support each other when it matters most.

So, what have we been doing to not only help flatten the curve of COVID-19 but to design and build the future?

• Our campuses have transitioned from classroom instruction to remote/online learning which will continue in remote delivery formats for the remainder of the semester.
• To assist students during the transition to remote instruction, COC launched a laptop lending program that supplied laptops to students without access to a computer which will help them “catch up” in one of the online/remote late start and summer sessions we are offering.
• In response to student feedback collected from a recent survey, we will be holding a virtual commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020 on Friday, June 5.
• While Campus offices remain closed to the public, a small staff of essential personnel are on campus to maintain basic day-to-day operations and further our capability as we respond to the COVID-19 crisis as it unfolds.  In an effort to maintain social distancing, the number of staff that come to work on campus hovers between 25 and 50 per day.
• At the request of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, COC modified the Performing Arts Center as well as the West PE Gym to meet the specific needs of training cadets in the Sheriff’s Academy which is enabling the 78 recruits to complete their studies so they can hit the ground running while adhering to social distancing guidelines.
• As a result of the COVID-19 crisis, community colleges have experienced a decrease in clinical instruction for nursing students.  COC led the charge in working directly to create a change.  And, we did it!  The Governor supported an Executive Order in direct response to advocacy conducted since March 11th.  We’re not done yet, but this is a step in the right direction and, 60 Nursing students will graduate on time this spring!
• The COC Chancellor’s Circle has launched Zoom sessions for key businesses.  These sessions are available for viewing here.
• Through our COC Foundation, we are taking extraordinary measures to support our students and keep them on their paths at this time.  Many of our students are now really struggling and the current crisis is hitting them particularly hard and many are in need of emergency support from COC.

Thanks to anonymous donors, the gifts we receive will go a long way, as they will be matched, up to $50,000.  Gifts will be distributed through our Student Emergency Assistance Fund to support those students in the greatest need.

Please let anyone you know who has attended COC; has family members who have benefitted from the quality education we offer; or has hired our students as part of their workforce, that they can visit our website and donate today – every $10.00 matters!https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDdjS-rUPEGQHuanLh7Q8AvkPIsX5veId

As someone who has believed in us for a very long time, I want you to know that we remain steadfastly dedicated to making sure that our college emerges from this unprecedented situation in a stronger, better, more enlightened, and more inspired position to continue to serve our students and our community.

In closing, I hope that you and your family are well and safe.  Please know that I appreciate your ongoing support, your belief in our dreams, your encouragement of our bold ideas, and your hopes for those we serve and our community at large.  I appreciate your kindness, compassion, and confidence.  And, we are ever so grateful and honored that your belief in us has supported us and helped us develop into a place of which we hope you are proud!

As we work through this unprecedented event and grow together, we look forward to the light at the end of the tunnel, the break in the clouds, and to better days ahead.  I send my most heartfelt wish that you and your loved ones are healthy, are home, and have hope!

If you need anything from anyone at COC, technical information to help you in these times, answers to questions regarding what will be here for you at COC when we pull out of this; our College Promise program; training for your employees so they are ready for the work of our future, please feel free to call me at the college (661) 362-3400 or on my cell phone (661) 505-0408.

And, remember, at COC, we are supporters and “SCV Proud” – one college, one community coming together when it matters most.  We are all in this together!

Be safe.  Be well.  Be kind.

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