by Elsa Gossett | May 28, 2021 | Amy's Update
Dear Colleagues, On Monday, the College will be closed in observance of Memorial Day, a holiday that honors the men and women who died while serving our country. As you take time to reflect, I hope that you will also take time to rest and take care of yourselves. It’s been a very busy quarter, and the long weekend will provide us all with some reprieve from our busy schedules. Now for news from around the college: External Engagement Meeting with Sarah Rith and Erika Borg, AWB Institute Tuesday afternoon, Dr. Suzy Ames and I met with Sarah Rith and Erika Borg of the Association of Washington Businesses (AWB) Institute to discuss how we might partner with AWB as they expand their paid internship program. American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Digital Series Earlier today, I virtually attended the annual AACC Digital Series that is taking place each Thursday. The series, called “Rapid Change Equals Resilience and Resolve,” features a variety of workshops, keynotes and learning opportunities. Washington Association of Community and Technical College (WACTC) Presidents COVID-19 Updates Meetings The presidents and chancellors of the 34 community and technical colleges have continued to meet throughout the COVID crisis. This week, we also talked about ctcLink, in addition to our planning discussions. We have been meeting weekly since the outbreak of the pandemic. College Community Cabinet Connection Executive Cabinet (Cabinet) met Tuesday where we discussed returning to campus, and the 2021 Employee Satisfaction Survey. Rhonda DeWitt also attended Cabinet to give a presentation on planning for the fall 2021 In-Service activities. Cabinet is comprised of our senior leadership that represents...
by Elsa Gossett | May 21, 2021 | Amy's Update
Dear Colleagues, It’s hard to believe that we have just a little more than three full weeks left in the academic year! As the final push through Spring quarter begins, I recognize that fatigue is real. Not only are many of us experiencing pandemic fatigue, but we’re also feeling fatigue from being at the end of the school year. I hope that our students’ success and end-of-year celebrations will carry us through. While the next few weeks may be challenging, they are also so motivating and inspiring. Our students, who we’ve seen through some of the most challenging times in recent history, will be fulfilling their dreams of going through pinning ceremonies, turning in their final projects, and graduating. They are reaching their goals because of their hard work and your commitment to their success. I hope you’re able to pause and take it all in. Extraordinary things are happening during this unforgettable time. Continue to take care of yourselves and each other. Now for news from around the college: External Engagement Washington State Association of College Trustees (ACT) Spring Conference Tuesday, I virtually attended the ACT Spring Conference, along with Trustee Laura Wildfong. I specifically attended the “Capacity for Advancing the Equity Walk,” and “The Future Begins Now: The Permanent Partnership of Education and Generational Strategies” sessions. Cascadia Innovation Corridor Meeting Tuesday, I participated in the virtual Cascadia Innovation Corridor meeting, which focused on Modern Ecocities in the Cascadia Innovation Corridor. Spring Virtual Internship and Job Fair Tuesday morning, the virtual Spring Internship and Job Fair was successfully underway. Thank you to Amber Hisatake and Mary Powers for...
by Elsa Gossett | May 14, 2021 | Amy's Update
Dear Colleagues, Today, the CDC and President announced new mask recommendations for fully vaccinated people. This is for folks who are more than two weeks out from their second shot of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, or two weeks out from their one dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. This afternoon, Governor Inslee announced that the state will follow the CDC’s recommendations, and while he spoke of schools, he did not provide guidance for higher education. We are waiting for guidance from the State Board to learn how this impacts mask requirements for colleges and universities. We will not be changing our mask requirements at the college, until we have that information. I hope to know more soon, and will keep you posted. Now for college news: later tonight, students will be sharing their creative work at the 2021 Annual Applied Research Symposium. The Symposium is tonight from 5 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. on Zoom. Many months of effort have gone into planning this event that showcases the innovative work of our students. I’d like to recognize and thank the following Committee members who have been tirelessly working on the Symposium: Michael Rodriguez, Dr. Sharon Raz, Sam Khani, Doug Emory, Dr. Kimberly McClure, Neha Kardam, Alisa Shtromberg, Hugo Deniz, Christine Turpin, Dr. Lauren Cline, Benjamin Meyer, Dr. Barcin Acar, Laura Toussaint, Dr. Hany Roufael, and Sarah Chandler. I’d also like to thank Kim Goddard and Edith Rojas for their work on promoting the event and creating design elements. Thank you all for working so hard to create a great opportunity and experience for our students. Finally, I want...
by Elsa Gossett | May 6, 2021 | Amy's Update
Dear Colleagues, I am finalizing this update as we completed a one-hour plus lockdown due to suspects on campus from a stolen car incident in a nearby neighborhood. I want to take a moment to thank our Security Team led by Anthony Bowers for locking down the campus quickly, communicating urgently and regularly with the campus and with Kirkland Police Department. Thank you also to Leslie Shattuck, Alisa Shtromberg, and Edith Rojas for keeping the campus and our external partners up to date. I appreciate Kirkland Police Department taking extra precautions with our campus. I know these lockdowns are very unnerving when they happen. Please take care of yourselves and reach out if you need anything. On another note, like you I have been learning about more universities that are announcing plans for in-person Fall quarter classes and vaccine requirements. I want to share with you again that our system is in regular communication with Governor Inslee as he considers mandatory vaccinations for higher education, our employees, and students. I will keep you posted as I learn more. Now for news from around the college: External Engagement State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) Final Bachelors of Applied Science Presentations Earlier today, Dr. Andrea Westman, Dr. Aparna Sen, Dr. Suzanne Ames, and I presented to the SBCTC our request for approval of a Bachelor’s of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant program at LWTech. Congratulations to our PTA program for bringing online our 12th applied bachelor’s degree! Youth Eastside Services Invest in Youth 2021 Fundraiser Later today, I will be virtually attending the Youth Eastside Services Invest in Youth...
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