November 2017

Five Present at Strengthening Student Success Conference 1 Unity. Community. Opportunity. 1

84th Annual California Business Educators Convention 2

Welcome New Softball Coach 2

disABILITY Awareness 2

Creativity is Key for Nelson 3

Broussard—Live Life to the Fullest 3

Transfer Awareness Week 3

College Day 3

Great California ShakeOut Earthquake Drill 4

Marcum—Lives Life as Hot as the Desert 4 CTE Counselor Terri Hack 4 National Coming Out Day Celebration 4

POW! ZANG! BLAM! Pop-Culture Event Packs a Power Punch 5

Bombela Now Groundsworker II 5

Building Relationships with the Community 5

Foundation Feature: Cerro Coso Launches Promise Scholarship 6

Inside this Issue Unity. Community. Opportunity.Eight Umoja Program students at Cerro Coso attended the UC Riverside Black Transfer Collective Conference on Saturday, September 23, 2017. Transfer students have unique academic experiences, questions, perspectives, and resource needs. That is why UC Riverside hosts the one-day event to showcase the opportunities available to students. Participants were invited to explore the beautiful UC Riverside campus and learn how they support student success. The event focused on the variety of programs that UCR offers African American students. UCR has one of the smallest racial achievement gaps in the nation and is the #1 school in African American graduation rates in the state of California and 6th in the nation. DIRECTED. FOCUSED. NURTURED. Opportunities to visit other college campuses assists students in developing goals and fosters their motivation to achieve those goals. It also lets students know that Cerro Coso cares about them and their success in college and in life.

Five Present at Strengthening Student Success Conference

Cerro Coso’s use of Inquiry Groups to engage staff, faculty, students, and administrators in developing success initiatives broad enough for both instructional and non-instructional units to embrace was featured in the RP Group’s publication July 2017 Perspectives.

The topic also made for an excellent presentation by five Cerro Coso employees at the Strengthening Student Success Conference in October. Julie Cornett, Cliff Davis, Tyson Huffman, Heather Ostash, and Corey Marvin shared how the Inquiry groups delved into the RP Group’s Student Support (Re)defined study’s “Six Success Factors” to develop institutional initiatives aimed at making the student experience more connected, focused, and directed. No easy feat for a unique rural college with a large online program, five satellite campuses, and an emerging inmate education program. Their presentation

entitled From the Ground Up: A Grassroots Effort to Institutionalize Culture Change and Develop Success Initiatives Via Broad-Based Inquiry Groups was an interactive session that provided a synopsis of how the college’s grassroots effort led to the adoption of success initiatives that resulted in broad-based cultural change. CONNECTED. DIRECTED. FOCUSED. Every unit/department at Cerro Coso has adopted or has committed to adopt one of the initiatives to keep students connected, directed, and focused.

Left to right: Director of Student Equity Blaine Simmons, Novena Pena, Eben Patterson, Najee Tatemilton, Teshaun Clairborne (TK), Robin Bauldwin, Makaila Constant, Ashleigh Ayers, and Melissa Briley. Not pictured is trip advisor and English Professor Melanie Jeffrey.

Welcome New Softball Coach

CCCC welcomes new Head Softball Coach Rebecca Bell. Coach Bell comes to us with a wealth of enthusiasm and knowledge for the game and local community. Born and raised in Ridgecrest, Bell received an athletic scholarship to play softball at California State University, Northridge her junior year of high school. She graduated from Burroughs high school in 2013 and went straight to CSUN, where she played softball for four years and

graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Public Health. Coach Bell is currently working on her master’s degree in sports through Liberty University. She is a member of the Pitt Powerlifting team, and holds a second job as a health teacher at the local high school. Welcome to TEAM Cerro Coso, Coach Bell. Helping student athletes stay Engaged and Connected to the college, team, sport, and educational goals is Coach Bell’s primary role at Cerro Coso.

disABILITY AwarenessOctober has been designated by Congress as Disability Awareness Month. Cerro Coso celebrated diversity, awareness, and empowerment for persons with differing abilities with a variety of activities October 9 – 12, 2017, at the Ridgecrest campus. The yearly event aims to raise awareness about the difficulty students with disabilities experience and offers students and staff an opportunity to walk in someone else’s shoes by participating in activities that simulate the different aspects of various disabilities. More than 34 students completed all 8 activities and approximately half said they gained a new perspective by participating. “I liked everything. Each event brought about its own set of challenges. It helps to open our eyes to what others with disabilities deal with every day,” said one student. It was a day to celebrate, educate, and promote awareness of people with disabilities on our campuses and in the community. Awareness events like this increase understanding about what it is like to have a disability from real-life experiences. NURTURED and CONNECTED, all students are valued assets to the college community.

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84TH Annual California Business Educators Convention

“If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It,” a quote by Walt Disney, was the theme for the 84th Annual California Business Education Association’s (CBEA) 2017 State Conference. CBEA is a professional organization for educators in business, marketing, and related information technologies at all levels of education in both public and private institutions. Cerro Coso had strong representation at this year’s conference held October 27-29, in Garden Grove, California. In a weekend full of interesting and applicable breakout sessions and networking opportunities, CTE Dean Michael Kane gave a luncheon keynote address on how to find happiness by leading a balanced life. Cerro Coso Workshop presentations included: Suzie Ama – “Online Education Initiative Course Design Rubric: A Faculty Perspective”; Karen O’Connor with Steve Wright (State Chancellor’s Office Sector Navigator for Information and Communication Technologies and Digital Media) – “Business Information Worker/Business Office Technology C-ID Crosswalk”; and Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences Chad Houck – “Time to Teach,” a focus on classroom management applicable in both the K12 and community college systems. CCCC faculty Karen O’Connor is CBEA Past President, Frank Timpone serves as Treasurer, and Anthony Damiano was appointed chair of Publicity and Public Relations. Dr. Damiano also received the CBEA Outstanding Business Educator Award. NURTURED. VALUED. Sharing best practices and strategies that reach students inside the classroom and out, allows others to draw on the experiences and expertise of CCCC faculty improving the student experience.

CCCC Adjunct Professor Dr. Anthony Damiano (center) received the CBEA Outstanding Business Educator award from Karen O’Connor (left) CCCC Business Chair and Past President; and Bob Livingston (right) CBEA President.

Transfer Awareness WeekTransfer is a central mission of Cerro Coso Community College and we honor that mission by providing a week of transfer-related services that educate our students about the transfer process and encourage them to consider all of their transfer options. This year’s activities kicked off with a meet and eat on October 2nd. Staff and faculty were present sporting their alma mater gear and sharing information on their own college experiences. A series of workshops throughout the week were offered

and provided information on how to prepare for transfer, the transfer process, programs, and timelines. DIRECTED and FOCUSED. Students have a goal and these activities support their achievement by keeping their eyes on the prize.

Broussard—Live Life to the FullestMeet new Instruction Office Specialist Jaime Broussard, who is not only new to Cerro Coso, but to Ridgecrest as well. In her role at the college, she is responsible for the curriculum process, provides technical review of curriculum, and works closely with the curriculum and instruction committee to prepare catalog and curriculum changes that assist faculty and improve learning opportunities for students. Broussard holds an Associate in Arts degree in Business and is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s in Business Administration. She moved to Ridgecrest wither her partner James, daughter Julia (10), son Max (7), and dog Bella (11). Her positive and social attitude creates a very warm and cheerful work environment. Prepare to expect the unexpected as Broussard lives by the motto “You are a perishable item. Live accordingly.” Directed - maintaining accurate curriculum and instruction information and records allows students to know how to achieve their educational goals. team, sport, and educational goals is Coach Bell’s primary role at Cerro Coso.

Creativity is Key for Nelson

New Associate Teacher Lily Nelson is bringing her creative atmosphere to the Child Development Center. Nelson loves Art and being able to do anything that allows her to express herself, staying true to her motto “Go for it. No matter how it ends, it was an experience.” She loves drawing, painting, playing video games, and gardening. She holds two degrees in Liberal Arts: Arts and Humanities, and Behavioral Sciences, as well as an Associate Teacher Certificate from Cerro Coso and served as student trustee to the Kern Community College District Board of Trustees for the 2015-2016 academic year. Welcome to the Cerro Coso Team, Lily. FOCUSED – programs like the Child Development Center provide not only learning and observational setting but help students stay on track – keeping their eyes on the prize.

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Staff Engagement

EventsNov 2

Thirsty Thursday

Nov. 28 Birthday Lunch PotluckGym 407, 12:00-1:00pm

College DayCollege Day at the Ridgecrest campus was held on Tuesday, October 17th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the lobby of the LRC. Current students were invited to meet representatives from various University of California and California State University campuses as well as private/independent colleges and universities, and HBCU-Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Students gathered information for comparison purposes and asked questions of the representatives about their degree programs. DIRECTED and FOCUSED. The event helps students make choices about where it is best for them to continue their education, and is an integral part of the college’s transfer program.

National Coming Out Day Celebration

Wednesday, October 11, 2017 was National Coming Out Day, established back in 1987 when a half million people participated in an organized March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. Each year this day is marked to promote a safe world for LGBTQ individuals to live truthfully and openly. This year, the Rainbow Club met in the LRC for their National Coming Out Day Celebration with a panel offering a Q&A on the subject. NURTURED. ENGAGED. CONNECTED. Students of our LGBTQ community are safe and valued and events like this support them being engaged and connected on our college campuses.

Great California ShakeOut Earthquake DrillAt 10:19 on Thursday, October 19, 2017, Cerro Coso staff, students, faculty, and administrators joined millions of Californians when they “Dropped, Covered, and Held On” in the Great California ShakeOut, the largest worldwide earthquake drill. The college uses this opportunity to practice how to prepare for, survive, and recover from a damaging earthquake. Every year the college takes this occasion to review and update the Emergency Action Plan, test the college phone and emergency notification systems, and practice what to do in an earthquake, practice safe evacuation, and build on “best practices” and lessons learned. CONNECTED. Practicing safety reminds students that they are a part of the college community.

Marcum—Lives Life as Hot as the DesertNew Industrial Arts Teaching Assistant Tony Marcum is a familiar face around Cerro Coso. Marcum’s mother worked for the college for 20 years, and he served as a student worker before graduating in 2015 with an Associates Degree in Welding Technology. He served in the Marine Corps prior to returning to Ridgecrest with his significant other Heather and their 2-year-old daughter Ava Rose. Marcum embraces life through the words of Ronald Reagan: “If you can’t make them see the light, then make them feel the heat.” FOCUSED. NURTURED. As a Teaching Assistant Marcum provides instructional services that keeps students on track and helps them to succeed.

CTE Counselor Terri Hack

Terri Hack has been promoted to Counselor for Career Technical Education (CTE). She joined the Cerro Coso staff last year as an Educational Advisor. She holds a Bachelor’s in Sociology from Indiana University, and a Master’s in Clinical Counseling from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. Congratulations on your promotion, Terri. DIRECTED. FOCUSED. NURTURED. Hack loves working with the diverse range of students at the college and building relationships that help students navigate what can be a complicated system of resources.

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VeteransDay

Holiday

Nov 10

College closed

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POW! ZANG! BLAM! Pop-Culture Event Packs a Power Punch

With off-the-chart box office sales, it is safe to say most everyone is familiar with superheroes like Batman, Spiderman, and Captain America. Like many things in our culture, the comic book and graphic novel have come full circle and are now more popular than ever. With a new generation of readers, this segment of pop

culture is enjoying a surge of female readership – and according to a survey by Eventbrite, the fandom is now evenly split between women and men. Barnes and Noble College Bookstore jumped on the pop culture bandwagon and held College Con at the Ridgecrest campus. A fun event with raffles, games, and activities, students were invited to show up wearing their favorite comic book gear and take pictures in the photo booth. In store promotions were offered all month. And students were encouraged to turn in a coloring sheet for a free bookmark and a raffle ticket for the chance to win a prize at the end of the month. Barnes and Noble College hopes that events like College Con will help the comic genre broaden its base from just those ‘in the know’ to include new fans. ENGAGED, CONNECTED, and VALUED. College Con, and extracurricular activity, helps students stay engaged, a valued part of the college community, where their interests, talents, and experiences are appreciated.

Building Relationships with the Community

There is nothing more American than mom, apple pie, and county fairs and participating in the Desert Empire Fair is an exciting Cerro Coso tradition. The fair is a high-profile marketing opportunity that allows college staff to interact one-on-one with students, potential students, their families, and community members. The excitement of the children, carnival rides, crafts, quilts, livestock, and food is an excellent time for CCCC to build on community partnerships, cultivate, and nurture the higher educational needs of the communities it serves. Three days, 41 employees and students, and more than 92 volunteer hours is what it took to staff the college’s booth at this year’s fair, October 23-25. There is something for everyone to enjoy at the Desert Empire Fair and Cerro Coso was proud to be a part of the family friendly affair. Student participation in college outreach efforts keeps them ENGAGED and CONNECTED and lets them know their contributions are VALUED.

Bombela Now Groundsworker II

Our congratulations to Carlos Bombela on his recent promotion to Groundsworker II. He joined the Maintenance and Operations crew in 2013 as a Groundsworker I, and he has worked hard at keeping our surroundings one of the most beautiful and scenic spots in Ridgecrest. ENGAGED and CONNECTED. The dedication and hard work of our groundsworkers provide students, staff, and the community with beautiful outdoor spaces for study, interaction, and reflection.

Thanksgiving HolidayNov 23-24

College closed

The Coyote Howler is a publication ofCerro Coso Community College.

For more information about the stories in this publication, or to include information in this publication, contact Natalie

Dorrell, Public Information Manager, at 760-384-6260 oremail ndorrell@cerrocoso.edu.

BAKERSFIELD COLLEGECERRO COSO COMMUNITY COLLEGE

PORTERVILLE COLLEGE

About this Publication

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Cerro Coso Launches Promise ScholarshipCerro Coso Community College (CCCC) and the CCCC Foundation announced the kick-off of a new scholarship targeted at high school graduates, and new, existing, and returning full-time students. The Cerro Coso Promise scholarship is designed to increase the college-going rate of local high school graduates and to help existing students stay on track by removing financial barriers, allowing them to focus on completing their educational goals. An earned scholarship intended for hard-working, dedicated students that deserve an education regardless of

financial or personal status, students who meet the basic criteria will receive up to $1,000 per semester for 2 years to help with tuition, books, and fees after financial aid and scholarships have been applied. “We want to encourage students to go to college locally, take a full load, get a degree or certificate, or transfer to a university,” said Cerro Coso President Jill Board. Starting this spring, eligible Cerro Coso Promise students will also receive priority registration, academic advising, faculty mentors, career planning, and transfer assistance. The scholarship is available to students in the Kern Community College District service area. Students attending the Bishop and Mammoth Lakes campuses qualify for the Inyo and Mono County Promises. “Opening the door to education for those who might otherwise not receive it means providing opportunities that benefit not only the individual as they excel in their academic journey, but also the community in preparing a talented, skilled, and dedicated workforce,” concluded Board. FOCUSED. NURTURED. Cerro Coso is excited to join the national College Promise movement and help their communities succeed with accessible and affordable education.

FOUNDATIONFEATURE

2017 Employee Giving Campaign—You Make A Difference

You understand better than anyone does the challenges that many of our students face. The CCCC Foundation’s Employee Giving Program provides an opportunity for our employees to make an even greater collective impact in the lives of our students.

Every investment, whatever the amount, makes a difference in the lives of our students in very significant ways. It is a voluntary effort and tax deductible.

So Much To Be Thankful ForJoin TODAY!

Contact the Development Office Ext. 6210 for more information

“Thanks to your generous support, I am the first in my family to attend college. I am a single mother to two beautiful children and getting an education when you are on a budget of almost nothing is exceptionally daunting. I consider the opportunity to finish my education through generous donors like you, an absolute blessing. Thank you for investing in my education and in the future of my children.”

–BARBARA