Weekly updates will not be posted during the summer.  The updates will continue at the start of the fall semester.

Best wishes for a healthy, safe and happy summer!

As the semester comes to a close, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all employees for making this a successful academic year for our students and institution. It is my hope you are able to get some respite during the summer.

Below is a brief recap of my Campus Engagement activities from the previous week.

Campus Engagement

• This week’s highlight was the 2023 Commencement Ceremony where we honored close to 600 graduating students (nearly 4,000 degrees and certificates were awarded this academic year). A special note of gratitude to the Student Life and Leadership team! Sherry Titus, Pippa Pierce, and Kimberly Rocca we appreciate your extraordinary leadership. The event was outstanding thanks to your detailed planning. Also, my sincere appreciation for the countless contributors that made this event possible! Your efforts do not go unnoticed and are sincerely appreciated by the entire institution!
• Attended Professor Wing Cheung’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Student Service-Learning student presentations. The caliber of work these students are engaging in, under his direction, is incredible. I left with a newfound appreciation for the GIS field.
• Attended Professor Lisa Cecere’s cinema class screening. This is my second year attending the event, and I always am impressed by the talent and creativity our students demonstrate. Thank you, Professor Cecere, for your investment in these accomplished students.
• Attended the Umoja Rites of Passage Ceremony. The overall feeling of this event was one of gratitude for the caring support students received throughout the year. Thank you, Professors Kyle Owens, and Richard Carr for creating a welcoming/caring environment that supported student success. I would also like to extend another note of appreciation to all those who have supported Umoja all year long.
• Attended the Architecture and Interior Design Open House at the Rancho Bernardo Education Center. The architecture students designed a conceptual amphitheater to host the MODA Fashion Show, and the results were incredible. The Interior Design student projects were equally impressive. The level of professional standards applied to their projects was inspiring. Professors Joseph Lucido and Jessica Newman, my compliments to you on another year of impressive-professional student projects.
• Attended the always wonderful Nurses Pinning Ceremony. Thank you to the entire Nursing Education Department for consistently producing well-prepared graduates year after year!
• Attended the inaugural Asian Pacific Islander Graduates Celebration. Thank you, Angela Kong, Monica Diego Schmidt, and all the members of the Asian Pacific Alliance in Higher Education (APAHE) for organizing this first of its kind event in the history of Palomar College. A special thank you to Trustee Dr. Judy Patacsil for serving as the keynote speaker at the event.
• Attended the Certificate Ceremony for the first class of the Escondido Union School District and Palomar College Paraeducator Partnership. A special note of gratitude to all who made this partnership possible. Thank you for your efforts Laurel Anderson, Gina Wilson, Kerry Diaz, Teresa Laughlin, and Diane Studinka. I would also like to commend the entire Child Development & Education Department for finding creative ways to expand their course offerings to the community. Their second cohort is already full!
• Attended the Celebration of Black Graduates. Thank you, and congratulations, to Professor Amber Colbert, Cheryl Kearse, and all members of the Palomar Black Faculty and Staff Association (PBFSA) for hosting a spectacular and entertaining event. The Yiriba Drummers and the Tanzanite African Acrobatics were phenomenal!
• Attended back-to-back Palomar College Symphony Orchestra performances. The first was a performance by the Fortissimo Youth String Orchestra. Young musicians performed side-by side with members of our Palomar Symphony Orchestra. A special thank you to Fortissimo’s Director Shannon Yandall for her dedication to training the next generation of musicians. After Fortissimo played, the Palomar Symphony Orchestra took the stage for the “Magic of Nature” performance. I am not exaggerating when I say it was an outstanding performance! Thank you, Dr. Ellen Weller. You are a musical genius, and your love for your students is evident. Congratulations for ending the year on such a high note (pun intended).
• Attended the Budget Committee meeting.
• Met with Faculty Senate leadership.
• Met with Council of Classified Employees leadership.
• Hosted Executive President’s Cabinet.
• Participated in ongoing Faculty interviews.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Upcoming Events

• In honor of Pride Month, Palomar College will host a Progressive Pride Flag Raising ceremony on June 1^st on the San Marcos campus. The event begins at 12:30 PM.
• Register now for the Hispanic Serving Institution Fall 2023 Book Club! This year’s selection is Dr. Gina Ann Garcia’s new book: “Transforming Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) for Equity and Justice.” Dr. Garcia is a leading scholar on Hispanic Serving Institutions and an Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh. Join us for an interactive book club to understand the framework that will help Palomar College, a Hispanic Serving Institution, transform into a space of liberation that promotes racial equity and social justice. The first 50 people to register will get a free copy of the book. To register, please access this link.

Comets of the Week

The Comets of the Week are Laurel Anderson and Gina Wilson from the Child Development & Education Department for facilitating and developing Palomar’s new Paraeducator Certificate Program in partnership with Escondido Union School District. They both worked hard to make this project a reality and supported the partnership through every step of the way.

Please note, I will take a hiatus from the weekly email through the summer. However, feel free to follow me on social media and stay connected with exciting weekly happenings.

Have a great summer! Go Comets!

For pictures of the various events, follow:
Facebook: @palomardrstar
Instagram: @palomardrstar
Twitter: @palomardrstar

I hope this update finds everyone in good spirits as we head into the last week of the semester. Commencement is around the corner, and it will take place this Friday, May 26^th, 2023, at 5:00 pm. We hope to see everyone there!

Campus Engagement

• Participated in ongoing faculty interviews.
• Hosted Executive President’s Cabinet.
• Hosted President’s Cabinet.
• Met with Palomar Faculty Federation leadership.
• Attended the Educational & Facilities Vision Plan Coordinators meeting.
• Attended the Puente Project’s End of the Year Celebration. Thank you, Dr. Cynthia Cordova, and Sonia Gutierrez, for your incredible leadership.
• Attended the HyFlex Service Learning Reception. Congratulations Angela Kong and Gina Wilson for all your hard work this academic year.
• Attended a workshop with San Diego Poet Laureate Dr. Jason Magabo Perez in support of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Thank you to the Asian Pacific Alliance in Higher Education (APAHE) for organizing and hosting this beautiful-engaging event.
• Attended the Research Methods in Psychology Spring Poster Fair. I appreciate the invite Dr. Netta Schroer, and thank you to all who made this successful event possible!
• Attended the Bravura Gala. Thank you, Dr. Leanne Maunu, for the invitation to this phenomenal event! I was very moved by the student talent!
• Attended the Fire Academy Graduation. Great job John Thompson, Fire Academy Coordinator, and all the Faculty and Staff who make the Fire Technology Program the incredible success it is.
• Attended the Associated Student Government Banquet. Thank you, Pippa Pierce, Sherry Titus, and Kimberly Rocca for all the phenomenal work you do with these student leaders year-round.
• Attended the MODA Fashion Show. Thank you for extending the invite Rita Campo-Griggs and a note of appreciation to all who made this event remarkable.
• Attended the Faculty Dance Concert. The over 100 performers were spectacular. Thank you, Patriceann Mead and the awesome faculty and crew who make this yearly event possible.
• Attended the Phi Theta Kappa Induction Ceremony. Outstanding work Dana O’Callaghan and Jennifer Backman on the well-organized, student-focused Saturday event.
• Attended the Candidate Campus Forums for the Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Student Services position.

The forums were recorded and are available for online viewing:

Candidate 1: Dr. Eliazer “Ellie” Ayala-Austin forum link: https://vimeo.com/828030782/b8a478bf3b.
Candidate 2: Nick Mata forum link: https://vimeo.com/828028365/c6246bae6f.
Candidate 3: Dr. Nicole Jones forum link: https://vimeo.com/828131841/639c01f9fb.

To provide feedback on the candidates please take the online survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VPSS2023.
Comments on the finalists will be accepted until noon on Friday, May 26^th.

Community Engagement

• Met with UC Davis Wheelhouse Cohort 6 via Zoom. Thank you, Chancellor Francisco Rodriguez for hosting the event.
• Attended A Step Beyond’s Board Networking event.

Campus News

• This week (May 21^st– 27^th), is Classified School Employee Week designed to celebrate support staff and paraprofessionals who help our District succeed. We salute our classified colleagues for all the essential work they perform. In order to not compete with the last week of the semester, we are excited to officially celebrate them June 5^th– 9^th.
• Congratulations Coach Lacey Craft, assistant coaches, and the Palomar College softball team for placing 2^nd in the entire state!
• Please note, earlier this week, you should have received a survey in your email about my performance as the Superintendent/President. The survey is anonymous, and the aggregated information will be shared with the Governing Board and myself. The survey closes on May 31^st at 5pm. Thank you in advance for participating.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Upcoming Events

• Register now for the HSI Fall 2023 Book Club! This year’s Book Club will focus on Dr. Gina Ann Garcia’s new book: “Transforming Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) for Equity and Justice.” Dr. Gina Ann Garcia is a leading scholar on Hispanic Serving Institutions and an Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh. Join us for an interactive book club to understand the framework that will help Palomar, a Hispanic Serving Institution, transform into a space of liberation that promotes racial equity and social justice. The first 50 people to register will get a free copy of the book. Everyone is welcomed! To register, access this link.

Educational and Facilities Vision Plan Update

The Educational and Facilities Plan Task Force met on Thursday, May 18^th. They reviewed the results of the Facilities Conditions report and discussed their observations and ideas for the San Marcos campus and our Education Centers. The Task Force will continue to meet over the summer to complete the Facilities Vision Plan.

Comet of the Week

The Comet of the Week is Dianna Trujillo-Hernandez, our Social Media Specialist. Dianna works very hard to capture all of Palomar’s student engagement activities and special celebrations. Her commitment to Palomar is to be admired. Thank you, Dianna, for helping us show the world how awesome we are!

Have a great upcoming week. Go Comets!

For pictures of the various events, follow:
Twitter: @palomardrstar
Instagram: @palomardrstar
Facebook: @palomardrstar

I hope this update finds everyone in good spirits as we head into the new week. Below is a brief recap of my Campus and Community Engagement activities from the previous week.

As many of you know, on Monday, May 8^th, Palomar’s San Marcos campus was placed on lockdown at 8:11 p.m. due to information received from the Sheriff’s Department indicating shots were fired at a nearby sports complex. Campus police responded quickly to this information and a lockdown was issued out of an abundance of caution. Campus police remained in close communication throughout the lockdown with the Sheriff’s Department to protect the campus from an emerging threat. At 9:28 p.m. the lockdown was cleared. Campus police remained onsite to assist employees and students leaving campus. Your safety and well-being remain our top priority.  We are appreciative of our partnership with the Sheriff’s Department and our Campus Police. We remain committed to keeping our campus as safe as possible. Since the incident, we have debriefed, collected input from campus stakeholders, and are exploring ways to continue to improve our District’s response to such incidents.

We understand the lockdown may have been a triggering event for some, and we want to make sure you are aware of the resources available to you. Employees have access to our Employee Assistance Programs and students can contact our Behavioral Health Services team. Access to these resources is a phone call away. The information is provided below.

Employees
Anthem Employee Assistance Program, (800) 999-7222; AnthemEAP.com/sisc Company Code = sisc
VOYA Employee Assistance Program, (877) 533-2363; TDD: (800) 697-0353, guidanceresources.com, WebID = My5848i

Students
Behavioral Health Services (760) 891-7531

Campus Engagement

• Hosted Executive President’s Cabinet.
• Participated in ongoing faculty interviews.
• Attended the Budget Committee meeting.
• Attended our Regular Governing Board meeting.
• Attended the All Campus Forum for our Educational and Facilities Vision Plan.
• Attended the EOPS/SSS/Promise Graduation Celebration.
• Attended the “Current Waves” student composer concert.
• Attended the “Defying Gravity” play.
• Attended this week’s Access & Equity Hour with the DRC. Presenters were Candace Rose and Tina Barlolong who discussed the benefits of Credit for Prior Learning.
• Attended two campus events in honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander History Month. The first event was the AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) Young Professionals Panel. The second event was a discussion of the film Chinatown Rising.
• Attended the Transfer Recognition Ceremony.
• Attended the “Comets Launch into Registration” event.
• Attended the La Raza Graduation Ceremony for our Latinx students hosted by ALASS (Association of Latinos & Allies for Student Success).
• Attended the 1^st annual Pride Prom event.
• Spoke at the Pride Center’s “Pride 2023” event.
• Attended the Annual Employee Recognition Extravaganza. A special congratulations to all the nominees and winners! Several awards were given out, including: Administrative Association Employee of the Year- Adrianne Lee, CAST Employee of the Year- Timothy Cross, Classified Employee of the Year- Yvette Maynard, Distinguished Faculty full-time winner- Elizabeth (Betsy) Pain, and Distinguished Faculty part-time winner- Chase Way.

Community Engagement

• Attended the North County Higher Education Alliance (NCHEA) Board meeting. NCHEA is an amazing collaboration between California State University San Marcos, MiraCosta College, and Palomar College that helps to build strong alliances between our institutions that support our students and the North County community.
• Attended A Step Beyond’s Board meeting. 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Upcoming Events

• The Asian Pacific Alliance in Higher Education (APAHE) will continue to host events this week in honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. For a list of all upcoming events, head over to the APAHE website. Let us amplify the voices of our AANHPI community by learning and engaging together. Faculty, please consider offering extra credit for your students attending AANHPI Month events.

Educational and Facilities Vision Plan Update

On Thursday, we held an all-campus forum to discuss the role and focus of our Education Centers as we plan for our future. Close to 100 campus community members participated in the forum! During the forum, a brief overview of our progress on our Educational and Facilities Vision Plan was presented. Also, described were some of the program areas of focus we are considering for each Center based on the review of data and information provided in our listening sessions. Participants then moved into breakout sessions and provided their ideas and feedback. Task force members will collate the ideas collected, sorting them into themes so they can inform future plans for the Centers. Thank you to everyone who participated.

In Other Campus News

• KPBS did a video feature on Palomar’s partnership with the MAAC Project. The video at this link.
• Last week was Teacher Appreciation Week. I would like to recognize all the great teachers here at Palomar that made this academic year awesome for our students.
• Last week was National Nurses Week. The theme for the 2023 Nurses Week was “Our Nurses. Our Future”. Thank you to all our current and future nurses for all you do to care and nurture us all.
• Congratulations to Head Coach Lacey Craft and Assistant Coaches Mark Eldridge, Allie Hughen, and Megan Wachholtz, for being named PCAC Softball Coaching Staff of the Year!

Comets of the Week

The Comets of the Week are Dr. Abbie Cory (Pride Center Co-Director and English Professor) and Dylan Davison (Pride Center Assistant) for the fantastic job planning and hosting this year’s Queer Pride and Prom! I had the pleasure of attending both events and they were flawlessly executed. Thank you both for helping make our LGBTQIA+ student population, and employees, feel welcomed and included.

Have a great upcoming week. Go Comets!

For pictures of the various events, follow:
Twitter: @palomardrstar
Instagram: @palomardrstar
Facebook: @palomardrstar

I hope this update finds everyone in good spirits as we head into the new week. Below is a brief recap of my Campus and Community Engagement activities from the previous week.

Campus Engagement

• Attended and spoke at the Palomar College Community Showcase. Congratulation to the 2023 Comet Award winner, Klaus Kirchhoff, for his generous gift to support student success. I would also like to thank Dr. Nora Kenney, Acting Director of the Rising Scholars Program, for her wonderful presentation on the work and progress the program has accomplished since its inception. Also, thank you to our Rising Scholars speakers and volunteers who attended. And of course, a huge thank you to Foundation Executive Director Stacy Rungaitis, and her team who made this event the tremendous success it was! We had over 300 attendees and dozens of volunteers who helped to make this event memorable. Thank you all!
• Attended the Pre-Board Agenda review meeting.
• Attended Commencement preparation meeting.
• Participated in ongoing faculty interviews. A special note of gratitude to Special Administrator, Dr. Diane Studinka, who has covered for me on several occasions/numerous events in order for me to participate in all scheduled interviews. Her assistance has been invaluable!
• Hosted President’s Cabinet.

Community Engagement

• Attended the Community College League of California’s Annual Trustee Conference in Monterey, California. The Annual Trustees Conference is designed to strengthen the skills and knowledge required of trustees to lead the Palomar District. Trustees in attendance included Trustee Jacqueline Kaiser, Trustee Dr. Judy Patacsil, Trustee Roberto Rodriguez, and Trustee Cassandra Schaeg. Also, congratulations to Trustee Rodriguez for completing his Effective Trustee Training! Thank you, Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Instruction, Dr. Tina Recalde for serving as Acting President on Thursday and Friday while I was traveling with the Board.
• Conducted an interview with KPBS reporter Tania Thorne to discuss Palomar’s partnership with the MAAC Project. The MAAC Project is dedicated to transforming lives and strengthening communities through high-quality programs. I am excited to partner with this reputable organization, and it was very nice to get to better know MAAC CEO Arnulfo Manriquez during the filming.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Upcoming Events and News

• The second annual Queer Pride event at Palomar College will take place on Wednesday, May 10^th from 11:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. This event is an important opportunity for faculty, staff, and administrators to demonstrate their support for our LGBTQ+ students and employees here on campus. Come help us create a space to celebrate the progress we’ve made toward being an inclusive campus. For details, check out the event flyer. Volunteers are still needed to help on the day of the event. Those interested in volunteering, or those who would like to have a booth, can sign up through this flyer.
• The Pride Center is also holding a Queer Prom this year on Wednesday, May 10^th from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. in the Student Union building. There will be a prize for the best dressed! Find more information within the event flyer here.
• Join the Palomar Asian Pacific Alliance in Higher Education (APAHE) in celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. For a list of all planned events, head over to the APAHE website. Let us amplify the voices of our AANHPI community by learning and engaging together. Faculty, please consider offering extra credit for your students attending AANHPI Month events.
• Palomar College is excited to launch a new learning series focused on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Antiracism (IDEAA), qualities that our college continues to embrace. The “IDEAAs for All” course is in the Professional Development Portal and is available to all employees. This optional comprehensive 22-hour course is divided into 5 Modules. To access these exciting new learning modules, first view this instructional video. The video will guide you through locating and launching the various modules. Once you have launched an “IDEAAs for All” module, please follow the instructions found in the “How Do I Navigate the IDEAAs Course” video.
• Congratulations to the winners and nominees of the 2022-2023 Exceptional Faculty Member Award for Exemplary Accessibility, Inclusion, and Anti-Ableist Teaching and Learning Practices! The winners are Professor of Performing Arts Francis Gercke, Professor of Art Ryan Bulis, and Professor of Math Daniel Clegg. Nominees were Rita Campo Griggs-Fashion Merchandising and Design, Gina Sanders-Math, Elizabeth Pain-Anthropology, Genevieve Griffin-Psychology, John O’Loughlin-American Sign Language, Alyssa Vafaei-DRC, Tina Barlolong-Counseling, and Liz Mendoza-American Sign Language-English Translation & Interpreting Services. Thank you to everyone who nominated these instructors.

Upcoming Events and Campus News

• Join Associated Student Government for Comet Hour in the Student Union on Wednesday, May 10^th from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.! For details and more information, check out the event flyer.
• In preparation for Summer and Fall registration, Student Services has planned a series of class registration support sessions called, Comets Launch into Registration! The first Comets Launch into Registration event will take place on Friday, May 12^th, 2023, starting at 4:00 p.m. at the San Marcos campus. Please RSVP on the Student Success website. In addition to the May 12^th event, we will have ongoing class registration and education planning support throughout the end of spring and summer. For more information, please refer to the event flyer. If you have any questions, please contact Student Success Coordinator, Fabiola Hernandez at fhernandez@palomar.edu.

Educational and Facilities Vision Plan Update

Please join our all-campus forum to discuss the role of our Education Centers as part of our new Educational and Facilities Vision Plan (EFVP). This is an exciting time for us! As you know, we are continuing to craft our Educational and Facilities Vision Plan, titled Vision Plan 2035. This plan will serve as a blueprint for our programs and facilities over the next 12 years. While our comprehensive San Marcos campus will continue to serve and support our community, an important component of our long-range planning process includes considering how we can best establish our Education Centers to further support the needs of the residents in our district. During the forum, we will seek your ideas and feedback as we discuss potential opportunities for each of the Education Centers. The forum will be held on Thursday, May 11^th from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. in LRC-438. A zoom option is also available. Here is the Zoom link: https://palomar-edu.zoom.us/j/84585556861. We look forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas.

Comet of the Week

The Comet of the Week is Dual Enrollment Supervisor Jennifer Finn for her “third-party” assistance with the Associated Student Government Election Committee and voting process. Thank you, Jennifer, for facilitating the election and helping our students learn the value of this important process. Your help is greatly appreciated! Please visit the ASG website to view election results.

Have a great upcoming week. Go Comets!

For pictures of the various events, follow:
Twitter: @palomardrstar
Instagram: @palomardrstar
Facebook: @palomardrstar

I hope this update finds everyone in good spirits as we head into the new week. Below is a brief recap of my Campus and Community Engagement activities from the previous week.

Campus Engagement

• Participated in ongoing faculty interviews.
• Hosted Executive President’s Cabinet meeting.
• Attended the Budget Committee meeting where we discussed what metrics we are planning to use to have common definitions when evaluating our District’s fiscal health.
• Visited Counselor Brittany Wong’s Counseling 110 classroom where I had the opportunity to speak with her students about educational pathways and careers.
• Attended the Special Governing Board Meeting where the Trustees learned more about our institution’s demographics, and we reviewed several institutional effectiveness metrics.
• Attended the Coffee with a Cop event at the TLC.
• Attended a meeting with the Professional Development team to conduct a follow-up and planning meeting for plenary.
• Met with our Black/African American Community Advisory Council.
• Attended the North County Choral Festival at the Howard Brubeck Theatre. Choirs from around North County performed. Dr. John Russell (Palomar College Director of Choral and Vocal Studies) was joined by Dr. Christopher Gravis who presented clinics for each performing ensemble in this first annual event.
• Attended the VET NET Ally Training. This training is designed to introduce participants to military/vet culture in order to learn how to be a vet student ally. Thank you, Jessica Horn for bringing this important programming to our campus employees.
• Met with College Council.
• Attended a performance at Dizzy’s featuring two of our talented faculty musicians, Heather Barclay, and Dr. Steven Gray as they performed with 8 plus 88. They also performed this week during our Palomar Concert Hour event.

Community Engagement

• Attended several webinars to support Black Student Success Week sponsored by the State Chancellor’s Office. The webinars discussed immediate opportunities to support Black/African American student success. I appreciated that the student voice was at the center of all the workshops, and I appreciated the “best practices” shared about how to close the racial equity gap. If you missed the 2023 Black Student Success Week webinars, you can find the recordings here.
• Attended A Step Beyond’s College and Career meeting to see how to best support students from the program who will be attending Palomar in the fall.
• Attended the COLEGAS webinar titled, “DSPS through a Racialized Lens: Clearing El Camino for Students with Disabilities.” This webinar discussed and debunked what disability is and stressed the importance of accessibility whether one identifies as having a disability or not.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Upcoming Events and News

• The second annual Queer Pride event at Palomar College will take place next month on May 10^th from 11:00a.m.-2:00p.m. This event is an important opportunity for faculty, staff, and administrators to demonstrate their support for our LGBTQ+ students and employees here on campus. Come help us create a space to celebrate the progress we’ve made toward being an inclusive campus. For details, check out the event flyer. Volunteers are still needed to help out on the day of the event. Those interested in volunteering, or those who would like to have a booth, can sign up through this flyer.
• The Pride Center is holding a Queer Prom this year on May 10^th from 4:00p.m.-6:00p.m. in the SU building. There will be a prize for best dressed! Find more information within the event flyer here.
• May is Military Appreciation Month, to all that have served or are serving our country, we want to say, thank you for your service and sacrifice.
• May is Jewish American Heritage Month. Jewish American Heritage Month is a celebration of the contributions and experiences of Jewish Americans and highlights how America’s Jewish communities have shaped and been shaped by the cultural, social, and economic fabric of the United States. A toolkit for ideas to support and engage can be found through this link.
• May is also Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month – a celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. The Asian Pacific Alliance in Higher Education (APAHE) at Palomar College is preparing a series of events in the upcoming weeks to celebrate. For details of all events please visit the APAHE website.

Campus Events and News

• Administrative Professional Day occurred on Wednesday, April 26^th. I would like to thank all our Administrative Professionals here at Palomar College for making our lives better on a daily basis. Our District could not function without you!
• This past week was also National Library Week. Libraries are essential to everyone’s education, and they deserve to be recognized and promoted. I am very proud of Palomar’s libraries and our fantastic-dedicated librarians.
• The Associated Student Government (ASG) will be hosting a Student Focused Q&A Session with Congressman Scott Peters on May 2^nd from 11:00a.m.-12:00p.m. Here is the event flyer for more information.
• The Health Services Showcase will take place on May 2^nd from 1:00p.m.-3:00p.m. Please stop by the department on the San Marcos campus to tour the refreshed spaces and meet the team. In addition to a tour, they will have music, and an ice cream truck. The Student Health Center area, the Behavioral Health Counseling Services area, and the Health Promotion area will be featured. All are invited.
• Our first enrollment Spring Music Festival will take place on May 4^th from 1:00p.m.-6:00p.m. under the clock tower. There is a great line-up of bands who will be performing, and resource tents will be there to provide information on all the outstanding programs Palomar has to offer. Our goal is to hold new types of events to attract potential students. Check out the event flyer here.
• The Annual Employee Recognition Extravaganza is coming up on May 12^th from 1:30p.m.-4:00p.m. I am looking forward to celebrating all our outstanding employees! Here is the event flyer for more details.
• Access the Early Childhood Education Lab School (ECELS) spring newsletter here. I always love reading it, so I wanted to share widely!
• Congratulations to the Media Studies Department on their successful Media Day events this past week!
• Congratulations to our Palomar Speech and Debate Team on their semi-annual Evening of Forensics Speech Showcase this past week! I am already looking forward to the next one.

Educational and Facilities Vision Plan Update

The Educational and Facilities Plan Task Force met on April 20^th. During the meeting, the Task Force discussed linkages between the educational vision plan’s goals and objectives and college facilities. The task force agreed to keep working during the summer to ensure we complete our Vision Plan in the fall. A big thank you to the task force members for all their work and their commitment to completing this plan.

Comets of the Week

The Comets of the Week are the Emergency Medical Education (EME) students and faculty members Sarah DeSimone, Michael Finton, and Skip Clark. This week the Palomar College Foundation hosted a naming event celebration at the Escondido Education Center. Donors, consisting of 30 members of the Assistance League of Inland North County, came to visit so we could thank them for providing scholarships to our students and to showcase their naming plaque in the EME classroom. Faculty members Sarah DeSimone, Michael Finton, and Skip Clark went above and beyond by not just bringing a couple of students, as requested, for the donors to meet, but instead the entire class came to extend their appreciation! The students in paramedic uniforms mingled with our donors and thanked them for supporting their educational journey. Additionally, Sarah and Michael’s meaningful words to the group spoke volumes. This organic, humble, personal touch meant the world to our donors and was simply priceless.

Have a great upcoming week. Go Comets!

For pictures of the various events, follow:
Twitter: @palomardrstar
Instagram: @palomardrstar
Facebook: @palomardrstar

I hope this update finds everyone in good spirits as we head into the new week. Below is a brief recap of my Campus and Community Engagement activities from the previous week.

Campus Engagement

• Attended the Fallbrook Education Center’s Community Advisory Council meeting.
• Attended a pre-meeting for the 2023-2024 Emergency Preparedness Training Plan.
• Attended the Educational and Facilities Planning Task Force meeting. The meeting focused on the types of facilities we will need over the next 12 years.
• Attended the “Fresh” exhibition at the Boehm Gallery. Congratulations to all the talented artists for producing such a memorable exhibition.
• Attended the Art Department’s Open House. It was all very impressive, and I had the good fortune of experiencing a phenomenal demonstration by our foundry program.
• Attended the Early Childhood Education Lab School Open House-San Marcos. I always enjoy seeing the quality programming our baby comets experience!
• Attended the Tarde de Familia event at the student union. Thank you to all who organized, and participated, in this year’s spectacular community outreach event.
• Attended Latin Nights at the Howard Brubeck Theatre. Congratulations to all the students and faculty involved in producing another outstanding, entertaining, and memorable event.
• Attended this week’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Speaker Series event. This event featured two presentations by Paul Grossman (Retired Civil Rights Attorney) and Jamie Axelrod (Disability Resources Director at Northern Arizona University). The presenters reviewed the evolution of the Disability Rights Movement, taught us how to be a disability ally on campus, and clarified the rights and responsibilities under disability laws for professors. Thank you, Disability Resource Center, Human Resources, and Professional Development, for bringing these experts to our campus.
• Spoke at the annual Palomar College Retiree’s Association (PACRA) Luncheon. I always enjoy spending time with this fantastic group of retired employees who continue to support our institution in a variety of ways.
• Hosted Executive President’s Cabinet meeting.
• Hosted President’s Cabinet meeting.
• Hosted monthly Open Office Hours.
• Hosted a commencement review meeting.
• Hosted separate standing meetings with CCE, PFF, AA/CAST and Faculty Senate leadership.

Community Engagement

• Conducted an interview with NBC 7 San Diego reporter Dana Williams who will be featuring Palomar College in an upcoming story.
• Attended the Fallbrook Avocado Festival, where Palomar had a booth. The festival was attended by thousands of people, and I am very proud of all our outstanding employees who spent their Sunday outreaching in our community. The Palomar booth was extremely popular, and I cannot thank Ryan Williams and Yvette Maynard enough for their exceptional leadership in making this event a success!

Upcoming Events and Campus News

• Media Days returns this week beginning Monday, April 24^th. Please join us for one or more of the informative panels, workshops, or career and academic advising sessions occurring throughout the week. For details and the schedule of events, check out the event flyer.
• Palomar College and CSU San Marcos are partners in presenting the Education Without Borders Celebration event on Tuesday, May 2^nd. For details check out the event flyer.  If you have a question, please contact Dr. Leslie Salas at lsalas@palomar.edu.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Upcoming Events and News

• As we continue our focus on initiatives that address student success and completion, I invite you to join us April 24–April 28, 2023, from noon – 1:00 p.m. each day as we celebrate Black Student Success Week. This year’s theme is “Vision to Action: Building Systems and Structures for Black Student Success.” The webinars are designed for administrators, faculty, staff, and students and will feature insights and panel discussions on how to best support the success of Black students. After each webinar, we will be hosting “watch parties” and providing a light lunch in LRC-116 to view and discuss the webinar series developed by the State Chancellor’s Office to see how we can best use the information for our Palomar students. Registration is open at this event website. We will also host a variety of local Skillshops and workshops throughout the week. A complete schedule can be found on the Palomar College website. For a summary of details, see this event flyer.
• Monday, April 24^th is Genocide Remembrance Day. Palomar College will join other institutions in the opportunity to reflect on past and present genocides, including, but not limited to, the Holocaust, Holodomor, and the Genocides of the Armenian, Assyrian, Greek, Cambodian, Rwandan, and Indigenous communities. Throughout the remainder of the month, the library at our Rancho Bernardo Education Center is hosting virtual and in-library book displays titled “What Was Lost, What Was Saved”. The display is designed to increase our knowledge about the 6 million Jewish people and 11 million non-Jewish people who were targeted and murdered. In addition, we will learn about the triumphs of people who escaped, resisted, rescued, and will forever be reminders to the rest of us to never forget. For more information, please view the event flyer.
• The second annual Queer Pride event at Palomar College will take place next month on Wednesday, May 10^th. This event is an important opportunity for faculty, staff, and administrators to demonstrate their support for our LGBTQ+ students and employees here on campus. Queer Pride is especially important as we see the rise of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments across the country. Come help us create a space to celebrate the progress we’ve made toward being an inclusive campus. For details, check out the event flyer. Volunteers are still needed to help out on the day of the event. Those interested in volunteering, or those who would like to have a booth, can sign up through this flyer.
• Great news! Palomar College has been selected as one of 20 California Community Colleges to receive the Native American Student Support and Success Program Grant (NASSSP). This grant will allow us to expand our services and support our Native American students on our campus and in our District.
• Palomar’s Cafeteria has been made more welcoming, accessible, and inclusive! A blind/low-vision student, brought to our attention that there was an access barrier in our cafeteria. After several meetings and discussions with Food Service Director-Nick Menotti, support from DRC’s Sarah Baker and Dan Dryden the following was accomplished: 1) QR codes to accessible menus to allow blind/low vision students to know what food is prepared/available. 2) Braille labels on the Fountain drink machine. 3) and the creation of Braille menus. The DRC would like to extend their appreciation to Nick for making these critical changes in a timely manner. Also, a huge note of gratitude to our wonderful DRC student for his courage and advocacy to make necessary changes to our campus experience to be more accessible, usable, and inclusive for our entire community.

Comets of the Week

The Comets of the Week are the Palomar winners of the San Diego Chapter, American Association for Women in Community Colleges (SDCAAWCC) 2023 Phenomenal Women of the Year Region X awards. The recipients are Student Woman of the Year-Breeana Stephens, Faculty Woman of the Year-Dr. Susan Miller, Classified Woman of the Year-Cheryl Kearse, and Administrator Woman of the Year-Teresa Laughlin. Congratulations to you all for this well-deserved recognition. Please mark your calendars and plan to join SDCAAWCC for their annual Recognition Ceremony on Friday, May 5^th, from 11:00a.m.-2:00p.m. at the Educational Cultural Complex at the San Diego College of Continuing Education. Lunch will be provided. Register for the event by clicking on this event flyer.

Have a great upcoming week. Go Comets!

For pictures of the various events, follow:
Twitter: @palomardrstar
Instagram: @palomardrstar
Facebook: @palomardrstar

I hope this update finds everyone in good spirits as we head into the new week. Below is a brief recap of my Campus and Community Engagement activities from the previous week.

Campus Engagement

• Participated in ongoing faculty interviews.
• Attended the Budget Committee meeting.
• Attended a Special Executive President’s Cabinet meeting where we discussed critical elements of the Educational and Facilities Vision Plan.
• Attended various sessions of our outstanding Political Economy Days (PED). The purpose of PED is to broaden students’ exposure to political, economic, and historical topics. This year’s PED featured lectures by professors from Palomar College, Mesa College, CSU San Marcos, UC San Diego, and various others. A special thank you to our Palomar faculty members Peter Bowman, Jennifer Herrera, Anastasia Zavodny, Mark Malebranche, and Gary Castaneda who organized this semester’s program. I would like to especially highlight the hard work of faculty members Herrera and Zavodny. They performed the logistical, promotional, and technical work that made the event a success. Thank you all for another awesome PED event!
• Attended the Regular Governing Board Meeting. At this meeting, the Board called for nominations for the Election of Officers. Congratulations to new Board President Roberto Rodriguez, Board Vice President Judy Patacsil, and Board Secretary Michelle Rains. At the same meeting we had an update on the Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team’s (FCMAT) recommendations. Also, the Independent Citizens Oversight Committee’s (ICOC) 2021-22 Annual Report was accepted and approved.
• Attended the Educational & Facilities Vision Plan Coordinators meeting. At this meeting, we worked on finalizing the Educational Plan and continue the work on our Facilities Plan.
• Attended the College Council meeting where we had a presentation on our District’s Basic Needs effort and discussed other general operational priorities.
• Attended the Disabled Student Experience Panel, one of the Disability Resource Center’s many wonderful Access & Equity Hour events. It was fantastic to hear directly from our students about what we are doing well and what we still need to focus on to support student success.

Community Engagement

• Attended the Vista Chamber of Commerce’s “Meet the Leaders” event. I enjoyed the opportunity to listen to our local leaders and to explore potential opportunities for Palomar College. The event featured Congressman Mike Levin, State Senator Catherine Blakespear, Assembly Member Laurie Davies, County Supervisor Jim Desmond, and Vista Mayor John Franklin.
• Met with the San Diego North Economic Development Council Board of Directors, who held their meeting at the San Marcos campus. Thank you, administrators Tina Recalde, Susan Wyche, Nichol Roe, and Julie Lanthier Bandy, for supporting the event and organizing a campus tour.

Educational and Facilities Vision Plan Update

• The Educational and Facilities Vision Plan Task Force is scheduled to meet Thursday, April 20th. During the meeting, the Task Force will consider the connections between the Educational Vision plan’s goals and objectives and college facilities. In future meetings, they will review facility analysis reports for the San Marcos campus and the Education Centers. The team will also contribute observations gained by the tours that took place of our different sites. This work is exciting as we consider the future of our district and how our indoor and outdoor spaces will serve the needs of our campus community.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Upcoming Events and News

• April is federally proclaimed as Second Chance Month, for the purpose of, “recognizing the importance of helping individuals, communities, and agencies across the country appreciate their role in supporting the safe and successful reentry of millions of people returning from incarceration each year. Second Chance Month aims to inform and highlight the many opportunities for state, local, and tribal governments, and community-based service providers to build meaningful second chances for our returning community members.” Learn more about our own Rising Scholars Program and Palomar’s continuing efforts to support these students.
• On Monday, April 17^th, we have two exciting DRC focused workshops scheduled. They will be led by renowned expert attorneys Paul Grossman and Jamie Axelrod. Their presentations will shed light on the evolution of the disability rights movement, provide information on how to be a disability ally and discuss the rights and responsibilities written in disability laws. You can either participate in person (LRC 438) or via Zoom. Here is the flyer to sign up.
• Tarde de Familia will take place on Friday, April 21^st from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Student Union. Please mark your calendars and spread the word by sharing the social media flyer. For any questions, or for more information, contact the Association of Latinos and Allies for Student Success at alass@palomar.edu
• Registration is now open for the 2023 Black Student Success Week, scheduled for April 24^th through April 28^th. This year’s theme is “Vision to Action: Building Systems and Structures for Black Student Success.” Register for webinar events through this link. Webinars listed for the 12:00 p.m. events can be watched in person in LRC-116. For the in-person events, a light lunch will be provided, and a facilitated discussion will follow. Please go to our DEI website for more information.
• The second annual Queer Pride event at Palomar College will take place next month on May 10^th. This event is an important opportunity for faculty, staff, and administrators to demonstrate their support for our LGBTQ+ students here on campus. Queer Pride is especially important as we see the rise of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments across the country. Come help us create a space to celebrate the progress we’ve made toward being an inclusive campus. For details, check out the event flyer. Volunteers are still needed to help out on the day of the event. Those interested in volunteering, or would like to have a booth, can sign up through this flyer.

Comets of the Week

In honor of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW), the Comets of the Week are our wonderful team of Police Dispatchers: Eduardo Padron, Karina Aguilar, Nieves Suarez, Miguel Duarte, Adela Franco, Andrea Gilman, and Mia Martinez. This team works hard 24/7 to keep our campus community safe. I would also like to recognize Lead CSO, David Reza, who helps the dispatch team by covering shifts whenever needed.

Have a great upcoming week. Go Comets!

For pictures of the various events, follow:
Facebook: @palomardrstar
Instagram: @palomardrstar
Twitter: @palomardrstar

I hope everyone enjoyed their Spring Break and had a great first week back on campus. Below is a brief recap of my Campus and Community Engagement activities from the previous week.

Campus Engagement

• Hosted Executive President’s Cabinet meeting.
• Hosted President’s Cabinet meeting.
• Participated in faculty interviews.
• Attended a special Independent Citizens Oversight Committee (ICOC) meeting. At this meeting, we successfully reviewed and approved the 2021-2022 ICOC Annual Report.

Community Engagement

• Spent part of my Spring Break at the Wheelhouse 2023 Institute on Leadership at UC Davis. I completed my first of three trainings. This year, Wheelhouse selected 13 California community college CEOs to participate in the fellowship. It was a powerful experience that centered on equity-focused leading, learning, reflecting, and connecting. I am looking forward to implementing the new ideas I learned at the institute. Presenters included: Chancellor Francisco Rodriguez, Chancellor Emerita Constance Carroll, Chancellor Emerita Regina Stanback Stroud, UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May, President Edward Bush, and President Emerita Pam Luster.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Upcoming Events and News

• Our Hispanic Serving Institution webpage is now live at https://www.palomar.edu/hsi. Please take time to visit the page and review the content. Thank you to all who made this a reality!
• Palomar submitted a 2023 Examples of Excelencia Program Profile which highlights the work the Palomar Promise program has been doing to support the success of our Latino students. Examples of Excelencia is a national data-driven initiative to recognize programs with evidence of effectiveness in accelerating Latino student success.
• Palomar College in partnership with the Indian Health Council, CSUSM, UC San Diego, and SDSU is proud to announce the California Native American Research Centers for Health Student Development Program (CA-NARCH SDP). The intent of this program is to support, and increase, the number of American Indian/Alaska Native scientists and health professionals and to decrease health disparities in Native American populations. Please review the flyer and distribute it to students who you believe would be interested in this program. If you have any questions, please contact Professor San Juan directly at SSanJuan@palomar.edu.
• On April 17^th we have two exciting workshops scheduled. They will be led by renowned experts attorney Paul Grossman and Jamie Axelrod. Their presentations will shed light on the evolution of the disability rights movement, provide information on how to be a disability ally and discuss the rights and responsibilities written in disability laws. You can either participate in person (LRC 438) or via Zoom. Here is the flyer to sign up.
• Also, please register for the Disabled Student Experience Panel scheduled on April 14^th, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. via Zoom. Here is the flyer to sign up.
• Tarde de Familia will take place on April 21^st from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Student Union. Please mark your calendars and spread the word by sharing the social media flyer. For any questions, or for more information, please visit the Association of Latinos and Allies for Student Success (ALASS) website, or contact alass@palomar.edu.

Comet of the Week

The Comet of the Week is Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Instruction, Dr. Tina Recalde. Tina spent her Spring Break at the California Community College Chief Instructional Officer (CCCCIO) 2023 Conference. The theme of the conference was Advancing Equity through Intentional and Collaborative Leadership. Session topics included: Advancing Equity Competency and Institutional Leadership, the Significance of Data and Narrative, Managing Faculty with an Equity Lens, Developing a New Vision for Attendance Accounting, New SCFF Evolutions and Opportunities, a California Community College Chancellor’s Office Panel, Building Strong Relationships with the Legislature, Preparing for AB 928, and Collaborating for Equity and Innovation. The sessions provided information and opportunities to discuss important topics with colleagues from across the state. I appreciate her sacrifice, and investment, over the Spring Break to better serve our Palomar community.

Have a great upcoming week. Go Comets!

For pictures of the various events, follow:
Twitter: @palomardrstar
Instagram: @palomardrstar
Facebook: @palomardrstar

I hope this update finds everyone in good spirits as we head into Spring Break. Below is a brief recap of my Campus and Community Engagement activities from the previous week.

Campus Engagement

• Hosted Executive President’s Cabinet meeting.
• Held standing meetings with CCE, AA, and CAST leadership.
• Met with Professors Kathleen Sheahan, Scott Nelson, and VPI Tina Recalde to discuss future Study Abroad opportunities.
• Attended a Special Governing Board meeting. At this meeting, candidates were interviewed to fill the Trustee Area 2 board vacancy. Resident of Area 2, Cassandra Schaeg was selected as the provisional appointed trustee who will serve in the role through November 2024. Her first meeting will be Tuesday, April 11^th. We are excited to welcome her to the Palomar College family.
• Attended the bi-monthly College Council meeting. We had a great presentation on the importance of accessibility by counselor Alyssa Vafaei, and we reviewed the process for updating our 389 Governing Board Policies and Administrative Procedures.

Community Engagement

• Represented Palomar College, alongside CSUSM’s President- Dr. Ellen Neufeldt and MiraCosta College’s Superintendent/President- Dr. Sunita Cooke, at the 2023 North County Philanthropy Council (NCPC) luncheon. NCPC’s mission is to promote, and strengthen, philanthropic acts in the community by bringing together nonprofit professionals, volunteers, donors, and businesses. Our panel presentation centered on how we collaborate to promote social mobility through workforce opportunities to elevate educational equity in the North County.
• Interviewed by San Elijo Middle School Counselor, Nicholas (Nick) Vega, for his Career Course video series. We discussed the great academic programs Palomar College offers, and we discussed my personal career pathway to college presidency.
• Met with Dr. Louis Freedberg when he visited Palomar to learn more about our Behavioral Health Counseling Services. You may recognize the name because he served as the Executive Director of EdSource for over 10 years. Dr. Freedberg will use the information he gathered for a podcast being underwritten by a grant from the Hewlett Foundation. The podcast focuses on equity in mental health as it affects college students. I was happy to share my perspective on the mental health needs of college students and the great work we are doing at Palomar to address those needs. Thank you, Dr. Patrick Saviano for facilitating the meeting.
• Met with Escondido Police Chief, Edward Varso. We are thrilled that he took the time to visit our Escondido Education Center. We toured some of our first responder classes and showed him some of our outstanding state-of-the-art classrooms. We also discussed our safety and security efforts for the Center, including our plans for new fencing. Thank you, Tom Medel, Todd McDonald, Julie Lanthier Bandy, and Chris Moore, for joining me.
• Attended a peer review team meeting sponsored by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) in Los Angeles. I was joined by Senior Director, Michelle Barton who is also serving on an accreditation team for another institution. It is great when Palomar is represented on a statewide platform, and for us to proactively stay well-trained to support our own institutional accreditation process.
• Attended the Community College League of California’s Government Relations Webinar. These webinars provide important information regarding federal and state legislation and proposals that potentially impact Palomar.
• Attended A Step Beyond’s 2^nd Annual Community Reception at the Escondido California Center for the Arts. I am privileged to serve on the Board of Directors, and there is nothing better than watching young people thrive by using the performing arts as the catalyst for academic achievement. Thank you, Tom Medel for joining me at the event.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Upcoming Events and News

• We have two exciting workshops coming up next month by two renowned experts. Attorney Paul Grossman and Jamie Axelrod will present on Monday, April 17^th, information to help participants discover the evolution of the disability rights movement, gain information on being a disability ally, and will discuss the rights and responsibilities under disability laws. You can either participate in person (LRC 438) or via Zoom. Here is the flyer to sign up.
• Also, please register for the Disabled Student Experience Panel scheduled on April 14^th, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. via Zoom. Here is the flyer to sign up.
• Tarde de Familia will take place on Friday, April 21^st from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Student Union. Please mark your calendars and spread the word by sharing the social media flyer. If your department, or program, would like to participate in the Information Fair, please visit TDF Information Fair.xlsx and sign up before April 17^th. For any questions, or for more information, please visit the Association of Latinos and Allies for Student Success (ALASS) website or contact alass@palomar.edu.

Comets of the Week

This week’s Comets of the Week are Jessica Horn and Kayla Mere who represented Palomar College at the Clean California Community Day:  Vista Community Clean Up and Outreach event sponsored by Senator Catherine Blakespear. They tabled at the beginning of the event and then grabbed gear and worked to help beautify public spaces in the Vista community. The two Comet superstars picked up an impressive 21 pounds of trash! Thank you both for your civic engagement!

Have a great, and restful, Spring Break! Go Comets!

For pictures of the various events, follow:
Twitter: @palomardrstar
Instagram: @palomardrstar
Facebook: @palomardrstar