SSCCC Student Connect -- Monthly Newsletter February 2020President's MessageGreetings Student Leaders! As most of us have begun class or will soon begin and many of us have other responsibilities including family, work, social, and personal activities, we would like to remind everyone to take care of your physical and mental health. That said, here’s what is happening at the state level as we work on your behalf:
Lastly, I want to take this time to thank you all for your engagement and participation in the work we do at the Student Senate for California Community Colleges. We have never been closer to financial aid reform specifically for community college students. We are advocating for student rights on a larger scale than ever before. We are also growing and maturing as an organization. It could not be done without all of you! Please continue to stay engaged. If you are not participating at the state level but would like to, please check out the volunteer opportunities below. Thank you. In Solidarity, Danny Thirakul MARCH IN MARCHTheme: Fund the Full Cost of CollegeThe Board of Directors has approved the theme for the upcoming March in March. We will be marching to advocate for the legislature to "Fund the full cost of college!" This means we want them to fix financial aid; provide more funds for basic needs (e.g. housing, food insecurity, textbooks, childcare); ensure that there are more funds for our low income, veteran, foster youth, and incarcerated and previously incarcerated students; and fund mental and general health just to name some of the costs of attending college. We are hoping to have over 400 students, but we need you! In an effort to ensure we have the proper permits, please let us know that you are planning to march on the Capitol or in your district. Let us know you are marching here. There are no costs. #MarchinMarch2020 2020 General Assembly We are so excited! Can you believe the SSCCC General Assembly is right around the corner -- less than two months away? This might seem like a long time away but there is much for us to do and we have much for you to do. Below is your to-do list.
Elections Candidate eligibility forms were submitted by January 31, 2020, so it is too late to run for an officer position. However, you can review the candidate statements available online on March 3, 2020, here. Review these candidates with your ASO and come prepared to vote. You will have an opportunity to meet the candidates, learn more about them, and to ask questions during the Candidate Forum on Friday night. If you are not running for an executive position, you can serve on the SSCCC Elections Committee. Sign up here. Program The Preliminary Program is available on the SSCCC website here. Please do not miss this year's General Assembly. General Assembly Keynote Speakers Connie Leyva Reelected to represent the 20th State Senate District in 2018, Senator Connie M. Leyva is serving her second term in the California State Senate. The district includes the cities and communities of Bloomington, Chino, Colton, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Montclair, Muscoy, Ontario, Pomona, Rialto and San Bernardino. Senator Leyva is committed to improving California’s schools, environment and communities, as well as creating quality jobs throughout the 20th State Senate District and California. She firmly believes that California families benefit most when we invest in and help strengthen small businesses and other job drivers that create good paying jobs in our local communities. We are pleased to announce that we have identified one of our keynote presenters. Dr. Lande Ajose is the Senior Policy Advisor for Higher Education for Governor Gavin Newsom. She is responsible for developing and shaping the Governor’s higher education policy agenda, which is focused on protecting college affordability, preserving college access, and increasing system efficiency in order to meet the state’s need for a skilled and educated workforce. Come to hear the governor's vision for the future and let your voice be heard by sharing your experiences with her. Dr. Lande Ajose California Community College Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley The California Community Colleges Board of Governors appointed Eloy Ortiz Oakley as chancellor for the California Community Colleges beginning December 19, 2016. Eloy Ortiz Oakley is best known throughout California and the nation for implementing innovative programs and policies that help students succeed in college. Under Oakley’s leadership, the California Community Colleges published the Vision for Success which lays out a focused strategy on increasing the social and economic mobility of all Californians. Since becoming chancellor, Oakley has positioned the California Community Colleges as a critical player nationally in maintaining the global competitiveness of the nation’s workforce. Oakley’s trailblazing efforts have been acknowledged through his appointments to the Rework America Taskforce, the California Chamber of Commerce, the University of California Board of Regents, the Fair Shake Commission, the College Futures Foundation and the LA 2028 Advisory Board. He is frequently invited to speak to education, philanthropic and business organizations throughout the nation. General Assembly Webinars!In preparation for the upcoming General Assembly, the SSCCC is holding a number of webinars to prepare the Delegates for discussions at the General Assembly. How to be an Effective Delegate Strategic Plan Discussion You will find the Webinar call information and documents on the SSCCC Calendar here. COMING SOON -- CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR BOARD OF GOVERNORS STUDENT POSITION Education Code §71000 provides that the student organization recognized by the California Community College Board of Governors--the SSCCC--shall submit at least three student members to the Governor for the appointment as the student representative to the Board of Governors. It is that time again! The Board of Governors Student Representative Application will be available the second week in February and sent out via the SSCCC Listserv. If you have not signed up for the listserv, you can do so from this link. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES We are seeking volunteers to serve on SSCCC Shared Governance Committees. This is your opportunity to serve at the state level without making an extensive commitment since some committees meet only two or three times a year. If you are interested in serving on any of the shared governance committees listed below, please visit the SSCCC website "Serving at the State Level" page to learn about the appointment process and to access the application.
Serving at the state level can be very rewarding. Consider serving today! UPCOMING EVENTS
All SSCCC Board of Directors and Executive Committee meetings are available via teleconference. Check out the calendar on the SSCCC website (link above) for the agendas and call information at least 72-hours prior to the meeting. |