Skyline College Library has access to Total Boox ebooks collection for next 6 months from the CALIFA Consortium. Go to this Total Boox website, browse and download a wide range of fiction and nonfiction titles from top publishers to your mobile devices or tablets.

• You never have to wait to download an ebook, and your whole class of students can download the same ebook at the same time.
• You may download as many titles as you want.
• You can keep what you read on your device indefinitely and they are all free during these 6 months!

Article by Kim Lim

While most people were enjoying a day of leisure on Sunday, October 4th, four cosmetology student teams led by Instructor Tammy Calderon packed up their cars and headed for the Faggiano Student Competition at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s Coconut Grove. The preparation was rigorous for the Mardi Gras themed event: students worked day and night to create authentic looks that would wow judges, peers, and beauty industry experts.  Madrid of Madrid’s International in Oakland delivered a lecture and demonstration about current beauty trends in hair extension, haircutting, and hair color.  Nicolas of The Nicolas System of Precision Haircutting in San Francisco also shared knowledge and experience that will help students take their haircutting skills to a higher level.

Students were judged in three categories:  Hair, nails, and makeup, requiring them to work both independently and collectively.  They had to be innovative, creative and, flexible, communicating in ways that inspired and fostered the respect of their peers.

“This experience was a good way to learn how to work as a team,” said student Ceci Chavez, who won 1^st prize in Makeup for her work on 2^nd prize winning model and classmate Sam Sorrells.

The competition was a great learning opportunity for students unaccustomed to collaboration. Ceci and her teammates Phoo Han Oo and Maryanne Huezo also won 2^nd place Overall.

For other students, the competition proved to be an occasion for career exploration.

“I was able to look at more options in the makeup industry. After this experience, I am going to apply for a fashion show certification at MAC cosmetics where I work,” said student Bianca Guzman, winner of 2^nd place in Makeup.

She enjoyed applying makeup in new ways and using new colors to create beautiful images.  She now realizes that she has more career options in the field of cosmetology than she previously thought.

Other students who competed included freshmen Victoria Chao, Samantha Law, Katherine Schmolke, and Cheyenne Hassler, as well as juniors Margaret Keselman, Bora Ohk, Jacie Pacheco, Chizy Joy Pagalunan, Adrian Guillory, and recent Skyline College graduate Sebastian Wang.

To see pictures of the students in the Faggiano Student Competition, please visit our Facebook page.

Article by Evette Carpenter

On Wednesday, October 7, 2015 the ASTEP Learning Community at Skyline College hosted its fall 2015 Family Night Celebration. The occasion was under the direction of ASTEP Coordinator, Nathan Jones and Interim Dean of Global Learning Programs and Services, Tammy Robinson. Activities for the evening began with ASTEP announcements and the introduction of ASTEP faculty, staff and campus supporters, all of whom made an effort to inspire students in attendance to get familiar with campus resources and to utilize these resources early on in their college careers.

Jenny Yang of the Financial Aide Office at Skyline College informed the audience about the under-utilization of amazing and far-reaching scholarships such as the Skyline College Scholarship. She did so in hopes that more students will apply for these alternate means of funding to assist in their college journeys.

Next, David Reed, The Learning Center Manager, facilitated an interactive discussion about benefits of using the TLC. He also highlighted resources that students may not realize are available through The Learning Center such as training for using your calculator, and he asked for audience participation to trouble shoot which TLC resources could best assist with such challenges, as well as what options are available when a student wishes to practice their Spanish in a group setting, and so forth. All presenters were an asset to the goals of getting ASTEP in, through and out of college on time.  The importance of growing academically was reinforced by several dignitaries present including President Stanback Stroud.

Before dinner, Counselor Brianna Clay and TLC/TRiO English Instructional Aide Chanel Daniels led a fun game of “Heads Up” where points were accrued and teams were formed to further highlight various support systems on campus, ASTEP related events and activities such as the Umoja Conference, key components of essay writing, and steps in the counseling process that will keep students on track. At the end of this segment, the reward for all was a delicious mix of potluck dishes prepared by the group and served by the young men present in the audience, in harmony with ASTEP tradition. This event was just one of many that we eagerly look forward to from the ASTEP Learning Community during the 2015-2016 academic year.

The ASTEP Learning Community welcomes students of all diverse backgrounds to join its ranks and strives to represent the experience of the African American community within Skyline College. For any questions about ASTEP, please feel free to contact ASTEP at 650-738-7037 or visit the program in Building 4.

Article and Photos by Chanel Daniels

Coming Out Day

In celebration of the first National Coming Out Day since marriage equality was passed nationwide in the United States, the Associated Students of Skyline College put on an event we called “Skyline’s Big Fat Gay Wedding.” We wanted our event to celebrate the accomplishments made in our nation through the Equal Rights Movement and we wanted students to experience an open, exciting, colorful environment of celebration where everyone can be who they are and marry the one they love un-apologetically.

In the quad we gave out cupcakes with rainbow candy strips to students who helped with a community art project. The art project involved students writing on different colored pieces of paper explaining what “coming out” means to them. Students had many beautiful responses that ranged from “embracing who you are”, “loving yourself”, “living a free to life”, to even “being fabulous.” We then used the “coming out” cards to make a rainbow on a canvas that is now attached to the window in the Associated Students office facing a commonly used campus walkway, for all students and staff to see. Students also had the opportunity to take “wedding” photos with their significant others or their friends with fun props to celebrate marriage equality, and being free and unafraid to be in love, or show your love.

Many students expressed their gratitude and appreciation of the event, saying the event was fun and that there was a great message to it all. For as long as we enlightened one student’s mind to something new, or made one student feel safe or comfortable, our goal would be achieved.

A few students from the Middle College Program here at Skyline College, for example, expressed their appreciation of the event. They said that just by walking through the event in passing, or by stopping and participating, they finally felt like they belonged and felt free to be themselves at school.

The event wasn’t meant to bend the rules and break norms, but to enlighten Skyline College students to how “norms” aren’t always relative; they are unique to individuals and peoples, and that no matter what, these individuals and peoples are all human. We are all looking to be loved, to be free, and to be ourselves and let our true colors shine on through.

#IamUCC

In solidarity with the Umpqua Community College shooting in Oregon that happened earlier this month, the Associated Students of Skyline College facilitated an #IamUCC campaign to spread awareness and to have a moment of silence.  Skyline College students took the time to write heartfelt letters for those affected by the recent shooting and took individual pictures to stand with UCC. The letters have been sent to UCC.

To learn more, please visit: http://www.umpqua.edu/scholarships-donations

Showcasing the Diversity of Latin America

The Associated Students celebrated Latino Heritage Month with three educational programs that raised a lot of attention and curiosity in students, faculty and staff alike. With a focus on cultural awareness, this year’s student government wanted to explore the definition of Latino identity by exposing the campus to the rich cultures of Central and South America. The festivities began with a powerful spoken word performance by educator, poet and activist Paul Flores. Speaking on themes of urban culture and transnational identity for Latinos, students were challenged to think critically of the current social climate. An Argentinian band duo performed pieces of chacarera music and other styles, followed by an intense and engaging tango dance workshop with renowned milongeuro, Marcelo Solis.

The finale featured two live performances, and special guests from the community. Tarimba, son jarocho band, performed two sets of vibrant acoustic music from Veracruz, Mexico, leaving the Fireside Dining Room buzzing. Tabling groups included Mission Neighborhood Centers, El Tecolote Newspaper, and Carnaval, sharing information and resources with students. Colectivo Anqari, dance troupe from the South Andes region, concluded the month with a colorful display of traditional costumes and enthusiastic drumming, even getting the audience to participate! Special thanks to the Mexican Museum for donating two one¬year membership passes for two lucky winners of the Latino Heritage Instagram Contest. #LHMskyline

Breast Cancer Awareness

The Associated Students raised awareness for breast cancer on Wednesday October 21 in the Fireside Dining Room with a festive and informative tabling booth. Students wore pink ribbons throughout the day to promote the cause in their classes, and continue the conversation.

Informational brochures provided by the Health Center were available for students to learn how to take care of themselves and their families. Also, cash donations were accepted to support breast cancer research. After donating, students could spin the prize wheel for fun prizes, including wrist bands, mugs, and magnets, and also write a note of encouragement to someone they love. Women in the US are being diagnosed with breast cancer every day. To join the conversation and share why you are fighting for a cure, use #ASSCpinktober on Instagram.

Article by Dennis Zheng

The Career Services Center had a very busy October, hosting both a career panel and a Job Fair. “Unlock Your Potential: New Rules to Career Success,” took place the evening of Thursday, October 15. A panel of recent college graduates with careers ranging from Marketing Director to Engineer to Designer and many more, fielded questions from students and engaged in a lively discussion about life after college and the knowledge they wish they had as they began their careers.

Students who attended “Unlock Your Potential: New Rules to Career Success,” also had the opportunity to eat pizza with panelists and continue the discussion well into the evening. All students were given the contact information for each of the speakers and urged to stay in touch. Hopefully, some of our attendees will return to Skyline College in the future and impart their knowledge of the world of work to students waiting to embark on their own career paths.

Less than a week after “Unlock Your Potential: New Rules to Career Success,” the Career Services Center hosted its annual Fall Job Fair. Over 30 employers were represented, including the San Francisco Sheriff’s Department, San Francisco Unified School District, UPS, KTSF Channel 26, Easter Seals and Sprint, among others. Over 100 jobs were available for Skyline College students and numerous students scheduled interviews during the event.

If you would like more information about either of these events or how to contact employers who attended the Job Fair, we encourage you to visit the Career Services Center in Building 1, Room 1219B or email skycareers@smcccd.edu.

Article by Brian Jenney

Reader’s Advisory: Provocative Content

Do you remember being too bashful to ask for library help? At the Skyline College Library we support the exploration of diverse viewpoints and controversial materials for educational purposes. Come experience library materials that you may have not known existed with this month’s foyer display. From God Is Dead to Inside Organized Racism, familiarize yourself with this diverse range of titles and encourage students, both shy and bold alike, to explore these topics as well.

All library materials on display are available for check out using your free Peninsula Library System (PLS) library card. Don’t currently have a card? Come to the Check Out desk and register today.

Article and Images by Kristen Lee

On Saturday, October 10, 2015, Skyline College hosted the 5^th annual Western Region Council on Black American Affairs (WRCBAA) Community College Career Institute. The purpose of the event was to open the doors of higher education to a more diverse group of qualified professionals. The purpose of the institute is to foster dialogue and action that can lead to the improvement of the educational landscape of our college communities. The focus of the day was navigating the hiring system from the application process, through the interview and finally landing the job!

The WRCBAA must also thank our host, mistress of ceremonies and Skyline College President, Dr. Regina Stanback Stroud for allowing us not only to dream but to actualize the goals of the organization. We had an extremely impactful day with our guest keynote, Dr. Shaun McKay, President of Suffolk County Community College in Seldon, New York. In attendance were Dr. Jowell Laguerre, newly appointed Chancellor of Peralta Community College District and Dr. Marian Shivers, Dean, Leadership Development Institute for the NCBAA. Panelists came from New York, Georgia, Washington, Arizona and California to impart their knowledge and experience.

The event would not have been possible without the sponsorship of San Mateo County Community College District, Skyline College, College of San Mateo, Canada College, Sacramento City College, Chabot College, College of Alameda, Merritt College, Maricopa County Community College and the team of volunteers from Skyline College.

Article by Dr. Tammy Robinson | Photos by Randolph Belle

Skyline College is committed to connecting with our students and community. Our social media presence is a big part of that connection.

Help us bolster our presence, and our connections with students, by liking our Facebook page and following us on twitter.

It’s one small way you can show your support for the College and the students we serve!

The Office of Planning, Research, and Institutional Effectiveness (PRIE) is thrilled to welcome Zahra Mojtahedi, our new Planning and Research Analyst, to Skyline College. She is a recent UCLA graduate with a Master’s in Public Policy and brings a rich background of research experience involving qualitative methods and program evaluation. Zahra will immediately be a presence on a number of committees as a resource from the PRIE office, including the Accreditation Oversight Committee (AOC), Institutional Effectiveness (IE) Committee, Stewardship for Equal Employment, Equity, and Diversity (SEEED) Committee, and Strategic Planning and Allocation of Resources Committee (SPARC). Stop by the PRIE Office (Building 4, Room 325) to say ‘hi’ and extend a warm Skyline College welcome to her.

Article by Aaron McVean

Skyline College is committed to the health and safety of its students, faculty and staff and to maintaining a safe environment.  In order to better serve our community, Skyline College has established a CARES Team to function as a resource for faculty and staff who have concerns about students who may be in distress.

The Cares Team is a centralized, coordinated group that will discuss and propose actions regarding the best way to support students who are exhibiting behaviors of concern, while maintaining the safety of our campus community.

Please contact the CARES Team in the following situations:

• When a student’s personal safety is of concern
• When a student’s behavior indicates acute personal distress
• When there is a pattern of disruptive behavior

Skyline College employees can contact the CARES team by filing an on-line report.

For additional information about the Skyline College CARES Team, Behavior Emergency Guidelines and community resources go to the CARES Website.

Let’s support our students on their educational journey for success…Together!

Article by Angelica Garcia