On Monday, May 9, the Career Advancement Academy (CAA) welcomed graduating seniors and their counselors from City Arts and Technology (CAT) High School for a campus visit and a hands-on tour of Career Technical Education (CTE) programs offered here at Skyline College. These programs included: Automotive, Cosmetology, Education Fellows, and Biotechnology. In addition to the program tours, college guest speakers, Linda Allen from the Disability Resource Center (DRC), Lauren Ford, Skyline College Outreach Recruiter and Julie Lamson, Program Services Coordinator of the SparkPoint, shared valuable information about their programs and services.

City Arts and Tech is a public charter high school located in San Francisco dedicated to transforming students’ lives by preparing them for success in college and in life. They offer students a rigorous academic experience and a diverse, compassionate community in which to grow and students are empowered to be leaders in their high school education and in their communities.

The CAAs connect students to higher wage careers and opportunities in higher education by increasing foundational skills in reading, writing and mathematics while enrolling students in career technical training programs. Currently, the Career Advancement Academy has programs in Allied Health, Automotive Technology, Education Fellows, Legal Careers and Biotechnology.

For more information about Career Advancement Academy contact, Jeremy Evangelista, evangelistaj@smccd.edu.

Article by Jeremy Evangelista | Photo by Monique Hernandez

On Saturday, May 21, The Career Advancement Academy (CAA) proudly awarded certificates to their spring 2016 Automotive Technology cohort at the annual Automotive Banquet hosted here at Skyline College. These students have successfully completed the entry-level automotive program and will receive their entry-level automotive technician certificates. They have also met the prerequisites for the full-time Automotive Programs offered here at Skyline College.

CAA students were well represented throughout the awards portion of the night with many current and former CAA students receiving additional recognition, including: Alejandro Ochoa (fall 2015) and Daniel Swan (spring 2016) who received top student honors for academic excellence in their respective cohorts. Tarik Najdawi, current President of the Auto Tech club, also received a Department Service Award for his hard work and dedication to the program, while Michael Freyman and Esther Son were awarded student of the month for January and April 2016.

The Career Advancement Academy creates bridges to higher-wage careers and additional opportunities in higher education by integrating career and technical training, basic skills courses, and support systems. Currently, the Skyline College CAA has programs in Allied Health, Automotive, Education, Biotechnology, and Legal Careers.

Career Advancement Academy Spring 2016 Students and Faculty pictured from left to right: Daniel Swan, Jun Hao Chen, Benjamin Fotter, Irving Dominguez, Julia Johnson, Edwin Estebes, Estefhany Ruiz-Ortiz, Leticia Jarquin-Sanchez, Cody Dragon, and Jeremy Evangelista.

For more information about Career Advancement Academy contact, Jeremy Evangelista.

Article by Jeremy Evangelista

In collaboration with UC Davis College Representative Mayra Escobar, San Francisco State College Representative, Doris Fendt, and UCLA representative Paitzer Giojordian, the Transfer Center hosted several “Next Steps” workshops for students who have been admitted to SFSU and UC Davis. With over 40 students attending overall, these workshops provided students with up-to-date information about what steps students need to take to make their transfer a smooth process. Mayra, Doris, and Paitzer shared tips about admissions, registration for classes, housing, financial aid, and much more. And due to the increase in the number of admitted students, this was the highest number of workshops we provided hosted in recent years and this is thanks to the strong and dedicated efforts our academic Counselors have provided to our students.

Additionally, Mayra informed us that UC Davis admitted over 100 students from Skyline College alone for the Fall 2016 semester. And following a similar trend last fall, the Transfer Center saw a huge increase in requests for application support to UC and CSU, and an increase in the number of UC Transfer Admissions Guarantee (TAG) applicants. Overall there were 18% more UC applicants in the Fall 2016 application cycle compared to one year prior. Previous years have shown small gains, but this has been the most significant jump in recent years. This year, the UC reported 223 applicants compared to 190 last year. This year, the most popular campus remained UC Davis with 178 applicants, followed by 149 UC Berkeley applicants and 107 UC Santa Cruz applicants. CSU Data will not be available for quite some time, but strong gains are also expected.

Overall, this has been one of the most successful years for our transfer students! We are proud of their efforts and we are only able to do this thanks to our dedicated college representatives, counselors, and staff who helped to support the Transfer Center and our efforts to continue to cultivate the culture of transfer.

Article by Michele Haggar and Suzanne Poma | Photo by Michele Haggar

Four very capable and determined Skyline College students have been awarded the opportunity to participate in a memorable spring/summer experience at one of the top accounting firms in the world.  The Career Services Center has partnered with Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) to inaugurate three career readiness experiential learning adventures that previously have been available solely to four-year university students. Beginning this spring, eligible Accounting majors have been encouraged to apply and interview for Explore, Elevate, and Start—on-site PwC programs held in their San Jose and San Francisco offices. Career Services Center appreciates the assistance of Accounting professors, Linda Whitten, Guillermo Ortiz, and Marv Steinberg for recommending students and providing their support. Our congratulations are offered to the following students:

Margo Feldman and Michael Wong (not pictured) – Participants in the Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) San Jose Explore Program.

“The Explore Program at Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) was an amazing opportunity to get a glimpse into the culture of the firm and also network with professionals while exploring our own strengths and how we fit into the company. We got to work in teams with Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) professionals throughout the day and engage in creative activities that put our individual strengths to the test. The first half of the program was dedicated to exploring our unique strengths while the second half focused more on determining how those strengths can apply to different positions at Price Waterhouse (PwC). Overall it was an incredibly engaging and enjoyable experience. Thank you Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) and Skyline College for making this happen!

I was blown away by the fun dynamics of Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC). From free breakfast, lunch and candy (tons of it), to constant jokes among the professionals, Explore shattered my stereotype of accountants who sit at a desk crunching numbers all day and made me want to join Price Waterhouse (PwC) even more. “

Chantel Tumang –Participant in the Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) San Francisco Elevate Program

“I am attending PwC’s Elevate program this summer, and could not be more excited for the opportunity! Not only will I have the chance to network with professionals in one of the top firms in the Big 4, but I will be able to get a head start on learning more about Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) culture, gain insight about the industry, and expose myself to future opportunities with at with the firm. I am grateful that Skyline College provided me the opportunity to connect with Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) — not many other community colleges do this. Usually PwC’s programs are geared for four-year university students, but Skyline College helped put us on the map with them!

Really pumped for this summer and exploring my future with Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC).

David Martinez – Awarded the Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) San Francisco Start Internship

Start, a five week corporate invitation allows David to learn more about the firm while further developing the skills necessary for success in the business world. Start is the first step in PwC’s much sought after Internship Experiences. After successful completion, he will have the opportunity to participate in a client service internship in one of the three service lines: Assurance, Tax, or Advisory.

“There’s no elevator to success, you have to take the stairs…. thank you for this great chance at success, Skyline College– I am truly blessed”

 

Article by Lavinia Zanassi    |     Photo by Students and Lavinia Zanassi

CSEA (California School Employees Association) and the Classified Senate recently hosted their annual Classified Staff appreciation breakfast on Tuesday, May 17, 2016. With over 50 Classified Staff members stopping by between 9:00 am and 10:30 am, the event was well attended. Staff enjoyed a delicious yogurt bar, coffee and tea service, and warm connections with other staff members as we took a quick but much needed break in our day.

Both CSEA and the Classified Senate worked together to donate funds for the event as a way to highlight and show our appreciation for the tremendous amount of work Classified Staff do to support our colleagues, faculty, administrators, and of course our students.

Special thanks to Chris Weidman and his wife for taking the time to prepare our breakfast, to Nadia Tariq, Karen Dimalanta, Kristina Brower, and Carol Driscoll for assisting with the preparations, set-up and clean up. And a special thanks and shout out to Kevin Chak, Manager of our Skyline College bookstore for donating our coffee and tea service.

Article Submitted by Michele Haggar | Photos by Chris Weidman

The Biology Department has a number of adjunct professors that quietly work with all of us, often at night and when daytime services and personnel are not around.  Jamil Kanaaneh has taught Human Biology and Human Physiology for Skyline College since 2007. He enjoys teaching students at Skyline College and often gives seminars outside of class to students. Jamil has also served as a connection between students and UCSF. Jamil enjoys matching students who wish to conduct research with UCSF mentors and he has helped match a number of our students into labs in which the PI (Principal Investigator) will be nurturing to students.

As one student stated, “My knowledge about the field of research was to a minimum until I got all these opportunities at Skyline College, UCSF and now UC Davis. I have always been thankful to Dr. Case for having me at her lab at Skyline College and Prof. jamil Kanaaneh for introducing me to the Ku lab and expanding my knowledge about all the resources present around us that could only benefit us.  I loved every part of my summer internship at UCSF and feel great about the opportunities I received there after.”

The Biology Department would like to thank Jamil Kanaaneh for teaching and helping our students.

Article by Nick Kapp

During the week before finals (May 16-20, 2016), Skyline College Library hosted daily programs to help Skyline College faculty, staff, and students de-stress during the last week of the semester including crafting, games, mindfulness, and therapy dogs. The Library also offered week-long drop-in activities such as board games, bookmark coloring, and jigsaw puzzles. The Skyline View created a video of the De-Stress for Success Activities and a summary of the events is below:

Monday, May 16: Cupcake Decorating

Students decorated 150 cupcakes in various abstract and themed patterns. Several students selected blue and yellow frostings to show support of their favorite basketball team, the Golden State Warriors.

Tuesday, May 17: Board Games

Students came out and played board games in the Library. Checkers, Battleship, and Connect 4 were the popular selections. All board game titles are now available to be checked out using a PLS library card at the Check-Out desk.

Wednesday, May 18: Button Making

Students made their own personal pins or magnets. An 1-inch press was used to design custom buttons of kittens, roses, popular memes, and more. A student commented, “With finals, you think about the scale of exams, with this you just focus on being creative.”

Thursday, May 19: Mindfulness

The Library hosted a Mindfulness workshop with Psychology Professor, Jennifer Merrill. 18 students came to take a break out from their stressful workloads, learn about the benefits of mindfulness, and participated in a mindfulness sitting. Students shared that focusing on breathing made them feel more relaxed.

Friday, May 20: Therapy Dogs

Lastly, the Library hosted Therapy Dogs in the Quad in partnership with the Associated Students of Skyline College (ASSC) and the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA. Approximately 350 students, faculty, and staff came out to meet four furry friends: Canine Good Citizen certified therapy dogs, Hunter, Carlie, Casey, and Doc Martin. Students enjoyed petting the therapy dogs, interacting with the volunteer owners – some suggested that we have therapy dogs every day!

Finals Week:

During Finals Week (May 23-27), the Library had healthy snacks and coffee available to studying students. We would like to thank the Associated Students of Skyline College (ASSC) for providing funding for healthy snacks and to Kevin Chak, Skyline College Bookstore for donating coffee.

Library Update:

The Skyline College Library will be closed Saturday, May 28, 2016, through Sunday, June 12, 2016. We will reopen to the public for the summer semester, Monday, June 13, 2016, with the updated hours of Monday – Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. For non-immediate assistance regarding your library account, please call the Library at (650) 738-4311, or visit a PLS public library during the closure.

Article by Kristen Lee, Photos by Dr. Pearl Ly, Kristen Lee, and Ricardo Buzo

Team Automotive – Tom, Dan, Ruben, Paul, Ed, Fil, Rick and Nancy, attended the Spring 2016 CAT (California Automotive Teachers) Conference in Modesto, hosted by Modesto Junior College. CAT celebrated its 50^th Year, but also saw the founding member, “Uncle” Bob Barkhouse, Executive Director, retire!  He will be sorely missed by all, but the organization will continue strong under the leadership of its fine members.

Automotive Special Olympics was held once again on Wednesday, May 11, after a lapse of several years.  It is an event organized by the Auto Club for some friendly student competitions; two students from each class competes at Tire Toss, Creeper Race, Car Push, Spark Plug R&R, Tire Rotation Race and Parts Cart Race.  BBQ was the finale of the day.

The semester was wrapped up with the annual Automotive Awards Banquet on Saturday, May 21, the event was held on campus at the Fireside Dining Room. Graduating students, students of the month, and other appreciation awards to students and industry folks that are supportive to the department were honored. Scholarships donated by our partners in the industry and faculty, were awarded. Graduating CAA Automotive students received their certificates, and we look forward to them joining our Automotive Technology Program in the Fall. A very special thanks to the custodian crew members that helped setup and a big shout out to Kevin Chak for his generosity and help.

Paul Spakowski was honored for 25 years of service and Nancy Lam received her 10 years of service award.

Article by Nancy Lam

The Disability Resource Center has launched an online request system for students registered with the DRC. This semester, DRC surveyed students to learn more about how they use accommodations and what some barriers to accommodation utilization might be.  DRC received some excellent feedback from the survey. Students requested an easier way to obtain their accommodation letters, request alternate media, and make accommodation test requests. An online request system was developed to address students’ feedback.

Launching for Summer 2016, students may now request their accommodation letters, alternate media, and accommodated test appointments through the DRC website. Students may choose the option to receive their accommodation letter via email, which they then may forward to instructors. They may also make accommodated testing appointments without the need for a physical form to be filled out by themselves and their instructor.  Students who are more comfortable making requests in person may continue to do so.

This new online request system is not only reducing paper use, but also streamlining the process for students to receive their accommodations from the DRC.

Article by Melissa Matthews

The Skyline College Library partnered with Associated Students to host certified therapy dogs in the Quad on Friday, May 20. Over 300 students, faculty, and staff came out to interact with four Pet Assisted Therapy (PAT) teams from the Peninsula Humane Society (PHS/SPCA) which included two golden retrievers, a mastiff, and a newfoundland. It was clear that the dogs helped attendees relax, smile, and lifted spirits. With the resounding success of this activity, the Library plans to host therapy dogs for finals each semester.

Numerous research studies indicate that pet interaction has significant health benefits including the release of endorphins that have a calming effect and lowering anxiety. PHS/SPCA requires their therapy dogs to pass the Canine Good Citizen Test, a temperament evaluation which measures the animal’s instinctive behavior.

Article by Dr. Pearl Ly