Students from Skyline College’s Forensics Team attended The Northern California Forensics Association virtual Speech and Debate Camp on September 11, 2021. At the day-long event, students attended workshops and lectures given by esteemed speech and debate coaches from different event categories such as Parliamentary debate, IPDA debate, and Individual Events.

Specific topics covered in workshops ranged from how to build an affirmative case, platform speech composition, preparing for limited preparation events, constructing and refuting topicality, and how to “flow” a debate. The day culminated with students viewing virtual debate rounds as a way to prepare for future competition.

In an effort to ease into the transition back to campus, students were given the opportunity to come to campus and take advantage of available resources: a low distraction environment, private classrooms to zoom from, and reliable WIFI. The added bonus was much needed team bonding and community building. A special thank you to Professor Jessica Hurless for volunteering her time on a Saturday to come to campus and show support for the forensics team.

Students will be competing in the first online tournament for the academic year on September 24-25, 2021. The tournament is hosted by San Francisco Collective which is comprised of four colleges: San Francisco State University, City College of San Francisco, University of San Francisco, and Skyline College. Wish our Skyline College Trojans good luck as they kick off the competitive forensics season!

 

Article by Lindsey Ayotte

The Bay Area Entrepreneur Center of Skyline College (BAEC) hosts various workshops for the Skyline community, local businesses, and students. Due to the pandemic, the BAEC transitioned to hosting virtual workshops and events via Zoom, which allowed people from around the world to join us and learn more on different business topics like how to use Canva, tax law updates, or what it means to own an LLC.

If you have expertise that a small business or the community is looking for or you’re interested in hosting a workshop and share your knowledge, JOIN US! You can fill out a cohost interest form here and we’ll reach out to you.

For more information, connect with us at baec@smccd.edu.

 

Article by Ling Chien

Image by Ling Chien

On Friday, September 17, the SMCCCD outreach offices hosted its’ annual districtwide campus ambassador training at College of San Mateo (CSM). College Recruiters, Jeremy Evangelista-Ramos (SKY), Estela Garcia (CSM) and Olivia Cortez-Figueroa (CAN) welcomed twenty new and returning campus ambassadors from all three colleges in-person to participate in engaging activities and learn about the functions of outreach and student recruitment. The training provided an opportunity to strengthen connections among the three outreach teams and focused on resocialization; after being remote for more than year.

The day kicked off with warm welcomes from Vice Presidents of Student Services, Dr. Newin Orante (SKY) and Dr. Manual Alejandro-Perez (CAN), who shared insight and thoughts about the value of campus ambassadors for our district and colleges; and the critical roles they play in ensuring we provide educational access for members of our community. Dr. Orante highlighted the importance of sharing one’s story to begin cultivating and building relationships with future students. “Providing them awareness of programs and services you’re utilizing as current students allows for meaningful dialogue and overall student success.”

The group was also joined and welcomed by SMCCCD Chancellor, Mike Claire, Acting President of Canada College, Kim Lopez, Acting Vice President of Student Services (CSM), Kristi Ridgeway and Director of Marketing (CSM) Dave McLain; all who shared hellos and stories about their backgrounds and experiences working for SMCCCD.

Jeremiah Sims, Director of Equity (CSM), facilitated the “Game of Life” with campus ambassadors, an activity that addresses the root causes of systemic inequity based on identities and experiences. “I wasn’t aware of the privileges I had based on being able bodied, versus those who are not – I thought privilege was only based on race and gender.” – Student participant.  The activity allowed campus ambassadors to critically think about various life scenarios that may influence opportunities, or lack thereof, for certain communities and student populations.

Sandy Allen, Director of (CRM) Salesforce, introduced the Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) tool to campus ambassadors. The campus ambassadors have been trained and are following-up with hundreds of perspectives students who haven’t applied to Skyline College after receiving automated messages after submitting a Request for Information (RFI) form. They help answer questions individuals may have about coming to the college through phone calls daily.

The College Recruiters ended the day with presenting unique academic and student service programs offered at the respective campuses; such as Skyline College’s Bachelor’s Degree Program in Respiratory Care and the Nursing Program at CSM. Overall, the campus ambassadors received a comprehensive training on various components to support student recruitment activities. Skyline College’s outreach office is excited to expand its’ team and continue in-person outreach efforts this academic year.

Article by Jeremy Evangelista-Ramos

Photo by Sandy Allen

The Student Equity and Support Programs Division (SESP) invites you to our dialogue session on Putting People First: disAbility Language Etiquette facilitated by the Center for Independence of Individuals Living with Disabilities, happening on Wednesday September 29 @ 4PM.

What does accessibility mean to you? How are you being accessible to others? 

Join us in a student-driven dialogue on the importance of “people-first language” as Evan Milburn shares his own personal experiences on the topic.

Please contact ocampoallen@smccd.edu if you have any questions, otherwise, we hope to see you there!

Article by Allen Ocampo

Did you know that The Skyline View is still producing “print” issues of the paper? You can find the most recent one on Issuu.com/theskylineview, which was produced by TSV staff in their newsroom on campus for the first time in 18 months, with new editor in chief, Steven Rissotto, at the helm. For some staff members, this was their first time on Skyline College’s campus, despite taking classes at the college for over a year.

Can’t wait for content in between production for the print version? Then, you can sign up for TSV’s weekly newsletter (scroll down on the website) and have timely Skyline College information sent right to your inbox.

Or come find us with updated contented throughout the week at theskylineview.com. We’re in your socials, too: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and yes, even TikTok—all under the handle @theskylineview.

Article by Nancy Kaplan-Biegel