On March 3^rd, 2023. twenty students visited San Jose State University (SJSU) to learn from a guided campus tour, and to hear from student panelists. We also shared space and community, while “breaking bread” for a lunch within the dining commons at SJSU. Students also gained insight into the TRiO ASPIRE program at SJSU and learned about the McNair Scholars program.

It was a beautiful day last Friday, after a couple days of rain. Students enjoyed the weather as they explored SJSU academic programs and learned about the history of SJSU. Student participants shared great feedback about the student panelists. They were happy to hear student narratives – and to hear from students who were willing to share vulnerabilities in a safe space. Our students also shared their own vulnerabilities, asking critical questions important to their transfer planning and gaining feedback into dorms and off-campus housing information.

The tour included equity programming, as McNair and ASPIRE provide significant support for first generation students who demonstrate financial need. It also provided an opportunity for students who are place-bound or who cannot access transportation to SJSU. The program was at no-cost for students, also ensuring students could attend without cost related concerns.

The event was coordinated by TRiO Student Support Services and the Skyline College Transfer Center. Carlos Romero, Brianna Clay – Fuller, and Ernesto Hernandez were chaperones. The planning committee included Janelle Reza, Alexandra Kaplan, and Jacquie Espino, as well.

A special thank you to our faculty and classified professional transfer champions who supported the promotion of the event. And a special thank you to the Vice President of Student Services, Dr. Newin Orante, and the Dean of Counseling, Dr. Luis Escobar, for their administrative support and guidance to implement the return of in-person and off-campus programming. Thank you to Jackie Flores and Vivian Paw for their work to ensure compliance with district policy.

Written by Brianna Clay-Fuller, and Carlos Romero, and Ernesto Hernandez.

On Tuesday, March 7, 2023, the CIPHER Hip Hop Learning Community hosted a film screening of “We Were Hyphy” as part of the Black History Month celebration.  We Were Hyphy explores the music that was the beating heart of the Hyphy Movement that created a timeless legacy in the Bay Area. Over 50 students, faculty, and staff were able to experience and re-live some of the iconic moments that helped shaped the Hip Hop cultural scene in the Bay Area.

Students had the opportunity to engage in dialogue with the Director, Larry Madrigal, about the process of creating this documentary, the importance of authentic storytelling, and advice about following your passions.  A major shout-out to the students of the Barbering Program for showing up and participating in the Q&A session. For those who could not attend, the film can be seen on PBS as part of their Hip Hop series celebrating 50 years in Hip Hop.

This event was co-hosted by the Black Student Union, Associated Students of Skyline College, and Student Equity and Support Programs.  Special thanks to Marisa Thigpen, Josh Lindo, and Brianna Clay for their coordination support.

For more information about the CIPHER Hip Hop Learning Community, please contact Nate Nevado at nevadon@smccd.edu.

Article by Nate Nevado | Photos by Marisa Thigpen

All members of the Skyline College community are invited to explore critical global citizenship through two upcoming film screenings and a panel discussion to begin with comments from President Moreno and Vice President of Instruction Vinició Lopez.

Monday, March 13, 4:30pm.: Community Film Screening: Wasted: The Story of Food Waste 

In this documentary, renowned chefs discuss the economic and environmental costs of global food waste, exploring solutions involving educating consumers.

Location: Intercultural Center Lounge, Building 4

Tuesday, March 14, 3:30pm.: Community Film Screening: Bitter Seeds (virtual)

Bitter Seeds: This documentary exposes the tragic impact of the American agrochemical and agricultural biotechnology corporation, Monsanto on rural farming communities in India. This is the third film in Micha Peled’s Globalization Trilogy, following the award-winning Store Wars: When Wal-Mart Comes to Town and China Blue.

Zoom: https://smccd.zoom.us/j/89653028777

Wednesday, March 15, 3:30pm.: Panel Discussion (hyflex) Let us know if you will join in person or via Zoom by filling out the registration form. 

In person: Intercultural Center Lounge, Building 4.

Zoom: https://smccd.zoom.us/j/87315078015

How are individual, local, national, and global interconnected and co-produced, and how can each of us recognize and take responsibility for our choices & actions?  Panelists include activists, writers, artists, journalists & Skyline faculty. Refreshments will be provided.

Find more information please visit https://skylinecollege.edu/cgce/events.php or contact Professor Pia Walawalkar, Equity and Outreach Librarian walawalkars@smccd.edu or Professor Rob Williams williamsrob@smccd.edu. 

We look forward to seeing you!

The Beta Theta Omicron chapter is back in action this semester after taking a short break over the winter. During the spring 2023 semester, they will host a number of academic support events, workshops, and volunteer opportunities for Skyline students. So far, the chapter has held two orientation meetings, two academic workshops, provided two volunteer opportunities, and has much more planned for the upcoming months. Continue reading to find out more:

The team decided to build on the success of last year’s College Project by focusing more on providing academic support to Skyline College students in order to increase academic achievement at the start of the semester. For freshmen students, the chapter hosted the Navigating College Workshop as well as the Working Smarter, Not Harder Workshop. PTK members lead the academic support workshops with the assistance from the Learning and STEM Center. Participants learn about resources and skills that will help them become academically strong students.

Newly eligible students were invited to join the honor society at the end of February, and the chapter hosted two orientations to share information about scholarships, professional development, and leadership opportunities through the Phi Theta Kappa honor society.

In terms of community service, Beta Theta Omicron is currently raising funds for the American Cancer Society through the “Relay for Life” project. Besides their fundraising efforts, members of the chapter began a new collaboration with an East Palo Alto non-profit to provide educational workshops on STEM and language arts subjects to students’ grades K – 5. The workshops are designed and taught by members of the chapter. Many members also volunteered at the award-winning Computer Literacy and Internet Competency for Seniors (CLICS) volunteer sessions at the Roberta Cerri Teglia Center Senior Center throughout February. On Saturday, March 11, 2023, students from the international student club and Beta Theta Omicron will work together to clean up Thornton Beach.

The team is always eager to continue serving and providing valuable opportunities to students and the community. If you would like to get involved and learn more about PTK and the leadership opportunities the chapter provides on and off campus, join the member meetings on Fridays from 2-4 pm at the STEM Center in Building 7.

Article by Hnin Thandar Win

You are invited to join us Wednesday, March 8, 2023, from 10 am – 2 pm for the Skyline Health Fair in Building 6 Dining Hall. We are so excited to bring this beloved event back to Skyline!

Stop by and connect to wellness-related resources for Skyline students and employees. There will be over 25 exhibitors offering health information, health screenings, giveaways and more!

Skyline Health Fair
In-Person Event – Wellness Center
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
10 am – 2 pm
Building 6, Dining Hall

Article by Rubielyn Ruiza