March 13, 2025

Dear SRJC Community, 

February was a month of learning, collaboration, and meaningful discussions that will shape our work in the months ahead. From navigating shifting federal policies to participating in our Professional Development Activity (PDA) Day, our community remains dedicated to growth and progress. 

As educators, we engage in critical thought, discourse, and reflection to inform action. Last month, I attended an AI Leadership Bootcamp alongside other community college CEOs.  As I reflect on what I learned and review the AI materials produced by the Academic Senate, I ask: “What should the District’s relationship to generative AI be?” I am excited to continue engaging in this conversation as we explore best practices and opportunities in this rapidly developing space. 

This same spirit of reflection and dialogue was present during the recent Peer Resource Team (PRT), where colleagues and students shared insights on participatory governance, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism, and Accessibility (IDEAA), and our identity as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). The interviews with students, faculty, classified professionals, and administrators underscored the power of education to shape both individuals and communities. As Paulo Freire reminds us, "Education does not change the world. Education changes people. People change the world." Our work, mission, and purpose are grounded in working with students whose goals and ambitions call them to obtain a postsecondary education. 

February also gave us the opportunity to recognize Black History Month, and as we transition into March, we recognize Women’s History Month. While we do not need a designated month to learn about the brilliance and contributions of these communities, these observances ensure that their histories remain visible and valued. Among the events scheduled for this month, I want to highlight the conversations with Kaneza Schaal, Opera Director and Arts-in-Education Activist, and Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez, Novelist and Poet, as examples of critical voices sharing their experiences from intersecting identities as women. Additionally, the Petaluma AAUW Women’s Film Festival at SRJC Petaluma highlights films written and directed by women, as well as the collaborative relationships SRJC has with community partners. Learn more about Santa Rosa’s direct connection to the women’s history movement: https://events.santarosa.edu/whm-about-womens-history-month.

Beyond our college, we continue to navigate an evolving political landscape. Regardless of political affiliation, efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education threaten higher education accessibility and the foundation of a democratic society. Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Education released a statement that the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) workforce would be reduced by 50% as of March 21st, including the OCR branch in San Francisco, which handles complaints in California. Over 700 open complaints are in process in California, a majority of which are disability discrimination complaints. As a public institution of higher education whose mission is grounded in students and our community, SRJC must and will remain an anchor for academic and career opportunities, ensuring that students continue to have access to the education and support they need to realize their goals and serve as future leaders who will impact a changing world.  

Thank you for all that you do to support SRJC’s mission. Together, we continue to create an environment where learning, growth, and opportunity thrive. 

In Community, 
Dr. Garcia

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Office of the President

• Provided welcome comments at Professional Development Activity (PDA) Day
• Attended a three-day AI Bootcamp in Newport, organized in partnership with CCCC
• Attended a tour of the IBEW Local 551 and Plumbers & Pipefitters Training Centers
• Hosted the Peer Resource Team Visit
• Hosted a Pop-Up with the President in Petaluma, which included the Food Pantry for students to have access to fresh produce, grains, protein, and power snacks
• Provided a welcome to Cesar Chavez Learning Academy Middle School Outreach Pilot, where they engaged in hands-on learning about STEM

Academic Affairs

• HOPE, MESA, and Avanzando Active Study Workshop: Over 30 STEM and health sciences students participated in an Active Study Workshop led by Keana Parry, a HOPE student and tutor in her final semester of SRJC’s ADN program. The workshop introduced interactive student techniques, including a learning styles quiz, group discussions, and time management strategies. The Avanzando program provided guidance on test anxiety management and self-care using a community cultural wealth model. Students found the workshop engaging and effective, with many reporting increased confidence in coursework. One student shared that it was helpful to connect with peers facing similar challenges. The overwhelmingly positive feedback highlighted the workshop’s success and immediate impact on study habits.
• HEP Career Exploration at the new HEP Center: SRJC’s High School Equivalency Program (HEP) hosted its first event in the new HEP Center in Kunde Hall, bringing together 30 students and recent graduates for a Career Exploration Workshop. Oscar Guajardo introduced students to technical and vocational career opportunities, emphasizing the importance of English as a gateway to courses in fields like healthcare, firefighting, and culinary arts. Special guest Sharon Garcia, a 2016 HEP graduate, shared her inspiring journey from completing her HSE and EMLS courses to earning four associate degrees and launching her business, Xie’s Sushi. Students participated in a “Know Your Rights” training, a skit on professional dress, and selected interview outfits from a clothing drive. The event provided valuable career insights and resources, reinforcing SRJC’s commitment to student success.
• Middle School STEM Day with César Chavez Language Academy: We were delighted to pilot our first Middle School STEM Day, welcoming over 80 students to SRJC for a hands-on science experience. Hosted in collaboration with MESA, the Outreach team, the Student Equity Program, and SRJC’s STEAM faculty, students explored the properties of light, synthesized nylon, assembled 3D-printed dinosaurs, solved math-based escape rooms, and studied anatomy, local plants, and ecosystems. The event began with a powerful address by Superintendent/President Dr. Angélica Garcia, setting the stage for an engaging day of discovery and learning. 
  
    

Student Services

• Democracy in Action Workgroup: The college’s post-election workgroup has changed its name to the Democracy in Action (DIA) Workgroup, reflecting its ongoing commitment to increasing political literacy, voter registration, and civic engagement opportunities. This cross-constituent, cross-campus group includes students, faculty, administrators, classified professionals, and community members working together to empower civic participation. In alignment with the Student Civic and Voter Empowerment Act (SCVEA) Cal Ed Code 66850-66852, the DIA workgroup meets monthly in the Bertolini Student Center Rotary Center, and all are welcome to join. Visit http://studentlife.santarosa.edu/election-hub for more information.
• Professional Development Focuses on Undocumented Student Support: More than 60 faculty and staff members attended the “SRJC’s Proposed Best Practices for Supporting Undocumented Students” PDA session on February 13. Led by Beatriz Camargo, Stephanie Jarrett, and Molly Senecal, this session built on previous informational meetings and communications from the Office of the President. First Gen Empower hosted an “Undocu Ally Training” in the second session, providing faculty, staff, and administrators with tools to better support undocumented students. This session is part of a three-part series, with trainings being held on March 6 on the Santa Rosa campus and April 30 on the Petaluma campus. Additionally, VIDAS, an immigrant legal advocacy and services nonprofit that supports SRJC students, presented a “Know Your Rights” workshop during PDA to a packed room. More training sessions will be offered throughout the semester to further support SRJC’s undocumented students.
• Financial Aid Fun Fair Engages Students: The Financial Aid Office hosted a successful Financial Aid Fun Fair at the Petaluma Campus on February 20, providing students with hands-on assistance for FAFSA and CADAA applications for both the current and upcoming academic years. Nearly 100 students stopped by to enjoy great food, a photo booth, and SRJC giveaways to connect with peers and learn more about available financial resources. Students needing additional financial aid support are encouraged to set up an appointment with the Financial Aid Office.
  
   

Finance & Administrative Services

• David Liebman Appointed to CCC Chancellor’s Office Climate Fellow: David Liebman, Energy & Sustainability Manager, has been selected to serve as the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office Climate Fellow – Facilities Lead for the next two years. In this role, he has already contributed to updating the Board of Governor’s Climate Action and Sustainability Goals, which were approved in January 2025. As Climate Fellow, David is conducting a systemwide analysis to assess the sustainability status of the California Community College (CCC) system, identifying financial and staffing needs to help districts achieve their sustainability goals. Additionally, he is supporting the CCC system in researching and developing a climate adaptation and resiliency framework to strengthen sustainability efforts across the state. 
   

Human Resources

• Professional Development Activities (PDA) Day: The Spring 2025 Professional Development Activities Day took place on Thursday, February 13, 2025, with over 400 members of the college community participating both in person and via Zoom. The event featured more than 40 workshops led by faculty and staff. A key highlight of the morning plenary session was the Brook Tauzer Lecture, delivered by Dr. Karen Frindell Teuscher, titled “Sacré Bleu: Pursuing Beauty Through the Chemical World.”
  

Foundation

• David and Dede Del Monte Lecture: This year’s David and Dede Del Monte Lecture will feature Naturalist, José González, who will speak on healing our severed relations with nature and each other. The lecture will take place on Monday, April 14, at noon in the Chong Studio Theatre. This lecture is free, and everyone is invited.
• Foundation Fundraising Milestone: As of the end of December 2024, the SRJC Foundation has secured $6.7 million for scholarships and programs, marking a $2.3 million increase over last year. Recent major gifts include a $200,000 donation for the Roseland campus, a $250,000 endowment for architecture and STEM, and $25,000 for foster students.
• Building Futures Fundraising Event: The next Building Futures fundraising event will take place on Saturday, April 26, from 4-7 p.m., in partnership with Friends of Petaluma, and SRJC Petaluma campus colleagues. This event will raise funds for the Construction Training Center and other Petaluma campus priorities. We want to thank our good friends at Exchange Bank for the $15,000 lead sponsorship, and the $10,000 sponsorship from the NorCal Carpenters Union.