August 26, 2024

Dear Students,

Welcome to the Fall 2024 semester. I want to extend a warm welcome to all our new and returning students as you continue along your educational journey. Your experience and success at SRJC are at the center of our work and I am committed to creating a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for you.

We’ve recently embarked on a District-wide effort to build community and excellence by creating a culture of belonging for everyone and you are invited to sign up and participate in a discussion to have your voice heard. Below, you’ll find details about this initiative and what you can expect.

Thank you for your willingness to engage in a meaningful connection with one another, so that we may co-create the solutions necessary to make systemic changes. Your voice is an important part of our community, and I am committed to making sure you are supported by an inclusive and welcoming environment.

 

In community,

Dr. Garcia

Angélica Garcia, Ed.D. 
Superintendent/President 
707-527-4431, angelicagarcia@santarosa.edu 

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Background:

Since joining SRJC last year, I have seen, and experienced systemic practices rooted in oppression that need to be addressed to create a culture that reflects our mission, vision and values.

Over the summer, I shared two communications to the SRJC community outlining the District efforts: Institutional and Workplace Culture Initiatives and President's Report from the June Board of Trustees Meeting. We must come together to understand each other’s experiences and build a more welcome, supportive community. One of the ways we are embracing this is through fostering open dialogue and community engagement in facilitated discussions.

 

About the Facilitated Discussions:

Students are invited to participate in a facilitated group discussion hosted in-person or on Zoom. The sessions will be facilitated by Rooted in Love, a consulting firm supporting our IDEAA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism, and Accessibility) initiatives. Interim Vice President Human Resources Theresa Richmond and Vice President of Student Services Molly Senecal will attend all sessions and may be joined by Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services Kate Jolley or Vice President of Academic Affairs Robert Holcomb.

If you would prefer to share your experiences individually instead of in a group session, we have also provided an online form to do so.

 

Sign Up Process:

There are several dates and times over the next two months at all sites. Please register for one session at any site.   

Direct Links:

• In-Person or Zoom sign up: https://signup.com/go/CcugGHK
• Online form: https://santarosa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9TDSK3leL9DxO6y

Responses to this form will be treated confidentially but are not anonymous. This form is not a reporting mechanism for filing student complaints. To file a student complaint, please visit: https://rightsresponsibilities.santarosa.edu/complaints-grievances

 

What to expect:

The sessions will begin with group agreements to establish the expected collegial behavior and explain the role of each administrator in attendance. The agreements include:

1. Practice an Ethic of Care
   1. Practice community care by taking space and making space.
   2. Practice community care by valuing every voice.
   3. Practice self-care by engaging, disengaging, or re-engaging according to your level of comfort.
   4. Be an active listener.
2. Respect Others
   1. Speak collegially and practice empathy.
   2. Assume positive intent.
   3. Speak only your truth, knowing it’s only part of the truth.
   4. In offering responses, ask for consent.
   5. Maintain confidentiality.
       
3. Uphold a Nonhierarchical Dynamic
   1. Be aware of power dynamics, real or perceived.
   2. Challenge ideas, not people.

 The conversation will be focused on three prompts:

1. How would you describe the student experience at SRJC? Can you share specific examples?
2. What actions can the District take to foster a stronger sense of belonging among students and create a community of inclusivity that aligns with our values?
3. Is there anything else you want the District to know?

 

The intention for these sessions is to:

• Help SRJC understand what should have been done so we can respond later with how we have changed these things. 
• Prepare our college community to move forward, which does not mean we are dismissing or ignoring the past. 
• Offer space to share, but not act as healing circles or training sessions. 
• Reveal patterns or themes that can be used as data points to inform SRJC’s IDEAA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism, and Accessibility) Taskforce’s charge. 

Feedback from these sessions will inform the IDEAA Taskforce’s recommendations to cultivate a community of belonging, create safe spaces, and the actions necessary to be a community rooted in IDEAA.