November13, 2024
Dear SRJC Community,
In my President’s Report at last night’s November Board of Trustees meeting, I shared some reflections about the post-election impact on students from marginalized communities. I want to share these comments, plus some expanded thoughts on the District’s response and communication for supporting students and the broader SRJC community.
Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) remains an accessible pathway for students working towards advancing their academic and career goals. Yet, this level of energy towards forward momentum is impacted by the broader community around us. The recent U.S. elections brought about high engagement from SRJC students in voter turnout and education. In my November 7th message to the community, I shared how exercising one’s right to vote can evoke strong emotions –pride in having your voice heard, or frustration when it feels devalued. For some, the election results, including local measures and statewide outcomes, are cause for celebration. For others, they serve as a reminder of the many ways our democratic society must still grow to realize a more just and equitable community.
SRJC stands firm in its commitment to our mission: cultivating an accessible, open, barrier-free, and sustainable environment for students, employees, and the community. In February 2017, the Board of Trustees passed Resolution 5-17 designating SRJC campuses and sites as Safe Havens. Among its statements, the resolution declares that “the Sonoma County Junior College District and its Board of Trustees declare that Santa Rosa Junior College, and all its campuses and centers, are a Safe Haven for undocumented students and marginalized populations.” I encourage all SRJC employees to review the resolution to understand what it means to be a Safe Haven and contribute to the District’s efforts in implementing the “be it resolved” actions.
I am proud of our collective efforts to build a community that embodies our values, and I am acutely aware of how our institutional and surrounding community is facing a period of significant transition. One of the most critical actions during this time will be sharing timely, transparent information that supports and benefits students and employees.
To keep you informed during this transition, I have asked each of the Vice Presidents and members of the President’s Office to take the lead on coordinating and communicating updates within key constituency group areas. Please share any relevant information with the appropriate contact below so that it can be included:
- Messages to Students – Dr. Molly Senecal, Vice President of Student Services, will take the lead in providing messages regarding resources, activities, and support services to students. Student Life and Engagement, in collaboration with the Student Services Council, has created the Student Election Hub which will continue to serve as the central location for resources and information pertaining to the impact on undocumented students and marginalized populations.
- Messages to Faculty/Academic Programs: Dr. Robert Holcomb, Vice President of Academic Affairs, will take the lead on messages to faculty and partners in academic programs, providing opportunities for the sharing of resources, support, and activities.
- Messages to SRJC Employees: Theresa Richmond, Interim Vice President of Human Resources will take the lead on messages on resources, support, and activities for administrators, classified professionals, and faculty. Employees are also encouraged to use the Employee Assistance Program resources, which include legal consultation and mental health support.
- Messages Regarding Safety and Security: Kate Jolley, Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services, will take the lead on communications related to safety and security.
- Media Inquiries: Please direct all media inquiries or for support with comments to Sarah Pew, Senior Director of Marketing, Communications, and Public Affairs.
As we prepare for this transition, it is how we interact with one another, grounded in our humanity and rooted in our values that we will find a path forward. There are many of you who are working to support students, their families, and members throughout our Sonoma County community during this time, beyond the scope of your District role. I hope you are finding the space and community to enact some self-care.
I am deeply grateful to be a part of this community as we work together to uphold SRJC as a safe space for students’ learning and growth.
In community,
Dr. Garcia
Angélica Garcia, Ed.D.
Superintendent/President
707-527-4431, angelicagarcia@santarosa.edu
