President's Office

October 9, 2024

(1) Highlights of first MIPC meeting

The first Mission Informed Planning Council occurred on October 4th and welcomed four new student members: Paulo Verzosa, Shahanna Shaik, Zara Ainge, and Sangee Prieto. New staff members in attendance included Doreen Finklestien and Michael Chang . Key takeaways:

• Accreditation visit was successful; we will likely receive a recommendation related to student learning outcomes assessment.
• New Institutional Effectiveness Committee priorities were approved.
• College values survey revealed top values of integrity, trust, equity; "forgiveness" as a value generated mixed opinions.
• Professional Learning Committee provided committee feedback on FLEX & Opening Day; sought clarity on expanded scope beyond Flex Day planning

The next Mission Informed Planning Council is October 18th from 1 — 3 p.m. in Room 1901 or Zoom. MIPC welcomes mission–connected agenda items from any campus or community members. Submit your agenda items here.

(2) Office Hour.

This Friday from 12 — 1 p.m. I will be hosting an Office Hour. Drop by my office to just say “hi” or tell me what’s on your mind. No RSVP needed.

(3) SVJV Poll Results.

This week members of the FHDA community attended the release of Silicon Valley Joint Ventures’ Silicon Valley Poll. What is it? “The Poll tracks recurring questions probing how residents feel about the general direction of the region and their stance on a range of policy and planning questions.” Here are items I found of interest (though none surprising):

• With increasing unity, residents identify their top three concerns as the cost of housing, homelessness, and the cost of living. Nearly every resident believes these issues are serious problems (96%, 96%, and 97%, respectively). Nearly four in five believe these three issues are very serious.
• Nearly half of Bay Area residents experience financial insecurity, an increase from last year. [ . . . ] Women are particularly likely to face financial insecurity (59%). Black (78%) and Hispanic women (75%) report especially high rates. Additionally, 57% of residents with children experience financial insecurity.
• Residents believe Silicon Valley remains globally influential, though this perception is waning. While 51% view it as one of the most innovative and entrepreneurial regions, only 9% consider it the undisputed world leader. About 20% of residents say Silicon Valley is no longer a global leader, though it remains influential.
• Despite widespread familiarity with Artificial Intelligence (AI), Bay Area residents are concerned about the technology’s potential impact. The greatest concerns focus on AI’s potential to generate fake content and spread misinformation in the upcoming election.

(4) Undocumented Week of Action.

At this Monday’s Board of Trustees meeting, the trustees passed a resolution supporting October 14 – 18 as Undocumented Student Action Week. Our campus will beautifully open the week with a butterfly release at the Campus Center Plaza from noon — 1 p.m. Join me there and then at activities and sessions throughout the week.

(5) World Mental Health Day –Theme: Mental Health at Work.

Tomorrow is World Mental Health Day. While mental health challenges cross all demographics, in support of this year’s theme and in recognition of my own privilege, my micro learning for today leaned into the mental health challenges of my BIPOC colleagues. Be sure to share all our Mental Health & Wellness resources with students you teach and serve.

Yours in service,
Kristina