Chancellor's Weekly Note: December 7

Dear College Community-
 
As you know, the new State shelter in place order went into effect last night at 10 pm. Nothing really changes for us as a college, as select in-person classes had already been approved by the San Francisco Department of Public Health until the end of the Fall semester. Please continue to visit the (SFDPH) webpage for the most current updates on the virus in our County. This week be on the lookout for our next COVID newsletter, which will include information on the latest technology tools for contact tracing and vaccination tracking, among other important updates.
 
The Office of Contract Education and Extension Programs is developing an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Training Program at the Evans Campus, in partnership with the San Francisco Fire Department and City EMT.  A San Francisco based non-profit organization, City EMT is designed to address the issues of poverty, violence, and unemployment by training adults aged 18-24 years old in an expanded 4-month (146 hour) EMT Program. The University of San Francisco has donated the use of a decommissioned ambulance and supplies. Oversight and licensure will be managed by two City College faculty: Dr. Megan Corry, Paramedic Program Director and David Kinsbourne, the EMT Program Director. 
 
To reach as many potential students as possible, we continue to engage in outreach efforts at all levels. A Registration Party was held on December 1 for Metro students, who received direct all-day help from staff on how to register. An Information Session, Athletics at CCSF, was held on December 2. The presentation included three coaches, five student athlete panelists, members of our Outreach team, and a financial aid specialist. And tomorrow, Tuesday, December 8, kicks off the first of 26 in-person registration days offered to non-credit communities at each of our Centers. I want to thank the workgroup who diligently worked for months to continue outreach efforts and make in-person reality, even if we went into shelter in place again. I would also like to thank the IT staff who worked with this group to notify over 20,000 non-credit students over the weekend, a huge accomplishment. 
 
What we are living is our new normal, for the time being. I ask that you each take care of each other, your families, and follow the State’s order to stay home. It is imperative that we do our part to limit the spread, report positive cases immediately, and continue to offer superb services, support and instruction to our students – many facing great challenges.
 
And, as always, thank you for all that you do for our community at City College and beyond.
 
Yours sincerely,
 
Rajen Vurdien, Ph.D.
Interim Chancellor