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1 WHC Mission Statement West Hills College is committed to achieving student learning through the provision of educational, cultural, and economic development opportunities to our current and future students and the local and global communities that we serve. VOL 6, NO. 11 MAY, 2013 PRESIDENT S MESSAG GE As I near my first West Hills College graduation ass President, I have reflected on what I have learned over these past few months in order to make next yearr even betterr for our students, faculty and staff. What I have learned is, It s about the college culture. It is all about the experience. There is little doubt that a college education is the most important investment a person will ever make. But how do you put a value on such an experience? College is where our students transition from young adulthood to independent members of society. It is where they choose theirr lives paths, and wheree they make the lifelong friends who will accompany them on that journey. College is what each student experiences. I have also learned that leading in a culture of change means creating a culture ( not just a structure) of change. It means producing the capacity to seek, critically assess and selectively incorporate new ideas and practices. Over the past several weeks, faculty, staff, studentss and I have examined our culture and mission as we have begun strategic planning for our college. I have challenged all to ask themselves, What is possible? The goal is that our Educational Master Plan will reflect our culture of collaboration, high expectations and potential. This living document will be our guide over the next five years as we strive to maintain a relentless focus on studentt success. Our work with the Lumina Foundation s Degree Qualifications Profile is another example of our seeking and incorporating new ideas and practices to advance student success. I recently joined Arkady Hanjiev, Sarah Shepard and Stephanie Droker, along with representatives from ACCJC and 12 colleges, to learn more about DQP. What we learned is that the usess for a Degree Profile are multifaceted and may serve as the lens from which we conduct our educational retooling work. At the curriculum level, faculty and students can use it for a common source of understanding as it relates to expectations. At the college level, it will provide reference points for faculty to better align institutional student learning outcomes. Forr students, it will serve as reference points for degreee completion planning. This edition of the President s Pen will highlight stories that demonstrate our relentless commitment to student engagement, learning and achievement in and out of the classroom. 300 Cherry Lane -, CA (559) Page

2 WEST HILLS COLLEGE STUDENT ENGAGEM MENT CSU Monterey Bay The twenty-seventh of April marked a great day for West Hills College! Fourty- and students from the general population enjoyed a tour and lunch at the California State University Monterey Bay campus. Omar Murillo of the Student Support Services program at CSU Monterey gave an threee international students, SSS students eventful and interactive tour of the campus. After a buffet meal in the CSU Monterey dinning commons students got the opportunity to visit Cannery Row in downtown Monterey. Chaperons Aronne Hauki, Linda Lewin and Reyna Moreno, all agree that the trip was a great successs and look forward WHC s next campus visit! STUDENT LEADERS SHIP The last two months for ASB have been very busy! We helped plan the annual American Cancer Society's Relay For Life eventt held on the campus of West Hills College. We had several student teams compete for best camp. TRIO students also worked on this event. Over 100 walkers participated. ASB also organized multiple video game tournaments, assisted in the annual TRIO soccer tournament, and most recently held their strategic planning for next year'ss events. Having a plann in place forr next year will give the new officers a head start on the activities that need to be done for next year. With elections happening May 15 and 16, the hope is that the new officers can pick up where ASB left off, and that is to continue being active with student activities. INSTRUCTION IN ACTION 300 Cherry Lane -, CA (559) Page

3 Welding and Industrial Mechanics This semester, WHCC kicked-off providing updated courses in Welding and Industrial Mechanics Technology as part of the C6 initiative. In order to provide students at our Farm of the Future with access to support programs and services, Basic Skills faculty have been working with students in Welding and Industrial Mechanics during their lunch hour to provide assistance with English and math instruction. Additionally, Student Services has a counselor at the Farm each week to help students with their academic plans. Special thanks goes to Sandy McGlothlin (Counselor) and Delores Gonzalez (English and math remediation instructor) for their commitment to our Farm of the Future students! New GED Assessment Coming January 2014 Since the GED began in 1942, about 18 million adults have taken the test and been awardedd a high school credential. Every year, about 850,000 adults in the U.S. take the test. About 450, 000 of them pass. GED Testing Service will introduce a new version of the test, given nationwide, on Jan. 1, The first major changes since 2002 will align the test with the new Common Core curricula adopted by most states to increase college and career readiness. WHCCD HEP currently has 48 students in the process of completing the GED. It is crucial that current students complete the GED before the December 31 st deadline as 2002 series exam results cannot be carried over to the 2014 series. Students who do not complete the 2002 series exams by the December 31 st deadline will be required to retest in all subject areas. To handle the urgency, WHCCD HEP provides GED preparation courses and additional tutoring for those who qualify for the program. The new exams will serve threee distinct purposes. To provide a high school credential by measuring whether a candidate has acquired the foundational academic skills and knowledge deemed necessary for high school exit. The new GED assessment will continue to provide an alternate pathway for adults who have not earned a high school diploma. To provide evidence of readinesss to enter workforce training programs or postsecondary education. The new GED assessment will measure whether a candidate is ready to enter a workforce training program or a typical entry-level, credit bearing 2 or 4 year college course without needing remediation. To provide information about the candidate s strengths and areas developmental need. By providing more information about the candidate s proficiency on career and college readiness standards; potential employers, postsecondary advisors,, and educators can help candidates strengthen those areas of developmental need so that the candidates are ready for the next level of lifelong education and training. GED exams will continue to be offered in both English and Spanish; however, the content areas have been reduced to four literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. Perhaps thee most visible change for 2014 is that the exam will be converting to computer based testing (CBT). There will be no option for paper-based testing. Students have to be comfortable using a mouse to go back and forth between screens and selecting different options. Students need to be comfortable typing an extended response/essay. Students will also need to know how to drag and drop/cut and paste text and use sections of that text within their own writing. GED preparation is available afternoons and evenings in both English and Spanish. For more information please contact Javier Cazares at javiercazares@whccd.edu or ( 559) STUDENT SERVICES S IN ACTION University Representatives are on campus welcome, appointments are preferred. Please regularly to discuss your transfer needs. Walk-ins contact thee Career/ at Cherry Lane -, CA (559) Page

4 or To learn more, please see calendar of events on the WHCC Website or note the dates and times below: UNIVERSITY DeVry University National University Columbia College Brandman University Grand Canyon University Embry Riddle Aeronautical University DATE MON/TUES/ /WED May 7 & 13 WEDNESDAY May 15 THURSDAY May 2 & 16 WEDNESDAY May 1 THURSDAY May 9 MONDAY May 6 TIME 10: :00AM 1:00PM 10: :00AM 1:00PM 8:30AM 12:00PM 11: :00AM 1:00PM 9:00AM 1:00PM 9:00AM 2:00PM 10: :00AM 1:00PM LOCATION CONTACT INFO May Cha mcha@devry.edu edu Joseph J. Savopolos Shelsy Hutchison shutchis@brandman.edu Rudy Ramirez Rudy.Ramirez@gcu.edu Anne T. Leonard lemoore@erau.edu st Annual Career/Transfer Fair: Cruising College and Careers We know that our students want and often need to work while attending college. wage, high-demand field is often their goal. We also know that a career in a high- 300 Cherry Lane -, CA (559) Page

5 In response, West Hills College had its 1 st Annual Career/Transfer Fair: Cruising Colleges and Careers on Thursday, March 21, 2013 in the Wellness Center/Dance Room. The two hour event offered more than 140 participants an opportunity to learn more about career and higher education opportunities. There were 7 local employers, 6 colleges and universities, and 10 faculty careerr guides from a variety of discipliness were present to share information and resources. This event was sponsored by the WHCC Career/Transfer Center and the Basic Skills Initiative and brought our Fresno Regional Workforce professionals and WHCC Counselor and advisors together to design an interactive experience for students. STUDENT T SPOTLIGHT Chanel Cervantes Pursuing my education at West Hills Community College has proven to be a challenge all in its own. I am a single parent to threee children; this alone was my biggest challenge of all. It is very important as a parent to set a good example for your children and finishing my degree was my way of showing them what I expect from them. Having three kids was not only a challenge but very intense motivation for me. Another challengee I had to face was time management for my family. Going to school took up a lot of my time, in class and study time. Setting a good examplee for your children is just as important as making time for your children. Time management was another challenge I faced. I was fortunate too be able to manage school and extra-curricular activities with my children, things like football, basketball and cheer. My finances also posed a challenge for me to complete my degree. Dedicating all my time on school kept me from being able to search or obtain a fulltime job. I managed to receive public assistance (CalWORKs) and work a part time job. I really enjoyed my part time job at an elementary school. I supervise children in the cafeteria and on the playground. Being in an educational settingg also gave me an insight of how important it is to focus on education early on. Having support is always beneficial when managing any situation in life. The support that was given to me through the CalWORKs program was very much needed. I benefited so muchh from the materials thatt was provided from this program. I was able to receivee scantrons for quizzes and exams, notebooks, folders for each course, pens and pencils. Being a college student can be very costly so having access to these materials was awesome. Work study was available to me through the CalWORKs program; this was the upmost best assistance I have received. I was able to receive additional income as well as experience. I learned so much from being an assistant in the Career Center. Many different workshops were available through the CalWORKs program. The time management, managing finances, and healthy snacks for people on the go were very beneficial not only to me but I believe any college student. I learned many things along my path of a college student. The most important lesson was skillss I acquired to allow me to be self-sufficient. Having an education will allow me to establish a career with good benefits and sustainable pay. Referring back to the challenges I had to overcome helps me to havee confidence that I need to achieve future goals. My sister told me I should set a goal and stick to it. Sticking to a goal has been a lesson taught throughout one s lifetime, but when you are an adult you really learn what this lesson is. Being able to overcome challenges I have faced throughout my education has shown me that I have self-control, and I am self-sufficient to be able to accomplish any goal I might set. I plan on staying positive and focusing on my accomplishments too help me reach future goals. 300 Cherry Lane -, CA (559) Page

6 I am in my late 20 s and have met many people during my time here at West Hills College. Many of the students here are coming straight from high school. Since some of the students are younger than me I tend to share my story of achievements and challenges here at West Hills or about life in general. I always try and share my advice with anyone around that will listen. Telling my fellow classmates they should neverr give up and stay focused using our schools motto, Once you go heree you can go anywhere. In some classes we have had assignments that required group discussions or group presentations. Being in a group was a very good way to become acquainted and learn of each other s level of intelligence. Of course many times students might be too shy to speak up, it was during this time when I took the initiative to be a leader and make sure everyone felt accountable. Community service has taught me a great deal. I am a volunteer at my church Chapel Grace on evenings when we host a soup kitchen. We prepare a meal for anyone in need or even those that just want to come eat. I have met many humble people during my time as a volunteer there. Having been able to work with the community and especially those in need has showed me that you should never give up on yourselff and realize yourself worth. Finally these are my thoughts on the challenges I ve faced and some ways that the CalWORKs program has helped me. Heree are my plans to become self-sufficient and my involvement as a student leader and my community efforts as well. I would like to thank the CalWORKs Association for your consideration for this acknowledgement. ATHLETICS Annual Horned Toad Derby Golf Tournament sponsored by WHCC Foundation & WHCCC Athletic Department Date: Sunday, May 26 Time: Shot Gun Start 8:15am Location: Lemoore Golf Course 350 West Iona Ave Lemoore Cost: $75/Individual, $300/Team (price includes; green fees, golff cart and lunch) $75 Tee Sponsor For more information contact: Mark Gritton 559/ , Mark Arcee 559/ or Gina R Tollison 559/ th Spring 2013 Baseball 300 Cherry Lane -, CA (559) Page

7 MVP - Frosh Final record (9-15, 15-21) 2013 Baseball Team Awards MVP - Soph Falcon Excellence Karson Canaday Cy Young Brad Rolff Golden Glove Aaron Graef Silver Slugger Jacob Phillips Johnny Barrera Antonio Ibarraa Spring 2013 Softball 300 Cherry Lane -, CA (559) Page

8 2013 Softball All-Conference Selections Honorable Mention # 12 Cady Brazelton # 6 Amanda Lourenco Spring 2013 Rodeo #25 Alysha Nettingham 300 Cherry Lane -, CA (559) Page

9 2013 NIRA West Coast Finalists Jose Machado Casey Meroshnekoff Kenzie Williams Successful end to rodeo season. At the conclusion of the College Rodeo at UNLV, the West Hills Rodeo Team won 6 of the 12 events for the year end and has qualified two men and one woman for the College national Finals this June. Lead by Casey Meroshnekoff, a freshman at West Hillss College, Casey was in second place going into the Finals and overtook the lead to win the bareback riding, bull riding and Team Roping Championshipss in addition to the Rookie of the Year and the most prestige title, the All Around Championship. Casey s team roping partner Jose Machado also won thee Team Roping as the Heading part of the roping duo. Jose also a Freshman from southern California town of Campo, Ca. while Casey is from Red Bluff. Not to be overshadowed Kenzie Williams who had lead the seasonn all year in the breakaway roping was the year end winner in that event. Williams is from Red Wood Valley, Ca. The three will represent West Hills at the College National Finals Rodeo June 9-15 in Casper, Wyo. Fall 2013 Football DATE DAY Sept 9 Sept 14 Sept 21 Sept 28 Oct 5 Oct 12 Oct 18 Oct 26 Nov 2 Nov 9 Nov 16 OPPONENT Fresno City College College of the Sequoias San Francisco City College San Jose City College Gavilan Collegee Bye *Laney College *Sisk kiyous (Homecoming & Hall of Fame) *Reedley College *Chabot College *Merced Jr. College * Conference Games LOCATION TIME Visalia San Jose Gilroy Oakland 7pm 7pm 12pm 3pm 5pm 7pm 1pm Reedley 1pm 3pm 1pm HOME GAMES IN BOLD 300 Cherry Lane -, CA (559) Page

10 Fall 2013 Volleyball DATE DAY Aug 30 Sept 6 Sept 13 Sept 25 Oct 2 Oct 4 Oct 9 Oct 11 Oct 16 Oct 18 Oct 23 Oct 29 Nov 1 Nov 6 Nov 8 Nov 13 Nov 15 Tuesday OPPONENT MPC Scrimmage Cosumnes River Tourney MPC Classic Tourney *Merced Jr. College *Taft College *Reedley College *College of the Sequoias *Columbia College *Fresno City College *Porterville College *Merced Jr. College *Taft College *Reedley College *College of the Sequoias *Columbia College *Fresno City College *Porterville College * Conference Games LOCATION TIME Monterey All Day Sacrament All Day Monterey All Day Reedley Sonora 5pm Fresno Merced Taft Visalia 5pm Porterville HOME GAMES IN BOLD INTERESTING INSIGHTS WHCC TEAM MEMBERS Isela Moreno Isela Moreno, Financial Aid Assistant, was born in Fresno, CA and was raised in, CA for most of her life. She graduated from High School in In December 2007, Isela and her fiancé welcomed their first son; Luis Jr. Isela started out at West Hills College in September 2010 as a part-time Student Services Assistant, and worked at the Avenal Community Resource Center wheree she helped students apply for admissions, sign up for classes, and fill out their FAFSA applications online. Additionally, she would also help students sign up for GED preparation classes and the HEP program. In regards to this work, Isela stated, I loved being able to be the bridge from the student to the college for lots of people. Not all students had the privilege of driving out to the campus to get things done, and they didn t know how to do it themselves. So, I would help them out as much as I couldd at the Community Resource Center. Luis Sr. and Isela wed on July Later that year, she started working full-time for West Hills College as a Financial Aid Assistant. After attaining her AS degree in Businesss Administration at West Hills Community College in May 2012, Isela and her husband welcomed their newest addition, Noah, to the family in July Isela strives to be a role model for her kids. I want to be able to give my family the best in life, and teach my boys the value of education and hard work, just as my parents taught me. I want too be a good role model for my children, and I know that the best possible way of teaching them is by example. Isela is planning to transfer to Fresno Pacific University or California State University East Bay soon to earn a BS degree in Business Administration with emphasis in Organizational Leadership. 300 Cherry Lane -, CA (559) Page

11 Interesting insights WHCC Team Members Daniel Tamayo Daniel Tamayo was asked by Nick Ivans of Avenal to present to the Rotary Club some information about the International Students Program at West Hills College on Tuesday, April 23. The Rotary Club was generous to invite Daniel Tamayo to their monthly meeting where Rotary members discuss local events, and share a dinner among fellow Rotary Members. After dinner Daniel Tamayo presented a video forr West Hills College that he uses when he travels overseas. After the video presentation, guests were encouraged to ask Daniel questions about his overseas travel. The audience was very interested and had plenty of questions for Daniel about his travel and why studentss come from overseas. Daniel is i very grateful for opportunities to share about Westt Hills College. UPCOMING EVENTS 2013 Student Art Exhibition May 13-17, all day WHCC LR Center/Library President s End-of-the-Year BBQ May 15, 11:30 a.m. WHCC Breezeway by the Gymnasium and Scholarship Recognitio May 17, 1:000 p.m. Awards WHCC Gymnasium Ceremony 2013 Psych Tech Pinning Ceremony May 17, 5:300 p.m. WHCC Theater NDC Graduate Reception May 22, 12:00 p.m. NDC Commencement 2013 Honored Guest Reception WHCCC Commencement Annual Horned Toad Derby Golf Tournament May 24, 5:300 p.m. WHCC R Bldg. 10A/B May 24, 6:300 p.m. WHCC Gymnasium May 26, 8 a.m. Lemoore Golf Course You can download the electronic version of this newsletterr at: newsletter.asp 300 Cherry Lane -, CA (559) Page