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N E W S L E T T E R

August 2021

RCC REOPENS WITH IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION 

The start of the 2021 academic year began last week, and the Riverside City College campus was bustling. Students were reconnecting and expressing excitement about being on campus throughout the week.   

Although College operations are not fully back to normal, new and continuing students continue to progress with their studies at RCC – whether in-person, online or in our hybrid format, or a combination.

Returning to campus may have been challenging adjusting to in-person activities. As students arrive on campus, college leaders, classified professionals, and faculty were there to greet them. They also were checking students’ vaccination status, answering questions, and providing directions.  

The College's focus is fulfilling the direction to implement an instructional program balanced with in-person, hybrid, and online classes. Department chairs, academic divisions, and the office of Academic Affairs are striving to optimize access and provide opportunity with a strong focus on equity.  Business Services, Student Services, and Planning and Development are dedicating their teams’ efforts to serving students--wherever they are--and ensuring the success of our College’s instructional programs. 

College operations may not look or feel the same as they did before, yet everyone is learning to support each other in new ways. Online instruction and virtual student support services continue to serve students selecting to study in a remote environment. Emerging from a pandemic is a transition for all – students, staff, and faculty. RCC's goal is to emerge from this with equity, keeping student access and success at the forefront of decisions.

This safe return is an all-hands effort, and gratitude is due to everyone committed to sustaining our focus on student access and success. We look forward to a successful semester and being back together as one college.

“I used to dread back to school, but this semester coming back to campus is so much different,” Maria Trudeau, Nursing student said. “Our first day back my classmates were hollering and you could hear the cheers down the hall. It was so nice to have a seat next to my classmates, be together, and have the socialization, things you don’t get though zoom.”

VIEWPOINTS PUBLISHES 100TH VOLUME

Journalism students are not only excited about being back on campus reporting the news, but equally as excited to be in a new office, with new equipment, including a new sound booth, and led by a new editor-in-chief Leo Cabral.

The pandemic did not stop students from publishing Viewpoints. The student-run newspaper has served as the College's communication source for campus news and community events since its inception in 1921. Although printing ceased last year, viewpointsonline.org continued to report breaking and college news and producing articles about sustainability, traveling abroad, and local politics. 

The first week back on campus was exciting to Daniel Hernandez, managing editor, as he placed printed copies of the paper in newsstands around campus. “It just feels so good to actually be able to produce this paper now,” Hernandez said.  "We're celebrating our one hundredth volume this school year.” Hernandez proudly shared that he created the Viewpoints 100th volume banner graphic. "It is great for students to have the opportunity to have a physical paper and for journalists to see their name in print." 

When asked what they see in the future for Viewpoints, Leo Cabral, editor-in-chief responded, "I want us to continue having the best staff of hardworking students. I see great things  in the future for Viewpoints, honestly." 

RCCD BOARD MANDATES COVID VACCINATIONS

At a special board meeting on August 10, the Riverside Community College District Board of Trustees voted to approve a new resolution (No. 02 - 21/22) to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for students (returning and incoming), personnel and other individuals accessing District property, including campuses and educational centers.

To meet the needs of all potential students, vaccinated and not vaccinated, District leadership approved increasing course offerings in online and hybrid formats.

Board of Trustees President Mary Figueroa said that the “intention of the board is to establish policies that ensure the safety and well-being of students, employees and the communities served by the District and its colleges.”

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AUTO TECH STUDENTS ACCEPTED INTO TESLA START PROGRAM

Automotive Technology graduates Nathan Friedman and Daniel Ulloa were accepted into the elite Tesla START program. Two of only a select few students nationwide, these RCC graduates are well prepared to embark on this exciting opportunity.

“RCC not only helped prepare me for my time in the automotive industry, it also allowed me to explore other areas of study that helped solidify my desire to eventually work in the world of wildlife,” Friedman said. “While being enrolled in the automotive program, I was lucky enough to have been present during the introduction of the Hybrid and Electric vehicle beginner and advanced classes, which I believe gave me a slight advantage towards acceptance into the START program since the vehicles that I will be working on are full electric.”

Friedman graduated with distinction earning three associate degrees of science in Automotive Mechanical, Automotive Electrical, and Hybrid and Electric Vehicles.

Tesla START is a training program that provides students across North America with the skills necessary for a successful career at Tesla in hybrid and electric vehicle industry. The program allows students to develop technical expertise and earn certifications through in-class theory, hands-on labs and self-paced learning.

Tesla collaborates with colleges across the country to integrate Tesla START into automotive and manufacturing curricula as a multi-week capstone—providing students with a smooth transition from college to full-time employment at Tesla or in the automotive transportation industry.

STUDENTS EXPERIENCED WELCOME DAY VIRTUALLY  

RCC hosted its second virtual Welcome Day on Saturday, August 21 for new and continuing Tigers. This informative student fair showcased what makes Riverside City College a premier college. Hundreds of students experienced an introduction to the College, learned more about their area of study, met their school community, and captured information about student resources. 

The virtual event showcased the numerous services and opportunities presented to students including academic and student support, career pathways, student life, campus resources, athletics, and clubs and activities.

“As I share my message with you, I know that I am talking to future leaders, conquerors, and world-changers,” Vice President, Dr. FeRita Carter said, “You had many colleges and universities to choose from, but this is truly the best place for you to be. I want you to cherish and embrace RCC from the very beginning.”

Although everyone would have preferred an on campus event, student were provided every opportunity to experience RCC through dynamic presentations and even a virtual campus tour.  In the live video chat messages were coming at the rate of up to 100 comments a minute. Students connected with one another and their college. 

If you missed Welcome Day, you still have the opportunity to enjoy the new student experience. View the Welcome Day video HERE

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE 

RCC invites you to partner with the college as a sponsor for the second annual RCC Giving Week. Funds raised through this all-virtual event benefit the President’s Excellence Fund that supports college programs and students. Please consider supporting the College and sponsoring this special event.

RCC GIVING WEEK

JEANINE GARDNER NAMED CLASSIFIED PROFESSIONAL OF THE MONTH 

Recognized for her diligent, unwavering hard work, and leadership in service to students, Jeanine Gardner was selected as the recipient of the David Dant Employee of the Month for August 2021. Gardner is a senior academic advisor in Admissions & Records, who began her career at RCC in 2015. Jeanine consistently supports the College in strategic planning and curriculum and provides excellent service to students and other departments, researching issues quickly and finding solutions. Her colleagues are impressed with her ability to remain positive even when faced with challenges and that she continues to deliver accurate and timely service to students.

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DISTRICT HIRES FIRM TO DEVELOP SUSTAINABILITY AND  CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 

In June, Riverside Community College District selected DLR Group to provide a comprehensive sustainability and climate action plan for the District.
 
In 2011, the RCCD Board of Trustees adopted Board Policy 5775 - Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility which states, in part, “Riverside Community College District’s intent is to create a set of operating principles and guidelines in the execution of its responsibilities to facilities design and operation; campus management…thereby minimizing negative environmental impacts of activities under its control and oversight.”
 
A year later, California voters passed Proposition 39 (California Clean Energy Jobs Act). The Act provided funding for energy project implementation in the California Community College system. RCCD leveraged $4,484,854 from the state, plus an additional $228,943 from a local fund, for energy efficiencies projects at Moreno Valley College, Norco College and Riverside City College. Doing so has resulted in a reduction in energy consumption districtwide by 2,408,756 kW/h annually.​

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UPCOMING EVENTS

FALL 2021  

It's not too late to enroll in Fall semester classes. Late start courses begin September and October. Now is the perfect time to enroll at RCC! 

FALL 2021 SCHEDULE OF CLASSES
SEASON OPENER
RCC v Saddleback College 
Saturday, September 18 @ 6pm
Wheelock Stadium 
FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
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