Cityscape - Your Employee Newsletter

December 14, 2020

2021 Is Almost Here

This year has physically distanced us, but in some ways it feels like it has brought us closer together as a Panther community. Our homes have become Zoom backgrounds, our kids and pets make guest appearances to class and meetings, and through it all we have celebrated personal and professional triumphs, tackled challenges, and worked to support each other and our students. You continue to inspire me each and every day for your perseverance and dedication.

Over this winter break I hope that you are able to take a break, recharge, and relax. I also hope that you find new ways to safely celebrate your traditions and bring joy to your family, friends and the holiday season.

Best wishes for a happy holidays and a wonderful New Year.

Sincerely,

Michael Gutierrez

President

#GivingTuesday Thank You

Thank you for your incredible generosity on #GivingTuesday! Together, we raised $19,138 for the students of the Los Rios colleges, surpassing our goal of $16,000! In addition, $3,240 of those donations came from our SCC family (employees, retirees, alumni and friends) for the Panther Cares Program and to other SCC funds that make a difference in the lives of our students.

We are so grateful to all the donors who decided to give the gift of security to Los Rios community college students when they need it most.

Thank you again, and we wish you all a healthy and happy holiday season.

Returning Borrowed Items

The end of the semester is near and if students have borrowed any technology, materials or equipment from the college and are not enrolled for the spring semester, they need to check their preferred email and eServices Message Center for information regarding returns. If students are enrolled for spring semester and plan to use their borrowed technology for upcoming classes, they will be able to hold on to the item(s) through the next semester. Materials borrowed from the Library this semester should be returned.

Questions about technology returns can be sent to scc-pantherhelp@scc.losrios.edu.

If students borrowed textbooks from the bookstore, they need to keep an eye out for an email from the bookstore with more information on when and how to make your returns. For questions, contact the bookstore.

Technology Support for Spring Students

Working with our sister colleges and the district, we are gearing up to support our students’ technology needs in Spring 2021. Here are some updates.

Chromebook Distribution - We have secured additional Chromebooks, laptops, and refurbished desktop computers for the student loaner device program (continuing students who borrowed a Chromebook in the Fall can keep the same device for the Spring term). With these additional devices, we believe we have enough devices for Spring and are working on getting more in advance of Fall 2021. We are sending notifications to students who are eligible for a Chromebook as they enroll for the Spring term based on the following priorities:
Priority 1 - Promise/Dream Eligible + First Year + Units>12
Priority 2 - Promise/Dream Eligible + First Year + Units>6
Priority 3 - Promise/Dream Eligible + Units>12
Priority 4 - Promise/Dream Eligible + Units>6
Laptop Options - If there are programs/departments where Chromebooks are incompatible, we will work with those faculty and staff to identify options for students. Laptop distribution will be by request unless there are specific courses where broader distribution is necessary.
Desktop Computers - We also have a limited amount of refurbished desktop “all in one” computers for priority 1-3 students who prefer that option. We have already begun sharing this option with eligible students. Desktops are not loaners and do not need to be returned.
Distribution - We will begin distributing Chromebooks and laptops to eligible students in January.
Comcast/Free Student WiFi - Lastly, we are continuing to provide free WiFi/Comcast service for Pell-eligible students for the upcoming term. Students will begin to receive new information about this program before the end of year.

Spring Convocation: Save the Date - Friday, Jan. 15

Details will follow with specifics and login information, but save the date for a brief districtwide Zoom Convocation on Friday, Jan. 15, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., before the Sacramento City College Convocation and Friday Flex activities begin at 10:15 a.m. We will share Zoom links and any other information as we get closer.

Scholarship Readers Needed

Knowing that we will have many scholarship applications again this year, the SCC Office of Philanthropy has decided to recruit early for readers. Please consider being a scholarship reader to help select students who will benefit from scholarship funding. Email Rebecca Bain if you are interested in being a scholarship reader next year.

Calstrs Features Former Sac City Student, Now FLC Professor

Calstrs published a great writeup on former Sac City student Josh Fernandez, who is now an English faculty member at FLC.

In the article, Fernandez says enrolling at SCC helped him find his way. “The professors at Sacramento City College were some of the kindest, most supportive people," he says. "I saw right away, that’s exactly who I want to be. I see students coming in low and leaving class feeling like they could do whatever they wanted in life.”

Fernandez teaches English writing and composition, creative writing, and also serves as the faculty coordinator for the FLC's Prison and Reentry Education Program, teaching composition classes at Mule Creek State Prison through that program.