Campus Will be Closed Dec. 22 through Jan. 1

Cañada College will be closed Saturday, Dec. 22 through Tuesday, Jan. 1 for the holiday season. Campus will reopen Jan. 2. Some departments will work under reduced hours or will remain closed until the first day of spring semester, Monday, Jan. 14. A complete list of hours for each department is noted in the chart below.

Cañada College Well Represented at Veterans Summit

The Faculty Association of the California Community Colleges hosted a two-day Veterans Summit Dec. 6-7 to raise awareness of veteran concerns and to share best practices and a group of Cañada faculty, staff, and students was in attendance. 

Educators, student veterans, service providers, and State representatives discussed strategies and resources to ensure the academic and personal success of those who served our country.  Nicolas Martin and Edith Flores, Cañada's VA designated counselor and certifying official, attended the Veterans Summit along with Director of Student Support & TRiO, Romeo O. Garcia.  The Veteran Resource and Opportunity Center (V-ROC) also welcomed a new Retention Specialist this Fall 2012, Steven Bradley, also a veteran, who actively participated in the Summit as well.



Cañada's V-ROC team

“It was great to see the commitment from the community colleges and the efforts to provide the environment necessary for veterans and other students to achieve success in their educational and personal goals,”  Bradley said.

Various workshops were offered such as Academic Counseling for Military and Veteran Students, Mental Health Issues (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injuries), Understanding Military Cultures, Women Veterans Issues, VA Benefits and Education Plans, and Best Practices in Veterans Resource Centers.  Several student veterans were in attendance and shared their perspective and inspiring testimonials via student panels, digital storytelling, and theater arts.

“The summit presenters did an excellent job of providing helpful and relevant information on how best to interact and be sensitive to veterans’ needs. The environment that veterans are accustomed to is very different than what they find at the community college.   Educators need to be sensitive and aware of the realities veterans experience; we want these highly deserving students to be successful, as we want for all students,” said Martin, “One part of the summit that was highly moving and memorable was a scene performed from the play 'The Bronze Star.' The actors were a mix of veterans and non-veterans; the insight they provided into what helped them re-adjust to civilian life was deeply impactful. One actor expressed how much the arts helped him overcome his alcoholism and mental health issues, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I learned that as educators, we need to get creative with how we can reach these veterans; the conventional methods may not always be best. What other areas of college could potentially help vets?”

There can potentially be a lot of complexity and nuance when working with veteran course selection and its correlation with VA benefits, for instance. Flores works diligently to ensure Student Education Plans are in alignment with benefit eligibility requirements.  There are about 150-200 Veterans at Cañada College, more than 55 of which are currently receiving benefits.  

“The Veterans Summit Conference was a very productive event," Flores said. "I was able to network with veteran coordinators from other community colleges and learn their work with student veterans. I was very impressed how we all have the same mission; support our veterans in any and all possible way to make them succeed in school and as well in life”.

Momentum has been ongoing at Cañada College to support veterans, especially since V-ROC opened in Spring 2011.  With the founding leadership of Margie Carrington and a Veterans Steering Committee of student veterans, key College program staff, and community members affiliated with local veteran service organizations, including Vietnam Veterans of America - San Mateo Chapter, American Legion Post 105, AmVETS, Disabled Veterans of America, and representatives from the Peninsula Vet Center, the V-ROC is becoming a centralized hub to connect with other veterans and campus and community resources.  Special thanks to community volunteers and members of Menlo Park Rotary Club, Mary Helen Armstrong and Mike McNitt, for being instrumental advocates for the V-ROC.  V-ROC is excited to reach out again to the Veterans Steering Committee to reconvene for future planning in early March 2013.

For more information regarding the Veteran Resource & Opportunity Center, please contact Romeo O. Garcia at garciar@smccd.edu.

Wells Fargo Donates $15,000 to Help San Mateo County Entrepreneurs

The funding will establish a speaker series and financial education services at the Cañada College Center for Entrepreneurial Opportunities

Wells Fargo has donated $15,000 to the Center for Entrepreneurial Opportunities at Cañada College to establish a speaker and workshop series and other activities designed to help budding entrepreneurs in San Mateo County.

“Small business is the lifeblood of our economy,” said Kay O’Neill, Director of Workforce Development at Cañada. “This generous donation will help us expand our existing CEO services and help us meet the increasing demand from small businesses in the county.”



In addition to the speaker and workshop series, the college will use a portion of the donation to develop a lab space where entrepreneurs can incubate start-up enterprises and meet with business advisers. The money will also be used to pay for consulting services that help business owners in a number of areas including legal, financial, accounting, marketing, and developing a business plan.

Greg Young, Community Development Officer, West Region Community Relations in the Peninsula Market for Wells Fargo, said the company is proud to support the Cañada CEO. “We are delighted to partner with this program and provide the critical support needed to help our next generation of entrepreneurs.”

Since the launch of the CEO in January, Cañada has dedicated faculty and administrative resources to support the development of new start-ups and to assist existing businesses grow and thrive. The CEO has had a direct impact on more than 200 business owners.

“We are eager to partner with Wells Fargo to develop a speaker and workshop series and offer educational services to our diverse student body and business community,” O’Neill said.

The first event in the speaker and workshop series is scheduled for late February. The CEO is partnering with Merrill Lynch to create a half-day financial education seminar to help entrepreneurs understand budgeting, saving, retirement, and estate planning.

Catherine Fraser, a former small business owner is the CEO Program Director. “My role at the CEO is to reach out to the business community and to our entrepreneurial-minded students and assist them with their small business endeavors. I help with coaching, networking, educational activities and more.”

“Wells Fargo is an ideal partner to extend our reach into the local business community,” O’Neill said. “We are poised to connect the resources of the CEO to other programs such as the mobile application program currently funded by the San Mateo County Workforce Investment Board. “We want to help high-tech entrepreneurs learn how to position their apps in the market and make a profit. We are also building a program with our Multi Media students to help translate the skills they learn in the classroom into the marketplace.”

Dr. Lawrence Buckley To Be Recommended as Cañada College President

Buckley will become the 10th president at the college

Chancellor Ron Galatolo will recommend to the College Trustees that Dr. Lawrence Buckley, Interim President of San Bernardino Valley College since January, 2012, be the 10^th president of Cañada College. If confirmed at the Board meeting of December 6, he will begin January 1.

“Dr. Buckley brings a wealth of leadership experience that will undoubtedly benefit Cañada College and the District as a whole,” said Ron Galatolo, Chancellor of the San Mateo County Community College District.

Prior to serving as Interim President at San Bernardino Valley College, Buckley was Vice President of Instruction for two years at the school. Earlier in his career, he served as Vice President of Instruction at Fullerton College. He also served as the Dean of Visual, Performing & Communication Arts at Chaffey College and Dean of Instruction at Lake Tahoe Community College.

"I am delighted to join the Cañada College family and to have the opportunity to work with faculty, staff and students with such an exceptional commitment to academic excellence and success,” Buckley said.

Buckley’s career began as a history professor in the University of Hawaii system and he later became a tenured faculty member and department chair at Feather River College in Quincy, CA.

Buckley holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in history as well as a Ph.D. in history from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Fall Theater Production - EmergenciPhone! - Opens Nov. 20

EmergenciPhone! won a sold-out award in the 2012 San Francisco Fringe Festival, and was a hit with the Fringe audiences. Now the production moves to Cañada College in Redwood City. It was written and directed by Anna Budd, professor of Theater Arts at Cañada College.

Tickets are available at https://­app.­ticke­tturtle.­com/­index.­php?­ticketing=­ccta

Emma has just been attacked on the street, so she does what people in the year 2030 do – she calls for help using the EmergenciPhone, run by AmeriSecuriCorp Incorporated, America’s “favorite” private, for-profit police company.

She is transferred, put on hold, forced to take surveys, cajoled into upgrading her contract, she explains and re-explains her situation to a ridiculous range of characters, all while being stalked by her mysterious attacker.

George Orwell meets Comcast’s Customer Service meets Samuel Beckett in this hilarious and disturbing exploration of law enforcement in this futuristic “free” market!

Performances:

• Tuesday, Nov. 20: 11:30 am & 2:30 pm TWO Pay-What-You-Can Matinees! *
• Wednesday, Nov. 21: 1 pm A Pay-What-You-Can Matinee! *
• Saturday, Nov. 24: 8pm
• Sunday, Nov. 25: 8pm
• Tuesday, Nov. 27: 10 am & 1pm TWO Pay-What-You-Can Matinee! *
• Wednesday, Nov. 28: 2:30 pm A Pay-What-You-Can Matinee! *
• Saturday, Dec. 1: 8pm
• Sunday, Dec. 2: 8pm

* Get in for as little as $1! Seats are first come, first served, so get there early!

The Cast:

• Hayley Adams
• Andrew Barri
• James Bruzzone
• Luke Gurri
• Danni Horowitz  
• Ava Kies
• Breanna Manore
• Kevin Schiltz
• Ramya

Do You Have Questions About Paying Your Fees? We Have Answers

You Will Be Dropped From Your Spring Classes If You Have Not Paid Your Fees By Jan. 7.

San Mateo County Community College District
Fee Payment
Questions and Answers

 

Q: Why must I pay my fees at the time of registration?

San Mateo County Community College District policy requires students to pay all fees at the time of enrollment. The policy states that students will be dropped from classes for non-payment of fees. If students are unable to pay their fees, they should apply for federal financial aid, apply for the Board of Governors Fee Waiver, or enroll in an inexpensive payment plan offered by Sallie Mae in order to prevent being dropped from classes.

When must I pay my fees?

All fees are due at the time of registration. You may either pay by credit card, check or cash. Students are assessed enrollment, health, student body, student representation, student union (Skyline) and in some cases, instructional materials fees. You are responsible for paying all your fees in order to prevent being dropped from classes for non-payment.

Q: What should I do if I can’t afford to pay my fees at the time of registration?

You should apply for financial aid, by filling out the FAFSA (www.FAFSA.gov), apply for a Board of Governor’s Fee Waiver, or sign up for a payment plan (the district payment plan is administered by Sallie Mae) to spread your payments out during the semester.

Q: What happens if all my fees aren’t paid by the established dates that the drops for non-payment occur and I didn’t apply for a payment plan , apply for financial aid, or indicate that my fees are paid for by a third party?

You will be dropped from your classes for non-payment of fees at midnight on January 7, 2013.

One week before the start of the spring term, students will be dropped for non-payment at midnight on the day following their registration. These daily drops will begin on January 8 for the spring, 2013 term.

Q: What happens if I only owe $1.00 at the time of the deadline for paying fees? Will I still be dropped from my classes?

Yes. Students must have paid all their fees in full, applied for financial aid, enrolled in a payment plan, or indicated that their fees are paid for by a third party in order not to be dropped by the established deadlines.

Q: What happens if I initially paid my fees in full, but make changes in my schedule resulting in additional fees owed?

Students will be dropped for non-payment at midnight on the day following their registration. You will only be dropped from those courses for which payment has not been made.

Q: What happens if I’ve been dropped from my classes for non-payment?

If you are dropped from your classes for non-payment, you will need to try to re-enroll in the classes you were originally enrolled in or select other classes. If you believe you were dropped in error because you 1) paid all your fees, 2) filed a FAFSA or a Board of Governors Grant,  3) enrolled in a payment plan or 4) have your fees paid for by a third party, contact the Admissions Office, Building 9, First Floor. They will assist you in completing a petition to appeal the dropping from classes.

Q: How do I enroll in a payment plan?

After you register for your classes in WebSMART, follow the link to “Payment Plan.” You’ll then be provided additional information about how to complete your enrollment. If you only use cash, you will not be able to participate in the payment plan.

Q: What are the costs associated with the payment plan?

 A summary of all the fees associated with the payment plan is listed below.

Fees payable by students who sign up for the payment plan
Description of Fee	Amount	Remarks
Sign-up fee	$          20	$20 per semester.
Late Fee	$          10	$10 for each late payment, maximum is $20 and plan is canceled when payment is late for the second time.
NSF Fee	$          15	$15 for each check returned due to non-sufficient fund in the bank account.
Interest	$           -	No interest will be assessed for any balance on the payment plan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q: How do I make payments?

You can make payment plan payments via paper check, electronic debit from your checking or savings account, and credit cards. You will make all payments directly to Sallie Mae, not to the Cashiers offices.  If you only use cash, you will not be able to participate in the payment plan.

Q: Is there any minimum amount I need to owe in order to sign up for a payment plan?

Yes, you must owe at least $50 in order to sign up for a payment plan.

Q: What if I add or reduce my total unit load such that my payment plan balances changes?

You must contact Sallie Mae to inform them that your fee balance has changed. They can assist you in adjusting your payment plan up or down.  You can contact Sallie Mae at https://tuitionpay.salliemae.com

Q: What if I decide that I want to pay off my plan balance early?

You must provide payment to Sallie Mae in order pay off your plan.

Q: What if I default on my payment plan?

If you default on your payment plan, you will have a hold placed on your record in April and you will not be able to register for any subsequent terms until the balance is paid in full. You will not be able to request official transcripts until your fees have been paid in full. In addition, you will be sent to collections for the outstanding fees owed to the college. If you pay your outstanding balance and enroll in a subsequent term, you will be able to sign up for another payment plan.

Q: Who should I contact if I have a question about my payment plan?

You can log in to the Sallie Mae website www.tuitionpay.salliemae.com which will take you directly to “Manage Your Account”. You will need your Sallie Mae Account Number, provided to you when you initially enrolled in the payment plan in order to manage your account. If you have forgotten this number, contact Sallie Mae Customer Service directly at 1-800-635-0120. Agents are available Monday through Friday from 7 am to 8 pm Central Time.

Mailing Address for Check Payments

Sallie Mae
PO Box 11953
Newark, NJ 07101-4953

Q: Can I sign up for a payment plan at any time during the semester?

There will be a deadline date established each semester. After that date you will not be able to sign up for a payment plan. (See website for date.) The later that you sign up for the plan, the fewer payments you’ll make but the amounts will be larger.

Q: When will my last payment on my payment plan be due for the spring, 2013 semester?

The last payment date is April 5, 2013. You must have a $0 balance at that time in order to register for the next semester.

Q: Do I have to be determined eligible for financial aid in order not to be dropped from my classes by the deadline?

No. If you file a FAFSA within five business days of the drop date you will not be dropped. You should plan to file no later than January 2, 2013. Subsequent to these dates, you should contact Financial Aid to determine if your financial aid application can be processed prior to the rolling drops for non-payment that will occur each Wednesday.

Q: I have applied for and received a Board of Governor’s Grant (BOGG) waiver.  Will this fee waiver cover all my fees? 

No, the BOGG only covers enrollment fees. It does not cover additional fees you are assessed (e.g. health fee, student body fee, student representation fee, instructional materials fees, student union fee, etc.) If you cannot pay these additional fees, you are encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by filling out the FAFSA (www.FAFSA.gov). While you will not be dropped if you file a BOGG, you are responsible for the additional fees. Failure to pay any remaining balance will prevent you from registering in subsequent semesters.

Q: I’m an international student? When will I have to pay my fees?

International students must meet the same fee deadlines as all other students. You should sign up for a payment plan if you cannot pay your fees by the drop date.

Q: My fees are paid by a third party. What do I need to do not to be dropped?

When signing up for classes, you will also be able to update information on WebSMART to indicate that your fees are paid for by a third party. Documentation will be required.

The colleges will also assist in identifying those students whose fees are paid for by third parties and not drop those students for non-payment. You should check with the Cashiers Office, Building 9, First Floor, to make sure that we know your fees are paid for by a third party (e.g. Veteran’s Administration, Department of Rehabilitation, etc.) Please be reminded that some third party payers only pay enrollment fees. You will be responsible for the other fees that are assessed students (e.g. health fee, student body fee, student representation fee, student union fee, instructional materials fees, etc.)

Q: Will I still be able to pay by check?

Yes, you will be able to pay your fees by check as long as your check arrives before the January 7, 2013 deadline. After that date, you will need to bring your check in person to the Cashier’s Office at any of our three colleges in order to prevent being dropped from your classes. If you are on a payment plan and using a check to make your payments, you should send your check directly to Sallie Mae.

Earn your Bachelor's Degree at Cañada College

Did you know you can earn a Bachelor’s Degree from NDNU at the Cañada College campus and begin your program in January?

Notre Dame de Namur University and the University Center bring three Evening NDNU Bachelor’s Degrees to the Cañada College campus: Business Administration, Human Services, and Psychology.

Apply to the Evening Degree Completion Program and have the opportunity to take your upper division NDNU courses for your major in the evening at Cañada College.  With personal attention, hands-on advising, highly qualified instructors and the ability to take NDNU and Cañada College classes at the same time, NDNU can help working adults finish their bachelor’s in half the time.

To find out more:

·        Visit NDNU staff when on campus including Tuesday, December 4^th Building 9- 2^nd Floor Learning Center Lobby from 4:30-6:30pm

·        Contact NDNU staff directly for appointments at Cañada College

o   Business Administration- Dr. Lillian Barden, (650) 508-3683, lbarden@ndnu.edu

o   Human Services- Dr. Therese Madden, (650) 508-3601, tmadden@ndnu.edu

o   Psychology- Johanna Ithurralde, (650) 508-3524, jithurralde@ndnu.edu

 

Start the application process now as classes for the Spring 2013 semester start the week of January 14^th!

Interested in learning more about the programs offered at NDNU’s convenient Belmont campus?  We offer a variety of programs from Biology to Art, Psychology to Computer Science, and Business to Liberal Studies. NDNU makes transferring simple! Check out our website for information about upcoming Open Houses and Instant Admissions Events or contact our Admissions Office at 650-508-3600 or admiss@ndnu.edu.

Saturday morning, Tuesday night orientation and assessment testing sessions added

New students registering for spring semester can now take their assessment test and attend their orientation session on select Saturday mornings or Tuesday nights.

Saturday morning sessions have been added on Nov. 17, Dec. 8, and Jan. 5. The assessment test will begin at 8 a.m. followed by a new student orientation at noon. Tuesday evenings sessions have been added for Nov. 27 and Dec. 11. They begin at 6 p.m.

A complete list of orientation and assessment sessions can be found here.

The orientation and assessment session provides students with information they need to be successful in college, and after the session, they can set up an appointment to meet with an academic counselor. New students must attend the orientation and assessment session to become eligible to register for classes.

You can register for the “Orientation and Assessment Session" by calling the Welcome Center, (650) 306-3452. Please note, space in each session is limited. The Saturday and Tuesday evening sessions will be especially popular and should fill up quickly.

If you have taken an assessment test at another California community college or have completed coursework at another college that you think fulfills this requirement, you must contact the Counseling Center at (650) 306-3452 for assistance.

Hell's Angels & Charivari by the Redwood Symphony

The Redwood Symphony presents "Hell's Angels & Charivari" on Saturday, Nov. 17 at 8 p.m. in the Main Theater. Maestro Eric Kujawsky will offer a pre-concert lecture at 7 p.m.

The cost is $25 for adults at the door and $10 for students. Adult tickets can be ordered online at www.redwoodsymphony.org for $20.

 

The concert begins with Charivari, from the demented mind of H. K. Gruber. Spoiler alert! The first surprise comes at the onset: the work begins with a complete performance of Johann Strauss Jr.'s Perpetuum Mobile, but then morphs into a somewhat sinister, nightmarish version of that piece.

Next comes Hell's Angels, a concerto for four bassoonists who are ready to rumble. Conceived as part theatrical experience, the work will delight you with its catchy tunes and make you laugh as well! Of special note is the percussion section, augmented by siren, thunder sheet and Hammerblow of Death!  

Rounding off the concert, a perennial favorite with a new twist: Beethoven's Symphony No. 7, as "retouched" by Gustav Mahler.

Cañada Announces Three Finalists for Presidency

Open Forums Will be Held Tuesday, Nov. 13 to Introduce the Finalists to the Community

Three finalists for the position of President at Cañada College will be introduced to the community at an open forum on Tuesday, Nov. 13. The forum will be held on campus, 4200 Farm Hill Blvd., Redwood City, in Building 6, Rooms 101-102 from 1 to 4:30 p.m.

 
The Open Forums will begin promptly at 1 p.m. and there will be short 15-minute breaks between each candidate. Following a short introduction, finalists will ask for questions. The community is encouraged to attend the forums and bring questions.

The finalists include:

Dr. Lisa Curtin – 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Dr. Curtin is the Director of Government and Military Education at San Diego Community College District where she has served for nine years.  Previously she was a Commander in the United States Navy working as the Deputy Associate Provost for Academic Affairs and Executive Director of Programs at the Naval Postgraduate School (University) in Monterey, CA.  In addition, she previously worked as the Dean of Students and Student Services and the National Security Affairs Program Manager (Interim) at the Naval Postgraduate School, as well as Director, Student Administrative Services at the Nuclear Power School in Charleston, South Carolina.  Earlier in her career, she was an Assistant Professor at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and an adjunct faculty member with Troy University.  Dr. Curtin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Old Dominion University, a Master’s degree in Counseling from Troy University, and an Ed.D. in Educational Administration from Virginia Tech.

Dr. Christopher Villa – 2:15 to 3:15 p.m.

Dr. Villa is currently the Vice President of Student Services at Fresno City College where he has served for the past three years.  He previously held the position of Vice President of Student Services at Long Beach City College. Earlier in his career, he was the Assistant Vice President of Student Access and Support Services at California State University, Northridge, and the Associate Dean of Student Services at the College of the Canyons.  He also served in administrative positions at University of Utah, San Jose State University, Cal Poly Pomona, and California State University, San Bernardino.  Dr. Villa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Ecology from the University of California, Irvine, a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership & Policy from the University of Utah.

Dr. Lawrence Buckley – 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Dr. Buckley has served as the Interim President of San Bernardino Valley College since January 2012.  Prior to being asked to serve as the Interim President, Dr. Buckley was San Bernardino Valley College’s Vice President of Instruction for two years.  Earlier in his career, Dr. Buckley served as Vice President of Instruction at Fullerton College.  He also served as the Dean of Visual, Performing & Communication Arts at Chaffey College and as Dean of Instruction at Lake Tahoe Community College.  His career began as a history professor in the University of Hawaii system, and he later became a tenured faculty member and department chair at Feather River College.  Dr. Buckley holds a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in History, as well as a Ph.D. in History, from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

 

Free Tax and Accounting Workshop for Small Business Owners and the Self-Employed

The Cañada College Center for Entrepreneurial Opportunities is teaming up with Housing and Economic Rights Advocates (HERA) and the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center to offer a free tax and accounting workshop for small business owners and the self-employed.

The workshop will be held Saturday, Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Renaissance Mid-Peninsula, 1848 Bay Road, East Palo Alto. Registration is available online or by calling (650) 321-1102 Ext. 1102 or by emailing trussell@rencenter.org.

The featured speaker at the workshop will be Arnold Pinck, retired enrolled agent and counselor for SCORE, an organization dedicated to helping small businesses grow. Participants will learn:

• Accounting Principles
• Tax Record Keeping
• Business Deductions
• Employee/Independent Contractor Files
• And more...

The Center for Entrepreneurial Opportunities (CEO) helps small business owners and budding entrepreneurs develop their ideas. The CEO offers courses and workshops to fit the unique needs of small businesses. CEO services include affordable web-based tools to evaluate business ideas, write business plans, conduct market research, test markets through surveys, learn accounting and bookkeeping, website development and more.

Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center is a nonprofit small business development organization dedicated to helping women and men to traditionally lack access to resources and information to achieve financial self-sufficiency through entrepreneurship. Renaissance provides training, support services, resources, and networks for business owners at every stage of business development, from idea feasibility through start-up, growth, and expansion.

HERA is a California statewide, not-for-profit legal service and advocacy organization. It's mission is to ensure that all people are protected from discrimination and economic abuses.

Danielle Pelletier Leads Statewide Effort to Teach English in the Workplace

Danielle Pelletier, ESL instructor, has been named coordinator for the Teaching English in the Workplace for the California Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (CATESOL). Pelletier has been serving in her new role since last spring.

"The primary initiatives of the CATESOL Teaching English in the Workplace Interest Group is to make sure that there is representation for those California ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers who teach English in the workplace," Pelletier said. "This group is comprised of teachers who teach workers at all levels. This could mean teaching basic English to hotel employees or teaching presentation skills to an executive at a bio-pharmaceutical company."

As the coordinator, Pelletier's primary responsibilities are to recruit, maintain, and develop membership so the group has proper representation. She also works with the members to organize professional workshops in all parts of California. "The workshops are designed to help our members continue with professional development between CATESOL conferences."

Whereas most schools are cutting back on ESL teachers, companies throughout California are realizing the value of having their employees feel confident about speaking English and understanding the U.S. culture of business, Pelletier said. "The TEW (Teaching English in the Workforce) group is fortunate to be in a field that is continually growing and I feel fortunate to be coordinating this group," she said.

Pelletier has also been named President of English League, a Translations and Workforce Language Training company. The company started in 1995 in Boston and moved to the Bay Area in 2002. Pelletier has been with English League since 2000 as a Senior ESL Instructor and Program Director, teaching in companies such as Bose in Boston and Genentech in the Bay Area. "I'm happy to be at the helm- a new adventure for me - and will continue to provide our customized English classes to international professionals all over Silicon Valley and the Bay Area," she said. “It’s also exciting to be working with organizations in this global economy, providing translations services.  It’s a great new world!”

 

Cañada to Crown a Monopoly Champion Saturday, Oct. 27

Cañada College will host its third annual Monopoly Tournament on Saturday, Oct. 27. Registration begins at 10 a.m. and tournament play begin at 10:30 a.m. All proceeds fund the Cañada College Accounting Scholarship. The tournament will be held in "The Grove" located in Building 5.

The tournament is open to everyone. Students and seniors are $10 and the general public is $15. Pizza and water will be provided to participants between the two 90-minute tournament rounds. This year's grand prize is a Kindle Fire. There will also be a silent auction and raffle prizes. 

If Monopoly isn't your game, you can join the UNO Attack game that occurs during the tournament or bring your own board game and enjoy the atmosphere.

In the past, this event has raised nearly $1,000 for student scholarships.

To register to play, contact Leonor Cabrera at cabreral@smccd.edu.

Cañada College, Sequoia Union High School District to Host College Night

Cañada College, in partnership with the Sequoia Union High School District, will host its annual College Night from 5 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 24. The event will be held in the Cañada College gymnasium, Building 1, 4200 Farm Hill Blvd., Redwood City.

The event brings together universities and colleges from in-state, and out-of- state to help area high school students as they consider which college or university is best for them. Students will be informed on a wide variety of topics including freshman and transfer admission requirements, academic programs, cost of attendance, living expenses, distance, size and nature of the student body, and activities.

In addition, workshops will be provided on topics such as financial aid availability, overview of university requirements, and how to navigate the different college and university systems.

Parents and students are encouraged to attend. Admission and parking are free. For more information, visit the Cañada College Transfer Center home page or contact Soraya Sohrabi at (650) 306-3493.

Transfer Day Brings More Than 60 Colleges and Universities to Cañada

Transfer Day will be held Tuesday, Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Learning Center. Representatives from more than 60 colleges and universities will be available to meet with students to discuss program and course offerings.

"This is a great opportunity for students to meet with university representatives and begin to chart their future educational path," said event organizer Soraya Sohrabi. "It also gives students a chance to practice their communication skills."

Students can learn about admission requirements, scholarship opportunities, internships and other programs offered at various universities.

Pizza will be available for students who gather information from universities on their "transfer passport". The event is open to all students at any level from freshman to transfer ready.

Voter Registration Deadline is Monday, Oct. 22

As a college student you can help decide the future of California by voting on November 6.  But the first step is to register as a California voter before the deadline on Monday, October 22.

Registering to vote has never been easier.  For the first time, Californians can register to vote online.  http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/elections_vr.htm

Critical choices will be made at this election. California voters will decide issues affecting education funding and college tuition, the state budget process, punishment for crimes, and food labeling rules.  And the candidates chosen will shape the policies of our state for years to come. 

You are eligible to vote in California if you are:

• A United States citizen,
• A resident of California,
• 18 years of age or older on Election Day,
• Not currently serving any part of a felony sentence (see the Secretary of State’s website for more information).
• Not found by a court to be mentally incompetent.

If you have moved from your previous address, or changed your name, you should register again.  http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/elections_vr.htm

The power is in your hands—don’t miss the opportunity to make your voice heard. Register before the deadline, Monday, October 22. Then vote on Tuesday, November 6. 

Earthquake Drill on Thursday, Oct. 18

Cañada College will participate in a statewide earthquake drill on Thursday, Oct. 18 at 10:18 am and again at 7:18 pm.

Millions of Californians will “Drop, Cover and Hold On” as part of the Great California ShakeOut – the largest earthquake drill in the country.








Here is what we need you to do for the drill:

• Prior to the drill, please review the evacuation map in your classroom. In addition, please review this link  http://www.shakeout.org/dropcoverholdon/ for additional information about the ShakeOut.
• At 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. all faculty, staff and students will be reminded of the drill time through an AlertU text message (for all registered cell phones).  You can sign up for AlertU text messages at  http://www.smccd.edu/alertu/
• At 10:18 a.m. and 7:18 p.m. the Emergency Announcement System will be activated with an announcement “Drop, Cover and Hold On” for one minute. Stay calm and follow instructions. If for some reason, you do not hear the announcement, proceed to “Drop, Cover and Hold On” for one minute.
• While down on the floor, look around at what would be falling in a real earthquake.
• After one minute, scan for anyone who needs assistance. 
• Evacuate your class to your evacuation zone and make certain the room is empty. Building monitors will assist in evacuating the building.  Evacuation maps are located in classrooms on the red 911 Zone posters.  Please be quiet as you exit buildings and gather in the evacuation zones so you can hear instructions.    
• Once everyone is out of the buildings and in the evacuation zones, the Emergency Announcement System will announce an “all clear” message. You may then return to you classrooms.

 Major earthquakes may happen anywhere in California and the ShakeOut is a chance to be more prepared.  For more information, here are some websites you might find useful:

Why Drop, Cover, and Hold On?

http://earthquakecountry.info/dropcoverholdon/

AlertU

http://www.smccd.edu/alertu/