Short Course on Sustainability and Home Energy Assessment Begins Sept. 5

 

Are you interested in making your home more energy efficient? A short course at Cañada College that begins Sept. 5 can help you do just that.

INTD 401, Sustainability and Home Energy Assessment teaches students how to use diagnostic tools including an infrared camera, blower door device, and moisture meters to perform energy assessments in existing residential structures. The course also explores marketing strategies for energy efficient homes.

The class begins Sept. 5 and runs through Oct. 24. It meets on Thursdays from 3:10 to 5:50 pm.

The course is taught by Elsa Torres, a professional designer who has created a series of courses at Cañada that focus on green design and sustainability in interior design.

“Understanding how to design the interiors of homes and offices to make them healthier and more energy efficient is not a trend,” she said. “This is the way we are going to live moving forward. Local governments have adopted regulations that require builders and designers to create healthier work and home environments. Our goal is to prepare students to succeed in this new reality.”

For more information, visit the green design program on the web or call (650) 306-3320.

State Chancellor Brice Harris Opening Day Speaker

Dr. Brice W. Harris, Chancellor of the California Community Colleges, will speak at Cañada on Thursday, Aug. 15 as part of the San Mateo County Community College District's Opening Day activities.

Dr. Brice Harris

The topic of Harris’ presentation will be “Restoring Access and Improving Student Success:
The Dual Opportunities of California Community Colleges.” Harris has spent much of his career working to improve student success and access at community colleges. 

Harris has served as chancellor since 2012. Prior to being selected as the leader of the largest system of higher education in the nation, Harris served 16 years as chancellor of the Los Rios Community College District in the Sacramento region, president of Fresno City College and a faculty member and vice chancellor in the Kansas City, Mo., community college system.

While with Los Rios, he was instrumental in leading initiatives that improved student success. He also led the charge to expand access for thousands of students by overseeing the establishment of the district’s fourth college, Folsom Lake, and developing educational centers in Davis, Elk Grove, Natomas, Rancho Cordova and West Sacramento.

The district's Opening Day activities begin with a continental breakfast at 8:30 a.m. in the Main Theater followed by a formal program from 9:15 to 11 a.m. that will include Harris' keynote address. A luncheon will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the upper quad.

Are you new to Cañada? Here's some simple advice

So, you are preparing for your first day of the new semester and you want it to go as smooth as possible. We're here to help. If you take a few simple steps, and do a little planning, you'll have no problems. Let's get started.

• Arrive Early - If you pull onto campus 10 minutes before class starts you're off to a bad start. Parking on a college campus is never easy. Give yourself at least 20 minutes. Remember, you're not going to have Rock Star parking next to your class. Be sure to review the parking map and have a contingency plan if the lot you want to park in is full. Student Lots are Lot 1, 7, 8, 10 and 6. Do not park in staff lots without the appropriate permit or you are sure to get a ticket. You'll need to buy a parking permit but campus security will not issue tickets in student lots through the first two weeks of the semester.

TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR OF CAMPUS

• Know Where You Are Going - Because you have a plan, you'll have a great parking spot. But how do you get to your classes? Luckily, the Cañada campus is not that big. Review the campus map and your schedule of classes. Buildings at Cañada are numbered and each room in the building has its own number. On your schedule the class location will look like this - 3-113. The first number (3) is the building number and the second number (113) is the classroom within the building. If you can't find a class, ask one of the Campus Ambassadors. You can find them in the information booths on the quad or at the entrance to the Library off Parking Lot 1. You can also find help at the Welcome Center on the first floor of Building 9.
• Get to Know Building 9 - All essential student services are located in this three-story building. On the first floor you'll find Admissions/Records, Counseling, Financial Aid, Public Safety/Parking, EOPS/CARE/CalWorks, and more. The Learning Center is on the second floor. Here you can use the computers, work with academic tutors, and study in groups. The Library is located on the top floor. Make a point to visit this building on your first day of class.
• The Bookstore - It's college, so you're going to need books. Because you are a college student, you'll also need a soda, bag of chips and candy bar. You can get them all at the bookstore. It's located across from the Main Theater and Gymnasium. The first couple of weeks, the lines are long because everyone is buying books. If you can go in the mid-afternoon, the lines are shorter.
• The Pony Espresso - Ok, it's not essential to know where the coffee shop is located, but you never know when you'll need a cup. The coffee kiosk is located in the Upper Quad near the entrance of Building 13. It's a favorite hangout for students and if you stand around long enough you'll probably find somebody you know.
• The Grove – This is the new Student Center at Cañada. It’s a great place to meet friends, study, and grab a bite to eat. The new Career Center is located in the Grove and the friendly staff can help you write a resume, prepare for a job interview, and search for jobs. There is also a spot in the Grove to just chill and play video games.
• Smoke-Free Campus - If you want to smoke you'll have to do it in designated parking lots because Cañada is a smoke-free campus. Feel free to light up in Lots 1, 7, 6, 8, 10 & 5. But, as a courtesy to staff, faculty, and students who don't smoke, please refrain from smoking on the rest of campus.
• Go to Class - This seems like a no-brainer, right? Well, every semester, there are students that don't show up for class. Because classes are crowded, if you don't show up, you could be dropped from the class. If you are on a wait list to get into a full class, it's even more important to show up on the first day to talk to the professor and see if you can add the class.

Hopefully this guide can help you survive your first day of the new semester. Remember, if you have any questions ask somebody. You'll be surprised at how helpful the staff, faculty and your fellow students can be.