Cañada College Welcome Week

Cañada College was ready and excited to welcome students (both in-person and virtually) during the first week of classes, affectionately called Welcome Week. Cañada’s Outreach team held a welcome station with Student Ambassadors ready to greet fellow Cañadians and help them to find their way to classes. In addition, the Associated Students of Cañada College (ASCC) planned a series of Welcome Week activities such as free school supplies and goodies from Chuck’s Donuts, Mademoiselle Colette and Jamba Juice as well as a Lunar New Year celebration.

In addition to Welcome Week festivities, Cañada’s Welcome Center and Counseling Departments have been humming! Cañada College Counselors have assisted more than 570 students this January with almost 40 percent of the students served in-person. Compared to this time last year over a similar time period, 378 students were served with only about 20 percent in-person. The Welcome Center and Counseling Departments have extended drop-in hours in general counseling through January 30, which is the last day to add courses. Extended hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. As part of the drop-in process, Counselors are prioritizing ESL students and Spanish-speaking Counselors are available on site.

Cañada Launches Super Saturday Registration Event

On Saturday, January 7, Cañada College hosted a successful Super Saturday single-stop registration event! The goal of this event was to help anyone who attended to complete all enrollment steps and walk away registered for Cañada College’s Spring 2023 semester. More than 45 faculty, staff, administrators and student ambassadors were on hand to help 92 students enroll, leave with a course schedule and/or have their questions answered for the Spring semester. The event resulted in 94 course enrollments.

At the Super Saturday event, DJ Antit Dope provided a happy and energetic ambience for excited attendees. Due to the rain, the team pivoted from holding an outdoor event in the Upper Lawn to utilizing all three floors of Building 9. Some of the Cañada teams that provided on-site student support included: Admissions & Records, Cashier’s Office, Welcome Center, Financial Aid, Counseling, Umoja, Office of Student Life & Leadership Development, Promise Scholars Program and Outreach. The teams hosted stations that helped prospective students submit their college applications, complete orientation, submit Financial Aid applications, meet with an Academic Counselor and register for classes.  In addition, ESL students were also able to take their Assessment tests.  When students completed their enrollment steps, they were invited to enjoy a free lunch. Community members remarked that they felt comfortable and welcomed while attending the event. And, the results were successful as Cañada observed an increase in Spring enrollment.

The one-stop registration event was created in alignment with Cañada’s Educational Master Plan Strategic Initiative 1.1: Make Registration Easier. Other initiatives that the College has undertaken to make registration easier includes a manual override and push to produce a G# (student ID number) which now takes 15 minutes to produce versus several hours. The expedited method helps students continue the process to registration. The team has also created a streamlined enrollment process for Cañada’s ESL students that has greatly reduced the wait times for processing placements for students. Lastly, the College has made significant strides in amplifying their translation of documents and processes in Spanish and has now begun to also offer translation of key documents in Tagalog as well. The Super Saturday Planning Team is exploring future Saturday events, including a Friday event to welcome high school students as part of their school day.

What's Happening at Cañada: Week of January 16, 2023

 

Week of January 16, 2023

The Spring 2023 Semester is FREE at Cañada College!

For the Spring Semester, Cañada College will waive enrollment fees for students who reside in San Mateo County (some exceptions apply). There are no minimum or maximum units required to qualify. Depending on documented financial need, students may also be exempted from paying the student body fee, student representation fee, student union fee, inclusive access fee(s), and materials fees associated with enrolled courses. Registration is open to all students! To help students determine if they qualify for the Free College enrollment fee waiver and other fee waivers, visit our Free College FAQ.

 

Drop-In Registration Support

Get help with registration from our Welcome Center. We are offering “Drop-In Registration” support on Mondays and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Come to Building 9 on the first floor or talk to us over Zoom: http://smccd.zoom.us/j/81252409422.

 

Open Classes

Registration for the Spring semester is still open and there are classes to choose from. You can find your classes online and enroll early using WebSMART to ensure you get the classes you need.

 

Campus Hours Website

Please refer to the Campus Hours website that provides an updated listing of campus-wide hours. Many Student Service offices will be extended evening hours the first few weeks of the semester to assist students.

 

Face Coverings (Masks)

San Mateo County’s current level is LOW, and face masks are strongly recommended, but not required indoors in any SMCCCD facility except those designated as a healthcare facility. At levels where masking is required, the exemption of not wearing a mask while actively eating or drinking still applies. SMCCCD continues to make face coverings (masks) available to all students and employees. Masks are located at various locations throughout all campus buildings. You can view this COVID-19 Masking Document to learn more about effective masks.

As the San Mateo County Community Level changes, students, employees, and visitors will be provided information. To track San Mateo County’s COVID Community Level, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Get Tested Before You Return to Campus & Free COVID-19 Testing Resources

Before the semester starts, it’s encouraged that you take the opportunity to test before being on campus. Through its partnership with San Mateo County Health (SMCH), SMCCCD continues to operate its COVID-19 testing site at Cañada College, available to students, employees, and the public. Free at-home antigen testing kits are available at college bookstores and public safety offices.

 

Daily Health Self-Screening Required - Stay Home If You are Symptomatic or Test Positive for COVID-19

Students and employees must self-screen daily regardless of vaccination status. Do NOT enter campus grounds if experiencing any of the following COVID-related symptoms:

• Fever or feeling feverish (chills, sweating) 
• Cough that’s new or worsening (continuous, more than usual) 
• Shortness of breath (out of breath or unable to breathe deeply) 
• Congestion or runny nose (not related to seasonal allergies or other known causes/conditions) 
• Sore throat (not related to seasonal allergies or other known causes/conditions) 
• New headache that is unusual or long-lasting (not related to migraines or recurring headaches) 
• Unusual fatigue 
• Unexplained muscle or body aches 
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea 
• New loss of taste or smell

If you test positive for COVID-19, report your results. You will receive a return email with instructions for isolation and when you are cleared to return to campus.

Get the New Bivalent Booster

You can get a free COVID-19 Bivalent Booster at many locations in San Mateo County. Employees, students, and the broader community can sign up for free at MyTurn. SMCCCD will also host a vaccination Pop-Up Clinic on January 19, 2023, at Cañada College.

 

Campus Shuttle

The Cañada College shuttle will run direct service Monday-Friday to/from Cañada and East Palo Alto beginning January 17, 2023, through May 26, 2023. Visit canadacollege.edu/shuttle for the latest schedule updates.

 

Sign Up for Emergency Text Message Notifications
To receive emergency college communications via text message on your device, log in to WebSMART. In the tab labeled "Student Services," select "Emergency Text Message Contact Information," alternatively, you can go directly to ALERTME and register for emergency notifications there.

 

Upcoming Events

Every Tuesday

Free Groceries at Cañada College – Weekly Food Distribution

11 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Lot 6

Join us every Tuesday for a FREE Grocery Distribution. The program is open to students and the community to select the food that they want.

 

Tuesday, January 17 – Thursday, January 19

Welcome Week Events

9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Upper Lawn/The Grove (if it rains)

 

Tuesday, January 17

Day and Evening Classes Begin

 

Late Class Registration Begins (Jan 17 - Jan 30) – find courses HERE.

 

Wednesday, January 19

Men’s Basketball vs Chabot College

7 p.m.
Building 1 Gym

 

Friday, January 27

Men’s Basketball vs Ohlone College

5 p.m.
Building 1 Gym

 

Monday, January 30

Last Day to Add Semester Length Classes

 

Last Day to Drop Semester Length Classes With Eligibility for Partial Refund

 

 

For a complete listing of events, visit: https://events.canadacollege.edu/

 

 

Colts Athletics Update

 Men’s Basketball

The men’s basketball team, under second-year Head Coach Eddy Harris, is playing its first season before fans in Cañada’s Kinesiology and Wellness Center. They played the 2021-22 season with no fans due to COVID restrictions. The Colts open up Coast Conference play in January with a month more of games in December.

Soccer Teams Reached Playoffs

Both Colts soccer teams reached the second round of the CCCAA Playoffs.

The women’s soccer team finished the year 15-5-0 and in second place in the Coast Conference. They hosted and won a first-round matchup with Modesto, winning 4-0, as the No. 11 seed, before falling to Lake Tahoe. It was the sixth straight playoff appearance for the Colts lead by Head Coach Katie Perkins. Yara Gomez-Zavala was named the Division’s Player of the Year, while Rachel Mull was the Offensive Player of the Year. Giselle Gutierrez was the Division’s top freshman. 

The men’s soccer team finished the year 10-10-1 and as the No. 21 seed. The Colts pulled off an upset of the College of the Sequoias in a thrilling double overtime 2-1 victory in the first round of the CCCAA Playoffs and then lost at Merced in the second round. It was the fourth playoff appearance in five seasons for the Colts and Head Coach Erik Gaspar. Japanese international student Kosuke Kaneko was named the Division’s Goalkeeper of the Year and Kiichi Murakami, also from Japan, was the Division’s Forward of the Year.

 

 

In addition, Colts soccer players Finn Kelly Lewis and Tomislav Jozinovic recently celebrated signing with four-year universities. Lewis is headed to North Georgia University and Jozinovic is headed to Biola University. Congratulations and Go Colts!

 

Cañada Hosts Fourth Annual High School & Community Partners Forum

After being held virtually the past two years, Cañada College’s fourth annual High School & Community Partners Forum was held both in-person at Cañada College as well as via Zoom on December 7. The event provides a great opportunity for community partners to connect with Cañada College staff/faculty/administration and share feedback on how the College can best connect with our community.

 

The event kicked off with breakfast for more than 50 in-person attendees. The in-person and virtual program began with a warm welcome from College President Kim Lopez and Vice Presidents Manuel Alejandro Pérez, Ludmila Prisecar and Chialin Hsieh. During the welcome, attendees received updates on SMCCCD’s Free College initiative, Cañada’s Educational Master Plan, and fully online programs offered as well as in-person and hybrid schedules for the upcoming semester. Middle College Executive Director Stephen Redmond shared an overview of the Living the Promise partnership with Sequoia Union High School District as well as outreach plans for Spring 2023. David Vera, Financial Aid Director, provided updates on the financial aid application and counselor tool kit for the community partners to use.

 

The Cañada Outreach team shared that Priority Engagement Program (PEP) sessions will resume in the Spring and encouraged counselors to have their students participate. Lezlee Ware and Elizabeth Terzakis, Cañada College Professors and Program Coordinators for Cañada’s Umoja program, shared exciting information about the recently launched program. Their presentation transitioned into a student panel of former students based on the College’s Interest Areas.

After program updates, attendees chose from one of two 20-minute sessions to attend. Sessions included: steps to get into college, tips for students who are interested in transferring to a university, exploration into career certificate programs offered through Cañada’s Strong Workforce program and updates on support programs for undocumented students through Cañada’s DREAM Center. In addition, campus tours were offered.

The program closed with lunch, networking and closing remarks given by Mayra Arellano, Cañada’s Director of High School Transitions & Dual Enrollment and College Recruiter Olivia Cortez-Figueroa. Feedback from the attendees was very positive and some great ideas were discovered throughout the day.

What's Happening at Cañada: Week of December 12, 2022

 

Week of December 12, 2022

THE SPRING 2023 SEMESTER IS FREE AT CAÑADA COLLEGE!

For the Spring Semester, Cañada College will waive enrollment fees for students who reside in San Mateo County (some exceptions apply). There are no minimum or maximum units required to qualify. Depending on documented financial need, students may also be exempted from paying the student body fee, student representation fee, student union fee, inclusive access fee(s), and materials fees associated with enrolled courses. Registration is open to all students! To help students determine if they qualify for the Free College enrollment fee waiver and other fee waivers, visit our Free College FAQ.

  

SPRING 2023 REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

Registration is open to all students for the Spring 2023 Semester. You can view the schedule of courses now on WebSchedule and register for courses on WebSMART. The Spring 2023 Semester is free, and Cañada will waive enrollment fees for students who reside in San Mateo County. Some exceptions apply; see our Free College FAQ for more information.

 

DROP-IN REGISTRATION SUPPORT

Get help with registration from our Welcome Center. We are offering “Drop-In Registration” support on Mondays and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Come to Building 9 on the first floor or talk to us over Zoom: http://smccd.zoom.us/j/81252409422. Services will not be available during Winter Break (December 16-January 2).

 

PCC OPEN FOR DROP-IN HOURS DURING FINALS WEEK

The Personal Counseling Center (PCC) will be available for Drop-In appointments during Finals Week (December 12-14). Please call in advance if possible to secure a spot: (650) 381-3573  just walk in at Building 5, Room 303.

 

MASKING RECOMMENDATION

San Mateo County’s current Community Level is LOW, and face masks are strongly recommended but not required indoors at any SMCCCD facility except those designated as healthcare facilities. As the San Mateo County Community Level changes, updated information will be provided to students, employees, and visitors. Masks are located at various locations throughout all buildings. To track San Mateo County’s COVID Community Level, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

 

CAMPUS SHUTTLE

The Cañada College shuttle will run direct service Monday-Friday to/from Cañada and East Palo Alto beginning August 17, 2022, through December 16, 2022. Visit canadacollege.edu/shuttle for the latest schedule updates.

 

Upcoming Events

Every Tuesday

Free Groceries at Cañada College – Weekly Food Distribution

11 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Parking Lot 6

In partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, Cañada College hosts a FREE Grocery Distribution in Lot 6 every Tuesday from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The program is open to students and the community to select the food that they want.

 

December 11-17

Final Examinations (Day and Evening Classes)

 

December 17

Day and Evening Classes End

 

Men’s Basketball vs Reedley College

3 p.m.
Building 1 Gym

Cheers on the Colts as they take on Reedley College.

 

December 21

Men’s Basketball vs Porterville College

5 p.m.
Building 1 Gym

Cheers on the Colts as they take on Porterville College.

 

December 23, 2022-January 2, 2023

Winter Recess (Campus Closed)

 

December 30

Men’s Basketball vs DeAnza College

3 p.m.
Building 1 Gym

Cheers on the Colts as they take on DeAnza College.

 

January 6, 2023

Men’s Basketball vs Las Positas College

5 p.m.
Building 1 Gym

Cheers on the Colts as they take on Las Positas College.

 

January 7

Super Saturday - iCAN Register (Registration Support)

9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Building 9
RSVP Link: https://smccd-czqfp.formstack.com/forms/super_saturday_rsvp

Join for a one-stop shop event to complete all of the steps you need to register. Our goal is to have you registered for the Spring 2023 semester when you leave this day!

 

January 17

Day and Evening Classes Begin

 

Late Class Registration Begins and Runs through January 30

 

For a complete listing of events, visit: https://events.canadacollege.edu/

 

 

What's Happening at Cañada: Week of December 5, 2022

 

Week of December 5, 2022

THE SPRING 2023 SEMESTER IS FREE AT CAÑADA COLLEGE!

For the Spring Semester, Cañada College will waive enrollment fees for students who reside in San Mateo County (some exceptions apply). There are no minimum or maximum units required to qualify. Depending on documented financial need, students may also be exempted from paying the student body fee, student representation fee, student union fee, inclusive access fee(s), and materials fees associated with enrolled courses. Registration is open to all students! To help students determine if they qualify for the Free College enrollment fee waiver and other fee waivers, visit our Free College FAQ.

 

SPRING 2023 REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

Registration is open to all students for the Spring 2023 Semester. You can view the schedule of courses now on WebSchedule and register for courses on WebSMART. The Spring 2023 Semester is free, and Cañada will waive enrollment fees for students who reside in San Mateo County. Some exceptions apply; see our Free College FAQ for more information.

 

DROP-IN REGISTRATION SUPPORT

Get help with registration from our Welcome Center. We are offering “Drop-In Registration” support on Mondays and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Come to Building 9 on the first floor or talk to us over Zoom: http://smccd.zoom.us/j/81252409422. Services will not be available during Winter Break (December 16-January 2).

 

PCC OPEN FOR DROP-IN HOURS DURING FINALS WEEK

The Personal Counseling Center (PCC) will be available for Drop-In appointments during Finals Week (December 12-14). Please call in advance if possible to secure a spot: (650) 381-3573 just walk in at Building 5, Room 303.

 

CHANCELLOR FINALISTS- FORUM RECORDINGS & FEEDBACK FORMS

The San Mateo County Community College District has selected its finalists for the District’s chancellor position. The finalist candidates participated in virtual forums, which were recorded and available for viewing. These recordings are posted on the SMCCCD Chancellor Search site along with an online form where you can share your feedback. The deadline to submit feedback forms is Friday, December 9, at 5 pm. 

 

CAMPUS SHUTTLE

The Cañada College shuttle will run direct service Monday-Friday to/from Cañada and East Palo Alto beginning August 17, 2022, through December 16, 2022. Visit canadacollege.edu/shuttle for the latest schedule updates.

 

Upcoming Events

Every Tuesday

Free Groceries at Cañada College – Weekly Food Distribution

11 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Parking Lot 6

In partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, Cañada College hosts a FREE Grocery Distribution in Lot 6 every Tuesday from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The program is open to students and the community to select the food that they want.

 

December 6

Connecting with Our Campus Community: ESL 912 Final Project

9:30-11 a.m.
The Grove

Come make conversation with students and participate in activities as they practice their English listening and speaking skills. Students will host a variety of activity tables including: gratitude letters, games, music, flag share, and more! Activities are centered on community building and well-being. Free drinks and snacks will also be provided.

 

December 7

High School Counselor & Community Partner Forum

8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Building 6, Rooms 101/102, and over Zoom
Register: https://forms.gle/rw4Nf4dzc8caTtru9 

The Fourth Annual High School Counselor & Community Partner Forum will provide our community partners with important Cañada College updates as well as workshops on the steps to apply, transfer options, our certificate programs, and our new Dream Center. It will also be a great opportunity to connect with Cañada College staff/faculty/administration and provide feedback on how our college can best connect with the community.

 

Therapy Dogs at the Library

12-1 p.m.
Building 9, Third Floor

Come to the Cañada Library for some much-needed relaxation and canine therapy! We’ve partnered with the Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA to bring dogs just for you. These pups are specially trained to help you relax. You can pet them, talk to them, and help them do their job by showing up stressed and leaving in a great mood!

 

FIFA Video Game Tournament

4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
The Grove (Building 5)
RSVP: https://smccd-czqfp.formstack.com/forms/fifatournament_eops_puente

Join EOPS and Puente as they host a FIFA video game tournament in The Grove’s game room. Free pizza will be provided.

 

Cañada at Night

6-8 p.m.
The Grove

Cañada’s College for Working Adults and Associated Students have teamed up to bring you Cañada at Night! Please join us for snacks, hot drinks, and to learn more about student support services open late during finals week. This event is open to all Cañada students. We hope to see you there!

 

December 8

Winter De-Stress

11 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
The Grove

Join Student Senate to de-stress before finals week! Grab a soothing warm drink and partake in some arts and crafts.

 

Study in Barcelona Next Fall Info Session

5-6 p.m.
Zoom Registration: https://smccd.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIsceioqj0pGdXDX6PPhwgz72xOe8pHxn34

Imagine yourself living in Barcelona, Spain for three months, walking daily among some of the world’s top architectural gems and enjoying evening tapas, all while taking California community college classes and earning UC/CSU transferrable credit. Join us to learn about the SMCCCD Semester in Barcelona Program! Also, stay for a sneak peek of our Semester in Florence, Italy Program for Spring 2024. Scholarships are available. Register to attend the meeting or to receive the recording: https://bit.ly/Barc23

 

Cañada at Night

6-8 p.m.
The Grove

Cañada’s College for Working Adults and Associated Students have teamed up to bring you Cañada at Night! Please join us for snacks, hot drinks, and to learn more about student support services open late during finals week. This event is open to all Cañada students. We hope to see you there!

 

December 9

Dance Show

7:30 – 9 p.m.
Building 3, Main Theatre

Enjoy a night full of amazing dances performed by dance students! Dance styles: Modern, Contemporary, Latin Rhythms, Street Jazz, Mexican Folklorico, Hip Hop, Salsa, Tango, and Yoga Dance.

 

December 10

Men’s Basketball vs College of Siskiyous

2-5 p.m.
Building 1 Gym

Cheers on the Colts as they take on College of Siskiyous.

 

December 11-17

Final Examinations (Day and Evening Classes)

 

December 17

Day and Evening Classes End

 

Men’s Basketball vs Reedley College

3 p.m.
Building 1 Gym

Cheers on the Colts as they take on Reedley College.

 

December 21

Men’s Basketball vs Porterville College

5 p.m.
Building 1 Gym

Cheers on the Colts as they take on Porterville College.

 

December 23, 2022-January 2, 2023

Winter Recess (Campus Closed)

 

January 7, 2023

Super Saturday - iCAN Register (Registration Support)

9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Building 9
RSVP Link: https://smccd-czqfp.formstack.com/forms/super_saturday_rsvp

Join for a one-stop shop event to complete all of the steps you need to register. Our goal is to have you registered for the Spring 2023 semester when you leave this day!

 

January 17, 2023

Day and Evening Classes Begin

 

For a complete listing of events, visit: https://events.canadacollege.edu/