SOUTH
PUGET
SOUND
SUMMER QUARTER 2020
COMMUNITY
COLLEGE
ON THE COVER
ADAPTING TO SERVE STUDENTS THROUGH EVERY CHALLENGE How do you support nearly 5,000 students with essential services when campuses are closed to in-person activities? Resourcefulness and technology.
Virtual Services & Community
Innovation in Teaching
The way students are getting support may have changed, but SPSCC’s core objective—helping students be successful—prevails as strong as ever. From academic services like advising and tutoring to student services such as enrollment and financial aid, SPSCC staff put students first by moving nearly every core college function online in a matter of days.
Weeks before SPSCC started offering student services remotely, Instruction had to make the move to online formats. After shifting over 300 classes to virtual and online formats, the college extended enrollment deadlines and gave students time to re-enroll in classes that would work best for them.
piece of serving students virtually. The college’s IT team quickly assigned Zoom licenses to faculty and departments, and virtual waiting rooms were created with links to services from the SPSCC website.
Upwards of 80% of SPSCC faculty had experience teaching online before COVID, making the move to remote learning a quicker process for most classes. But no matter the course, the rapid shift shows the flexibility of SPSCC faculty and their commitment to students.
“I consider this a team effort, and we make a great team,” said Within hours of the governor’s "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order, Olivia Youngblood, SPSCC academic records specialist. Youngnew students were completing 100% blood played a critical role between of their steps to enroll online, future the enrollment and instruction teams ”One silver lining in all of this is the students were attending a virtual adby monitoring and placing waitlisted missions information session, and students into new sections of online innovation we've seen come from Running Start students were texting courses as they were added. “I just do in photos of their verification forms for faculty as they work to ensure student it for the students, to be an advocate SPSCC staff to process. and to ensure their enrollment needs learning outcomes are met.” are taken care of and their voices are The video conferencing platform -Kari Thierer, curriculum designer heard.” Zoom became a critical technology
Counseling Services, an especially important resource during times of heightened anxiety, adapted very quickly. SPSCC counselors Sally Sharbaugh and Ross Artwohl facilitate a COVID-19 support group via Zoom, are overseeing virtual meetings of the Active Minds student club, and are holding counseling appointments for students on Zoom. “We’ve had the opportunity to reach more students than we might have in our face-to-face work,” Sharbaugh said.
Not all services are related to academic student supports. Creativity is something people can bond over, but since in-person gatherings aren’t a possibility, instruction and classroom support technician Nicole Gugliotti decided to form a virtual group that celebrates the arts. The SPSCC Creative “Something” is a weekly online meeting that invites area artists to share their process, artwork, and home studios, and provides an opportunity for deeper connection. “I think this is ultimately going to be an incredible archive of our regional artists, as well as a rich resource for our students: past, present, and future,” said Gugliotti.
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SOUNDWAVES
“One silver lining in all of this is the innovation we’ve seen come from faculty as they work to ensure student learning outcomes are met,” said Kari Thierer, curriculum designer in the Center for Teaching and Online Learning (CTOL). Thierer and the CTOL team provided extra trainings to both faculty and students during the transition, such as using Zoom and Canvas. Figuring out how to do hands-on work, like science labs, is an area where faculty used ingenuity to recreate an in-person experience. Biology professor Lynette Rushton’s in-person plant specimen labs turned into a video of her experimenting with plants from her own garden. While the process of the lab might look different, the delivery achieves the desired student learning outcome. “As we go forward, it’s going to make us more creative, but it’s been quite a challenge,” Rushton said. It’s not enough to be innovative with instruction. Having the right technology is a key to being successful in this transition. The SPSCC IT department has worked closely with faculty to provide over 200 devices like webcams, laptops, and wearable camera devices so they can replicate classroom experiences for remote learning. “This has really shown me the commitment the college has to student success,” said Ryan Hanscom, IT Client Services Director at SPSCC.
Scan for a YouTube playlist about
"Meeting the Challenge" of COVID-19
SPSCC RECEIVED
>
$2.6 MILLION
IN FEDERAL FUNDING THROUGH CARES ACT Stay in School & Engage Although 69% of SPSCC students had taken at least one class online before COVID, students also had to navigate the shift to fully virtual and online learning, all while managing the stress of a public health crisis, caring for their families, facing layoffs, and missing their loved ones. “I’m so proud of the SPSCC community to switch so quickly,” said SPSCC student body president AJ Edwards. “We’re still going to do everything in our power to make sure this works for everyone.” Running Start student Jake Olson is navigating his first full quarter of online classes, including pre-calculus II, where his professor is using social media to ensure coursework is clear. “My professor posts videos on YouTube that clearly explain each step and process in whatever trigonometric concepts we are working with, and it has really helped me with understanding the concepts,” said Olson. Olson is one of nearly 2,000 high school students who are earning college credit online while still enrolled in high school. Since the closure of K-12 schools, Running Start enrollment went up nearly 10% for Spring Quarter and SPSCC now serves 1,927 students through the Running Start and College in the High School dual credit programs. Another big part of the college experience is developing their personal interests, socializing, and getting involved in student clubs. Creating student events and activities that are engaging, fun, and remain virtual, is something that the Campus Activities Board (CAB) has adapted to since campus closed. “It’s been a challenge, but definitely a time of innovation,” said Crystal Hearitage, a student event coordinator on the CAB. “What I’m trying to do right now is create events that students can still engage with online.” Teams across campus joined forces during the first few weeks of Spring Quarter to offer virtual open houses and event schedules that include eSports, music performances, an even an online reptile show. Student-athletes also have another layer of challenge with this pandemic. “I’m trying to stay fit by going for runs and doing home workouts,” said Ben Janssan, Men's Basketball player, and part of the student social media team. SPSCC Clipper Athletics continues to sign letters of intent for the 2020-21 season and is looking forward to the opening of the new Health & Wellness Center when campus re-opens and construction is completed (more on page 7). ■
315
STUDENTS LEVERAGED COVID FINANCIAL SUPPORTS TO STAY IN SCHOOL VIRTUALLY RUNNING START ENROLLMENT INCREASED NEARLY
10%
MORE THAN
300
CLASSES MOVED TO ONLINE INSTRUCTION BEFORE COVID,
69%
OF SPSCC STUDENTS HAD EXPERIENCE TAKING A CLASS ONLINE
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spscc.edu
3
PATHWAYS
spscc.edu/areas
Pathways allow you to take classes related to your interests, earn your degree faster, and graduate. ● Certificate ● **AAS: Associate in Applied Science ● *AA: Associate in Arts (transfer degree) *AS: Associate in Science (transfer degree)
Arts & Communications Art ● Communication Studies ● Drama ● English ● Film ● Music ● Philosophy ●
Automotive, Welding & Manufacturing
Advanced Manufacturing ● ● Automotive Technology ● ● Welding Technology ● ●
Business, Finance & Office Administration
Accounting ● ● Business ● Business Administration ● ● Economics ● Entrepreneurship ● Office Technology & Administration ● ●
Cultural Studies
Anthropology ● History ● Humanities ● International/Intercultural Studies ● Languages ●
Food, Beverage Arts & Hospitality Baking & Pastry Arts ● Culinary Arts ● ● Craft Brewing & Distilling ●
Government, Public & Non-Profit Administration Criminal Justice ● pre-Law ● Paralegal ● ● Political Science ●
Healthcare
Allied Health ● ● ● Dental Assisting ● ● Medical Assisting ● Medical Coding & Billing ● pre-Medicine ● Naturopathic Medicine ● Nursing ● ● Nutrition ● Physical Therapy ● pre-Veterinary Medicine ●
Information Technology
Architecture, Engineering & Construction Technology ● ● ● Computer Science ● Cybersecurity & Network Administration ● Information Systems ● Information Technology Computer Support ● ● Software Development ●
Science, Engineering & Math Astronomy ● Biology ● Botany ● Chemistry ● Earth Science ● Engineering ● Environmental Science ● Geology ● Math ● Oceanography ● Physics ●
Social Services & Education Early Childhood Education ● ● ● Education ● Parent Education ● Physical Education ● Psychology ● Sociology ● Social Work ●
Pre-College & ESL Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language (ESL), High School Completion (High School+, GED®), I-BEST
Pathways, degrees, and certificates are subject to change. South Puget Sound Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, or age in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies and Title IX compliance inquiries: Chief Human Resources Officer, 2011 Mottman Rd SW, Olympia, WA, 98512, 360-596-5361. SPSCC publications are available in alternate formats upon request by contacting the Access Services Office at 360-596-5306.
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SOUNDWAVES
FEATURED CAREER PATHWAY
PATHWAY TO PEDIATRICIAN: A RUNNING START STORY Deena Benmouloud is a 17-year-old Running Start student via Capital High School, something she has wanted to do since middle school. “I was excited to start the college experience early on and be able to get a head start on life. It was the best decision I have ever made and changed my life.” Deena says that college suits her better than high school and she’s thriving in the college environment. She is the president of Phi Theta Kappa—an international honor society for two-year colleges— and was recognized as one of SPSCC’s two 2020 All-Washington Scholars.
Hospital, an experience that again reaffirmed the impact her future career will have. “I think a lot of people are now seeing just how important healthcare careers are due to the current pandemic. I am so excited to hopefully be able to be part of such an important and hard-working group of people in the future.” ■
Deena plans to graduate in Spring Quarter and then transfer to Saint Martin's University to earn a degree in biology. After that, she plans to attend medical school to get closer to her dream of becoming a pediatrician. She’s known she wanted to enter the medical field since she was an excited kid visiting her pediatrician, asking questions about being a doctor. “My pediatrician once told me that all the hard work she put in paid off in the end because she had the most amazing job she could ever ask for.” And that stuck with Deena. She credits that piece of advice as further inspiration to work towards a future in healthcare. “You experience new things every day and the objective of your job is to help others. That is what I want my life to look like.” Even as a student, she continually finds ways to help others. Deena is a dedicated volunteer in the Olympia community, and sees it as an opportunity to discover her interests while giving her a sense of purpose. “I want to be able to feel that sense of purpose for the rest of my life and attempt to contribute whatever I can to the world,” she said about volunteering.
AA/HS Diploma via Running Start
Bachelor's Degree
Medical School
Resident Physician Complete U.S. Medical Licensing Exam
2 YEARS
2 YEARS
4 YEARS
3-5 YEARS
Deena
1,113
ANNUAL JOB OPENINGS WITHIN 100 MILES
PRACTICING CAREER
She’s volunteered at Olympia's Hands-On Children's Museum and several elementary schools. Both sparked her love for working with kids. She is also involved with Quixote Communities, a tiny home village in Olympia for people experiencing homelessness. Prior to the pandemic, she volunteered in the lab at Providence St. Peter
WA STATE JOB OUTLOOKS MEDIAN SALARY
$185,949
Source - Career Coach by Emsi: spscc.edu/careercoach
Summer 2020
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spscc.edu
5
STEPS TO ENROLL 1
2
APPLY
Submit an admissions application online for free.
spscc.edu/start/steps
SET UP EMAIL & PORTAL
Activate your student email and open your mySPSCC portal.
4 GET PLACED
5
Take a Guided Self Placement or placement test for English and math, or submit test scores or transcripts to get placed in the correct classes.
3 PLAN TO PAY Fill out the FAFSA or WASFA to apply for financial aid (grants and loans) and learn about funding and payment options.
GET REGISTERED
Sign up for New Student Advising and Registration—NSAR, a required group advising orientation—to learn about resources, meet advisors, and pick your classes.
SUMMER ENROLLMENT DEADLINES 8-week Quarter | Starting July 6 | Virtual & Online Formats Complete the FAFSA or WASFA ASAP Tuition & Fees Due June 16 Apply by June 22
FREE MONEY
FOR COLLEGE Introducing the
WASHINGTON College Grant spscc.edu/wa-college-grant
COMPLETE THE FAFSA OR WASFA The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) helps you determine what financial awards, grants, and loans you can receive. Do this important step first, and include SPSCC’s school code: 005372. Get started at fafsa.gov. Washington State offers financial aid programs to students who aren’t eligible for federal financial aid, sometimes because of immigration status. Complete the WASFA at readysetgrad.org/wasfa.
ABE, Parent Coop, ESL, GED® $10.00 per quarter
Number of Credits
Washington Resident
Non-Washington Resident, US Citizen
Non-Resident, International
1
$110.26
$124.85
$288.13
5
$551.30
$624.25
$1,440.65
12
$1,211.76
$1,359.20
$3,004.96
15
$1,375.50
$1,525.25
$3,190.45
SOUNDWAVES
spscc.edu/pay-for-college
Technology Fee:
2019-20 TUITION
6
PAYING FOR COLLEGE
All Other Students $35.00/quarter (1-9 credits) $45.00/quarter (10+ credits and Running Start students) Student Building Fee: All students $6.00 per credit (all credits)
Matriculation Fee: All students $20.00 per quarter Course Fees: Listed in class schedule if required. Associated Student Programs Fee: Running Start students $5.00 per credit (up to $50 max.)
FUTURE FOCUSED: HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER NEARLY READY FOR FALL 2020 In 2017, SPSCC students voted to create a Health & Wellness Center at the college's Olympia Campus, funded by student fees. Construction is nearing completion and, despite a pause in construction this spring, is still expected to be complete in summer 2020. The new space gives the college an opportunity to expand intramural activities and club sports, and opens the possibilities for more kinds of for-credit PE classes. “This is something we’ve been waiting for years to do,” said SPSCC director of student life Robert Lane. “It’s one of the reasons that the Student Senate created this plan and students voted to fund and build this space.” SPSCC Clipper Athletics also has a lot to look forward to. “Our coaches and student-athletes are especially eager to start using the space as soon as it’s safe for us to be back on campus,” said SPSCC athletics director Vernell Willingham. "After more than a year off-campus, we are excited to return home. Between the two gymnasiums and new equipment in the weight and cardio room, we will have space for all programs to train and compete successfully." Athletics is currently recruiting student-athletes for the 2020-21 season’s four teams: Men’s Soccer led by Coach Juan P. Murillo, Women’s Volleyball led by Coach Tusalava Kuaea, Men’s Basketball led by Coach Andrew Green, and Women’s Basketball, currently recruiting a new dual role coach and assistant athletics director. More information is available at spsccathletics.com. “We’re also excited to work toward our fifth program this year: Women’s Soccer,” said Willingham. “We knew there was local interest, and that we have a region of strong female athletes. The new women’s soccer club this year helped show the interest that’s out there and help us to move the program forward.”
Also coming with the launch of the facility is a brand new character mascot, the Kraken, which will be revealed at the launch of Fall Quarter 2020, as well as four new Student Life passenger vans. Aside from fitness and athletics, the new space will provide many benefits to students on the “South side” of the Olympia Campus. The Health & Wellness Center will hold additional study spaces and conference rooms, a coffee shop, and basic needs supports for students who need access to showers, lockers, or laundry facilities. The Health & Wellness Center project is designed by KMB Architects with construction by Pease Construction, and is funded by SPSCC students. More at spscc.edu/health-wellness-center
Summer 2020
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spscc.edu
7
2011 Mottman Rd. SW Olympia, WA 98512
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PARENT EDUCATION
Continuing to support families virtually with parent-child classes and co-op preschool parenting ed through: Eastside Co-op Preschool Capitol Forest Cooperative Preschool Steamboat Island Co-op Preschool Westside Cooperative Preschool
GET AMPED For 8-Week Online & Virtual Classes this Summer!
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