YVC’s Student Life ofce recently launched a new online version of the long-standing Yak student newsletter. The new Yak Blog provides an accessible way for students to learn about important news, resources and events for students. “Over the last year student governments on both the Yakima and Grandview campuses have worked to collaborate and provide more resources to students,” stated Student Life Coordinator Laura Yolo. “A key area we identifed as wanting to improve was our Yak newsletter. By moving the publication online, it allows for greater readership and online integration.” Do you have an idea you’d like to see in the new Yak? Contact Student Life to get your ideas added.
Diversity Series hosts guest speaker Robin Wall Kimmerer Yakima Valley College’s 2020-2021 Diversity Series continued this winter with a virtual conversation featuring Robin Wall Kimmerer, a scientist, decorated professor, author and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Wall Kimmerer’s talk, “Indigenous Women – Science, Wisdom, Mothering,” was centered on inspiring young women of color to pursue careers in the sciences and embrace their cultural heritage. The talk also aimed to encourage working mothers to continue their education. As a writer and scientist, her interests in restoration include not only restoration of ecological communities, but also restoration of humans’ relationships to land. Since 2005 Yakima Valley College has partnered with several local area organizations to host events and lectures through its annual Diversity Series. The events provide YVC the opportunity to bring diverse perspectives to everyday topics and push the boundaries of the term beyond race, gender, social class and sexuality.
Robin Wall Kimmerer photo courtesy of Dale Kakkak
Student Services ofers Zoom lobby to support student success This winter YVC’s Student Life ofce launched a Student Services Virtual Lobby to help students connect and get their questions answered. Breakout rooms are available for students to have private 1:1 conversations related to fnancial aid, registration, admissions, counseling and advising. Each department has a staf member available to help answer questions. Student Services Zoom session “The Student Life ofce was interested in creating a Zoom lobby because we wanted to make sure we were doing everything we could to support students during this difcult time,” stated Student Life Coordinator Laura Yolo. “The students who have participated have been able to connect with student government ofcers, staf from Registration and Financial Aid and get their questions answered. We hope that more students continue to utilize this resource.” Lobby hours were available most weekdays. Based on the success of this resource Student Life is hoping to continue their eforts in the spring. Winter 2021 8
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Student governments launch online Yak blog
