2018 Institutional Self-Evaluation ReportCerro Coso Community College is preparing for its accreditation visit conducted by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC). This visit, and the preparation that it involves, usually occurs on a six-year cycle. A team of community college professionals is scheduled to visit Cerro Coso this October 1st through 4th. A critical part of the preparation for their visit involves compiling a college Self Evaluation Report to address the mandated themes established by the accrediting commission. Comments are welcome on Cerro Coso Community College’s Institutional Self-Evaluation Report. Third-party comments assist the college’s accreditor, the Accrediting Commission of Community and Junior Colleges, as it considers the college for reaffirmation of accreditation. The Commission reviews all third-party comments for their applicability to Eligibility Requirements, Accreditation Standards, or Commission policies. Such comments must be submitted in writing, signed, and accompanied by the affiliation, return address and telephone number of the correspondent. Please submit your comment to: Natalie Dorrell, Director, Public Relations and Institutional Advancement, 3000 College Heights Blvd., Ridgecrest, CA 93555. DIRECTED. FOCUSED. NURTURED. ENGAGED. CONNECTED. VALUED.

September 2018

2018 Institutional Self-Evaluation Report 1

Welcome Back Rocks 1

Bowen–Always Improve andGrow 2

Gardepe and Barrett CompleteKCCD Leadership Academy 2

Bonner New Math Instructor 2

Hernandez–Loves A Challenge 2

Celebrating Careers 3

Medical Assisting Info Sessionat ESCC Bishop 3

Ready-Set Back 2 School 3

Tehachapi Mountain Festival 4

Paralegal Program Ranked 6th 4

Foundation Feature:Star Party & Barbeque 4

Inside this IssueWelcome Back Rocks

Over 300 students, families, and community members attended the college’s Cerro Coso Rocks Welcome Back event on Thursday, August 16, 2018. It was a great opportunity to get a real sense of what it is like to attend our local college. The real rock stars of the event were the students and staff who came dressed for the occasion. Activities included a live broadcast by KSSI 102.7 I-Rock, free hotdogs, popcorn, photo booth, temporary tattoo booth, information, workshops, demonstrations, tours, games, and prizes. Faculty were on hand to greet and meet with students to share expectations and ease some of the first day tensions. It was a great opportunity to meet new people, familiarize themselves with the people and facilities of the college, and catch up with those who have been away for the summer. Organized by Outreach Director Katie Bachman and an amazing team of employees, there was fun, excitement, and a large dose of enthusiasm to start the new semester proving Cerro Coso really does ROCK! Special thanks to all the departments, offices, clubs, and individuals for making this event a huge success. NURTURED. ENGAGED. CONNECTED. VALUED.

Students (l to r) Toshina Leach, Renne Santa-Maria, Eben Peterson, Sierra Miles, and Rachel Quan were the real rock stars showing up dressed for competition. First place went to Rachel Quan; second place Sierra Miles, and third place went to Eben Peterson, but all were great fun.

Gardepe and Barrett Complete KCCD Leadership Academy

Two Cerro Coso Community College employees have completed the 2017-2018 Kern Community College District (KCCD) Leadership Academy, a professional development program that prepares employees for leadership roles throughout the district. Each year, KCCD presidents submit the names of employees to participate in the program. Assessment Assistant Nikki Gardepe and Technical Support Specialist Mike Barrett were selected for the 2017-2018 cohort after a

competitive application process. The KCCD Leadership Academy is a year-long program of monthly meetings on topics specific to community colleges. Academy participants from around the district attended the day-long sessions covering topics such as leadership, decision-making, communication, budgeting, student success, accreditation, and more. They also worked outside the sessions on team-based projects to effect positive change across the district. Congratulations Nikki and Mike! Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality – Bennis. DIRECTED. FOCUSED. CONNECTED.

Bowen–Always Improve and GrowMelissa Bowen has joined the full-time faculty ranks at Cerro Coso as Assistant Professor of Psychology and Human Services. She has been teaching as an adjunct instructor at the college since 2015 and is excited about coming on board full-time. Voted “Instructor of the Year” by incarcerated students in the California City Prison this year, Bowen’s motto in life is “embrace constructive criticism and introspection, and always improve and grow. Her previous

experience in the field includes providing crisis response services for the Navy and at local shelters. Bowen holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication from Mills College, Master’s Degree in Psychology, and is currently working on her Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Southern California. She replaces Professor Debra Rundell who retired in May. Congratulations, Melissa! FOCUSED.NURTURED. ENGAGED.

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Bonner New Math Instructor

Cerro Coso’s Ridgecrest Campus welcomed to its ranks this fall Assistant Professor of Mathematics Michael Bonner. Bonner spent the last 30 years working in the aerospace industry at Edwards Air Force Base. Among his favorite jobs was working as the technical expert for navigation and GPS testing and Director of Engineering for the Global Research Combined Test Force. He also enjoyed teaching navigation and GPS for the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. Bonner has a passion for teaching and loves mathematics. He has taught for Cerro Coso as an adjunct for over 17 years. Bonner holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Northern Arizona University, an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from CSU Fresno, an Online Teaching Certificate from Cerro Coso, and Air War College - Maxwell AFB, Alabama. Welcome Mike! DIRECTED. FOCUSED. NURTURED. ENGAGED. CONNECTED. VALUED.

Hernandez– Loves a ChallengeDriven by Information Technology for the past 10+ years, new Systems Support Specialist Julio Hernandez has tried many different careers over the years. From the medical field to engineering to public relations, Hernandez has tried them all, but technology is where he always seems to end up. Originally from Cuba, Hernandez grew up in Miami, Florida, and spent most of his life in the Miami heat. He holds a degree in Mass Communications and Journalism from Miami Dade College, and a degree in Communications, Languages, and Media Studies from Riverside City College. He plans to continue his education to grow as a student, educator, and technician. Hernandez lives in Victorville and believes there is no such thing as a problem, only a challenge. Welcome to Cerro Coso Julio! FOCUSED. NURTURED. CONNECTED.

Celebrating Careers

There is no doubt that employees are the most valued asset of our college and the ones responsible for its continued success. At Cerro Coso we value the dedication and loyalty of our employees, and celebrate their contributions and achievements. Every year, the college recognizes and celebrates the longevity of our faculty at lunch during Faculty Flex Day training. Receiving milestone service awards this year were: 20 Years of Service – Christine Swiridoff, Claudia Sellers, Norman Stephens, and Penny Talley; 10 Years of Service – Laura Vasquez; and 5 Years of Service – David Villicana, Rene Mora, Jarrod Bowen, Benjamin Beshwate, and Guck Ooi. “Thank you for your service to Cerro Coso Community Colleges,” stated President Jill Board. “You are core contributors to our mission of providing the best, most rigorous, and most intellectually exciting educational experience for our students. We have great faculty and your outstanding service brings prestige to the profession and our institution.” DIRECTED. FOCUSED. NURTURED. CONNECTED. VALUED.

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Ready-Set Back 2 School The start of a new school year is both an exciting and hectic time for families. Children look forward to reuniting with friends and meeting new teachers, and parents look forward to the predictability of the school-year routine. The Kern County Department of Child Services prepared to connect families with child support and community services like health, education, and wellness at their Ready-Set Back 2 School Health and Wellness Fair on Thursday, August 2nd at the Kerr McGee Center. Cerro Coso was on hand to greet hundreds of children preparing for the new school year that came to gather information,

backpacks, and school supplies, and get free haircuts, healthcare, and immunizations. The transition from summer to school can be difficult for families, even if children love learning and school life. Preparing children for the transition helps everyone adjust to the increased levels of activity, structure, and expectations, which can help kids, have a positive attitude and learning experience throughout the year. Cerro Coso was proud to be a part of these efforts. DIRECTED. FOCUSED. CONNECTED. VALUED.

Medical Assisting Info Session at ESCC Bishop!On Thursday, August 9th, ESCC staff held an information session at the Bishop campus for the community to learn about the Medical Assisting Program offered by Cerro Coso Community College. With a high employment rate for Medical Assistants in the Eastern Sierra, this program is certainly gaining the attention of the local community! Designed around the Model Curriculum established by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office for preparation for the State Exam for Medical Assistants (CCBMA), the program provides the students with the opportunity to develop the necessary administrative and clinical skills not only needed to be an effective medical assistant, but also to obtain state certification. Special guests at the event included two recent graduates from the program: Cheryle Aguilar and Elizabeth Esparza. Both women are employed medical assistants working at Northern Inyo Hospital. They inspired everyone with their personal journeys from student to highly skilled and experienced medical assistants. ESCC is honored to call Cheryle and Elizabeth alumni, and looks forward to bestowing the honor on our future medical assistant graduates. FOCUSED. NURTURED. ENGAGED. CONNECTED. VALUED.

President Jill Board (right) congratulates English Professor Laura Vasquez on her 10 year anniversary at the college.

Photo (l to r): Kim Blackwell, Elizabeth Esparza, & Cheryle Aguilar.

CDC Program Manager Jessica Krall and Peer Mentor Renee Santa-Maria assist with the Cerro Coso Outreach booth during the Ready Set Back 2 School event.

The Coyote Howler is a publication of Cerro Coso Community College. For more information about the stories in this publication, or to include information in this publication, contact Natalie Dorrell, Public Relations

Director, at 760-384-6260 or email ndorrell@cerrocoso.edu.

BAKERSFIELD COLLEGE

CERRO COSOCOMMUNITY COLLEGE

PORTERVILLE COLLEGE

About this Publication

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Star Party & BarbecueThe stars will be bright with minimal light in Ridgecrest, creating an ideal venue for stargazing. Hobby and professional astronomers, and anyone who enjoys exploring the celestial bodies in the night sky are invited to attend Cerro Coso’s Annual Barbecue and Star Party on Friday, September 7, 2018, on the lawn in front of the Learning Resource Center. Dinner tickets are $12 per person and include a tri-tip dinner prepared and served by college administrators. There will be music, raffles, games, and a complementary photo booth. Tickets are available at the College Business Office, Red Rock Books, Chamber of Commerce, and Maturango Museum. Dinner will be served from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. and stargazing begins at dark. The China Lake Astronomical Society, college instructors, students, and enthusiasts will be on hand to share the experience. The Maturango Museum will be giving sky shows in their portable planetarium. The CCCC Foundation extends an invitation to all to enjoy this family friendly educational event and observe some of the many wonders of the night sky. NURTURED. ENGAGED. CONNECTED. VALUED.

FOUNDATION FEATURE

Tehachapi Mountain Festival

The Tehachapi Mountain Festival has been providing quality family entertainment in the community of Tehachapi for 55 years. Cerro Coso’s Tehachapi campus was proud to be a part of the largest family event within the community. The festival included arts and crafts shows, food, live entertainment, carnival, mountain gallop 5k/10k, parade, car show, rodeo, VFW dinner and dance, pancake breakfast and so much more. An estimated 30,000+ attend the event every

year and the college was on hand to provide information and promote the value of a lifelong education and recognize Cerro Coso as a valuable educational option. DIRECTED. FOCUSED. CONNECTED. VALUED.

Paralegal Program Ranked 6th Finding the best paralegal school is vital for a prospective student’s academic success. To help students find the best program that will meet their needs, Accredited Schools Online (ASO), uses a proprietary blend of cost, quality, and student support services to determine overall rankings. ASO ranked Cerro Coso’s Paralegal Program 6th in the country. Their team of education experts are passionate about supporting prospective students by creating quality search tools, school rankings, in-depth guides, financial aid resources and expert advice. Since launching Community for Accredited Schools Online, they have helped countless students find the accredited program or school that meets their educational and career goals. For students aspiring to work as professional paralegals or legal assistances, Cerro Coso’s Paralegal Studies Certificate program prepares graduates for the workplace as well as for national examinations in the field. The focus is on investigation methodologies, data analysis, legal document preparation, and pretrial materials. DIRECTED. FOCUSED.

Staff member Kristie Nichols and East Kern Director Lisa Stephens staff the Cerro Coso booth at the Tehachapi Mountain Festival.