President's Office
January 15, 2025
(1) Support for Undocumented Students
We are days away from the inauguration of Donald Trump, whose campaign platform promised mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. On Monday, the Board of Trustees passed Resolution 2025-05 in Support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) as a public reaffirmation of support for undocumented students. The entire Executive Leadership Team is committed to ensuring that our students feel that FHDA colleges are a safe haven and reliable resource. Four weeks ago, the district allocated financial resources for direct student support at both colleges. The student services team began making plans to allocate those funds to support students financially through grants, scholarships, and living expense stipends as well as tuition assistance, healthcare support, internship or fellowships, all that to complement the on-going legal assistance that is being provided now. I want to thank all the staff and faculty, particularly Pauline Brown, Natalie Hansen, Hilda Fernandez and Martiza Sandoval, for their close, heart forward care of students and mixed-status families. I'm sure there are many, many others to acknowledge.
Moreover, I want to connect employees with some important information.
First, you may wonder what you should do if an ICE agent comes to your office or classroom.
We do not anticipate that colleges and universities will be sites of ICE activities
but we cannot completely rule it out. As such, a long established protocol should
be known. If an immigration officer seeks your consent to enter a classroom or office,
or requests information or documents from you about a student or employee, you have
no obligation to immediately comply and should refer the officer to the Office of
the President. This procedure is outlined in AP 3415, Immigration Enforcement Activities. Please review.
Second, training to support undocumented students and families is available. Please
share these opportunities. See the DREAMers and Undocually Website.
Third, I want to thank the colleagues from Foothill that submitted comments or attended
the January Board meeting to voice their solidarity and share their perspective on
where the district and college needs to shore up support. I also want to appreciate
that the good work provided by the BIPOC Center was recognized and valued.
(2) MIPC Meeting, January 17th, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM.
The first Mission Informed Planning Council meeting of the Winter Quarter is this week. Please see the MIPC website for posted agendas. Friday’s agenda will be posted today.
(3) Noncredit Summit, January 24th, 9:00 AM - Noon
Foothill College is proud to host its inaugural Noncredit Summit, becoming the first college to organize such an event outside statewide meetings. Building on insights from the Vision 2023: Noncredit Summit, which I and several other members of our Leadership Team attended in October, this event is specifically designed for CTE and ESL faculty and those working on CTE pathways but all are welcome to attend. It will explore what noncredit is, why it matters, and how to implement it effectively to enhance student success and equity. Key topics include:
- Legislation and policy insights.
- Strategies to create on-ramps for students and expand accessibility.
- The role of mirrored noncredit courses and CPL pathways.
Join us for inspiring student testimonials, actionable ideas, and resources to enhance your noncredit programs. Breakfast starts at 8:30 AM. Don’t miss this opportunity to lead in noncredit innovation! Please RSVP with this link.
(4) Welcome Omar Javier Torres
Dr. Torres and I had a wonderful working relationship on state-wide boards before I started at Foothill College. Now that Dr. Torres joins the district, I am confident that our easy rapport and previous experience working together on large initiatives will facilitate a new era of cooperation and collegiality between Foothill College and De Anza. Somos Uno!
(5) Equity in Mental Health, January 27th, 9:00 – 10:30 AM
I’m bumping this opportunity: Foothill-De Anza College has been invited to participate
in the Equity in Mental Health on Campus Initiative! This is a powerful opportunity
to further support the mental health and well-being of our students of color and continue
building a more inclusive campus community. As part of this initiative, we will be
hosting a dynamic workshop for employees focused on how to better support our students
of color in their mental health journeys.
The workshop will be held on Zoom, and we’d love to have you join us. For those who
prefer to gather in person, we’ll be hosting a viewing party at the BIPOC Center (room
2149) with breakfast provided. You’re welcome to attend in person or participate virtually
from your own space. Please share the attached flyer and information below with your
faculty and staff so we can reach as many members of our campus community as possible.
PGA/PD credit will be provided for participation!
Event Information:
Promoting the Mental Health of Students of Color: Considerations and Strategies for the Classroom and Beyond
Date: January 27th, 2025 – Time: 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Location In Person: The BIPOC Center (Campus Center, Lower Level, Room 2149) or Via Zoom
Register for PGA credit
Yours in service,
Kris
Dr. Kristina Whalen,
President