President's Message

(1) Blueprint for Success Implementation Will Launch in Winter

Foothill College is moving from planning to organizing and now action on The Blueprint for Success. Implementation is occurring on all four institutional goals and their related objectives. Since Board approval of the Blueprint on October 6, identified leads for each objective have begun to normalize project management practices, establish shared approaches to timelines and milestones, and coordinate with the Offices of Instruction, Student Services, Workforce, Institutional Research, and Administrative Services on how implementation activities will be communicated, tracked, and reported across the college.​

Each lead for each objective is now selecting activities, defining deliverables, choosing measures, and forming implementation teams that will align high-impact activities with the four Blueprint goals: liberating student success; transforming programs and partnerships; strengthening organizational effectiveness; and leading a transformative campus culture. This work positions the college to translate the five-year goals and objectives into concrete initiatives that will improve access and ease, retention, completion, and belonging for Foothill students and increase professional growth and satisfaction for employees.​

A Blueprint for Success Launch Celebration is planned for Wednesday, Jan. 28, during the college hour, to mark this next phase of Foothill 2030 implementation and to recognize the many colleagues contributing to this work. It will be an informational session in a party format! Additional details about the program, location, and ways to get involved coming soon.

(2) Gemini No-Cost Tools Will Launch in Winter

Foothill College is piloting the statewide California Community Colleges–Google AI partnership by rolling out access to Gemini, NotebookLM, and Google AI certificates beginning Winter quarter, after thorough deliberation in our governance bodies, including the Academic Senate, Classified Senate, ASFC, and Mission Informed Planning Council (MIPC).

As a recap, the California Community Colleges and Google agreement provides a closed language model, no-cost access to Gemini for Education, NotebookLM, and Google Career Certificates. The statewide partnership, in which FHDA is one of a handful of pilot colleges, is framed as both a workforce and teaching-and-learning strategy, aiming to equip millions of students and employees with AI literacy and job-aligned credentials.​

Foothill’s implementation provides appropriate privacy and FERPA protections and supports faculty, staff, and students in voluntary adoption. Governance discussions emphasize testing Gemini in teaching, learning, and services, establishing ethical and student-centered AI practices, and using Winter and Spring as initial implementations that center professional learning.​ If you have questions, they may be answered in this FAQ. We were asking for an expedited implementation, but ETS has hit a snag, and some network accounts must be redesigned. We are estimated to be six weeks away from launch.

(3) AI Fellows Will Launch in Winter

The AI Fellows Program will launch in Winter quarter as a cross-campus engine for ethical, innovative, and practical AI integration at Foothill.​

A diverse cohort of faculty, classified professionals, administrators, and students will come together as a single learning community. The mix of instructional, non-instructional, and at-large roles is designed to ensure that AI ideas are tested not just in classrooms, but across student services, operations, and student leadership spaces.​

Fellows will meet regularly to explore AI’s implications for teaching, learning, equity, privacy, data, and environmental impact, always grounded in Foothill’s mission and aligned with The Blueprint for Success. The two-quarter project is intentionally framed as an experimentation phase, where fellows help guide the pilot of Gemini, NotebookLM, and other tools, pressure-test other promising AI products, and surface real use cases and real concerns from across the college.​

Some fellows will join the districtwide AI Plan/Framework Taskforce, led by Marina Aminy, where drafting ethical principles, guidelines for responsible AI use, and equity safeguards that honor both adopters and those who choose not to use AI will be central deliverables.

By the end of Spring, the fellows program will have a stronger cohort of visible AI leaders, early demonstrations of Gemini-supported teaching and services, and a clearer roadmap for scaling this work in the next year and beyond. We are opening the aperture wide with a robust Fellows Program, believing that many perspectives will result in a solid set of recommendations from fellows on how and who should guide policy, use, and ethical AI innovation in the next academic year and beyond. I want to thank the many campus leaders who nurtured and gave shape to this idea, making it stronger. I am grateful to Vannesa Santillan-Nieto, Voltaire Villanueva, and Kayla Nguyen for leading the selection process in their respective constituency groups and to Zach Cembellin and Stacy Gleixner for doing the same for administrators and guiding the team moving forward.

(4) Workforce Pell Implementation Is Coming Soon

Workforce Pell is a new federal initiative expanding Pell Grant eligibility to short-term, high-value workforce programs, allowing more students—particularly working adults and underserved learners—to gain in-demand skills that lead directly to living-wage jobs. The program is expected to launch nationally beginning in July 2026, with full implementation phases continuing through 2027.

As part of the Chancellor’s Priorities, I will be leading the district’s implementation of Workforce Pell, ensuring it aligns with the Chancellor’s Priority of Equity by Design. My implementation goals include ensuring that by 2027, 30% of eligible Workforce Pell programs are offered in the required accelerated format (8–15 weeks).

You may be asking what programs are eligible for Workforce Pell? I join you in eagerly awaiting the answer. This week, a committee of stakeholders convening in Washington, D.C., is hammering out details for how the new short-term Workforce Pell Grant will operate. If an agreement is reached, the review and feedback process will continue. Ultimately, each state determines eligibility within the final guidelines of the regulation. Governor Newsom has directed the statewide Labor Board to lead the eligibility process. Foothill and De Anza should have several eligible programs, opening access for those constrained by both time and money.

(5) Dean of Office of Equity Transitions to New Role

Dr. Ajani M. Byrd, Dean of Equity, was approved by the Peralta Community College District Board of Trustees this week to serve as the Acting Vice President of Student Services at Berkeley City College, effective January 5, 2026.

We are thrilled for Ajani and fully support him in this important professional growth opportunity. He has taken a six-month leave of absence from Foothill to serve in this interim role, and we wish him great success as he continues his equity-minded leadership in a new context.​

During Ajani’s leave of absence, his responsibilities in the Office of Equity will be assumed by Dr. Laurie Scolari, Vice President of Student Services. By having a senior executive leader steward this portfolio, we are intentionally elevating equity as a cross-campus, transformational priority. This transition comes at a pivotal time: as we prepare to launch our new Blueprint for Success in January, we want to ensure that equity is truly centered in our strategy, structures, and daily practices.

We will share more updates as this work unfolds, but for now, please join me in:
– Congratulating Dr. Byrd on his acting Vice Presidency at Berkeley City College, and
– Thanking Dr. Scolari for stepping into this expanded leadership role to ensure continuity and momentum in our equity efforts.

Fall quarters move quickly. This one has been a doozy. I’m eager to join the festive season with my family and friends, enjoying rest and celebration in equal measure. I hope the same for you!

(1) A Message of Gratitude and Reflection

As we approach the holiday season, I want to extend my warmest wishes to each member of our campus community. The coming long weekend is a time for rest, renewal, and connection with family, friends, pets, and colleagues. These moments of replenishment are essential, not only for our personal well-being but also for the strength and resilience we bring to our work and our mission. I am deeply grateful for your heart-forward commitment to our students and to high-quality teaching and learning.

We will need the power of collective strength. We need the possibility that comes with hope. Last week, I attended the Community College League of California Conference, where I received important updates on the national state of higher education, as well as the state of California Community Colleges. While the latter provides good news, the former is fraught and chaotic. I want to share some of these developments with you, as recent headlines directly relate to our community and our work. And I would appreciate your help in reassuring students that recent headlines should not deter them from their continued studies.

(2) Trump Sues California for Providing In-State Tuition for Undocumented Students

You may have seen recent news about a federal lawsuit challenging California’s ability to provide free or reduced-cost tuition to DACA students. We want to reassure our community that this lawsuit does not change anything about current tuition, enrollment, or access to classes and services for our students.

California’s AB 540 policies remain fully in effect. California and three institutional segments named in the lawsuit are mounting an aggressive response. Lawsuits like this can take months or even years to resolve, and no court has issued any ruling that would alter existing financial aid, residency classifications, or tuition programs at California community colleges. Our college remains committed to providing an inclusive, supportive, and welcoming environment for all students—regardless of immigration status. We will continue to follow state law, uphold our mission of inclusivity, and offer guidance should any policy changes occur in the future. Students should continue with their studies and plans as usual.

A little more about the lawsuit . . .
Last Wednesday, the current administration filed a lawsuit against California, challenging the state’s policy of providing in-state tuition and financial aid to undocumented students. The administration argues that this practice unfairly disadvantages U.S. citizens and violates federal immigration laws, claiming it creates incentives for illegal immigration and discriminates against American families. This legal action follows similar moves in other states, most notably Texas and Minnesota.

In fact, according to Inside Higher Ed, “California marks the sixth state the federal government has sued over such policies, but unlike some of the others, California plans to fight back. The state is home to more than 102,000 undocumented students, who have been permitted to pay in-state tuition rates since 2001 if they met certain requirements.” California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian has reaffirmed our commitment to ensuring all students who qualify under state law have access to an affordable, high-quality education, and we will continue to comply with all federal and state requirements.

The details about the State of California’s legal challenge to the suit, which is likely to be a protracted effort, are under wraps. Still, Foothill–De Anza CCD will likely lend its voice and advocacy in any way feasible. We have done so in support of other states. For example, Chancellor Lambert, on behalf of the district, signed the Amicus Brief in support of the Texas Dream Act when Austin Community College filed in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals to support tuition equity for undocumented students.

Again, we are messaging students with our gratitude, love, and support. Let's all encourage our Dreamers to stay the course.

(3) Hollowing Out the Department of Education

The Executive Branch lacks the legal authority to dissolve the Department of Education (DOE), but it continues its effort to hollow out the agency. The DOE now has less than half its previous staff, and many regional Offices of Civil Rights have been closed. Key functions are being moved to other agencies. Most notably, the administration has transferred Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs to the Department of Labor.

Jon Fansmith from the American Council on Education (ACE) noted to Saturday’s crowd of trustees and CEOs that this transition “has not gone well,” citing administrative confusion, delays, and a lack of coordination between agencies. The move to the Treasury Department for federal financial aid administration has also been met with strong opposition from Treasury officials, who have expressed concerns about their ability to manage the complex infrastructure required for federal student aid. I’ll be following these developments and all the changes being negotiated through the reconciliation process for Pell grants.

(4) Targeted Funding Freezes and Cuts

As noted earlier, California is now in the administration’s sights, with funding freezes and investigations likely motivated by our Governor’s bold posture and the recent passage of Prop 50. But, as has been widely reported, the Trump administration is ending or redirecting funding across the board. Research institutions have seen their grants gutted, with over $700 million lost in National Science Foundation grants and $300 million lost in clinical trial research funds. Detrimental to community colleges, TRIO grants have been eliminated.

More frighteningly, there is a thin rationale to end grants based on language in the application. For example, SUNY Adirondack had its grant terminated because “they wanted to ensure the program (Upward Bound) included an equal number of male and female participants, in an effort to address declining male participation in the program.” According to an October article, “the grant termination letter—delivered mid-September, after the program’s annual Sept. 1 start date—[. . .] said that the line reflected the Biden administration’s priorities and conflicted with the interests of the current administration.” A naked admission that best practices are replaced with partisan politics.

Funds previously set aside for Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) have been redirected to tribal colleges and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). While supporting tribal colleges and HBCUs is laudable, leaders at these institutions have expressed concern about the funds coming at the expense of underrepresented groups, rather than expanding support for all. Foothill College submitted a Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (DHSI) grant that received a nearly perfect score on the rubric. Still, it was followed by news that DHSIs were the subject of a September 18, 2025, withdrawal and cancellation notice (90 FR 45026) in the Federal Register.

(5) International Student Enrollment

According to data released last week, international student attendance is down by 17% nationally. Our FHDA ISP Executive Director notes that, despite travel bans in countries like Myanmar and visa issues in India, our decrease is lower than the national average. We are still experiencing a decline; however, our overall enrollment remains higher than most of our competitors, and we continue to welcome students from around the world. Of course, we keep a sharp eye on these numbers, as our reputation as a study abroad destination accounts for 10% of our revenue each year.

At these pauses in our work, it is essential to gain fortitude from the powerful work happening here. What we can control is how we show up for our students and for one another. As we enter this season of gratitude, let’s celebrate the excellence happening all around us: every class taught with care, every student encouraged to persist or complete their transfer applications, every colleague supported in their purpose. Together, we continue to make Foothill a place of radical belonging and hope.

Dear Foothill Campus Community,

On October 10th, Foothill College journeyed to Oakland to play the Laney College Eagles. It was a night steeped in camaraderie. The President of Laney College is a close friend; our parallel paths as nationally traveling policy debaters, our mutual move to California, and a wide, intertwined circle of colleagues have reinforced our bond. The victor would be treated to a good meal, shared in good spirits. Arriving at the field house with Becky, we were welcomed by the legendary Athletic Director John Beam. Former athletes that would later that evening be inducted into Laney’s Wall of Fame were mingling. I cherished being present—an interloper enjoying John’s playful banter with his former players, enjoying Costco pizza and Halloween candy, and witnessing Chancellor Gilkerson’s stirring half time video tribute of Laney’s journey from “Last Chance U” to “First Choice, Best Chance U.” John Beam, larger than life in the Netflix series (and in person), shone at the center of it all. Foothill won, and I teased my hosts only lightly. 

It feels surreal that, 33 days later, that very field house—where I witnessed celebration—became the site of a tragedy that took John Beam’s life. As you may have heard, a gunman entered the fieldhouse, committed a targeted, horrific act, and fled. I’m grieving alongside my community college colleagues. The fragility of life is undeniable in moments like these, and I have found myself equally reflective and pragmatic—the proximity of these events supercharging my own questions about what we would do if faced with such a tragedy at Foothill.

I suspect you may be asking those questions too. Thankfully, we have a current Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) in place, and I want to share the comprehensive overhaul of these procedures currently in progress. Here is a high level summary of those efforts, being led by Campus Safety.

• We are undergoing a comprehensive review and update of current Emergency Operations Plans. The district is actively incorporating new preparedness protocols for all campuses and sites—including housing. The revised plan is scheduled for completion in February 2026, followed by annual updates.
• The Police Chief’s Advisory Committee meets monthly. In addition, EOC meetings keep team members informed and have been recently been working to refine responsibilities, ensuring that everyone knows their role within the updated EOC structure.
• All EOC personnel are completing required training.  Under California law, EOC staff are classified as Disaster Service Workers. Baseline and section-specific training must be completed by December 31st, with certificates submitted. 
• Facility-specific safety improvements are being iterated and codified.  Conducting site assessments and providing emergency supplies.
• Risk assessment and scenario planning is underway. Departments are developing risk assessments and participating in specialized tabletop exercises starting in early 2026. These plans address a wide range of emergency incidents—including public safety threats, natural disasters, hazardous materials, and health emergencies.
• Campus engagement continues. Community-wide drills will keep our response skills sharp and reinforce awareness campus-wide.
• Recovery and support coordination is being reviewed and improved. Post-incident recovery efforts collaboratively refined and managed to ensure swift restoration and ongoing support for all affected.

The safety and wellbeing of our campus is one I take seriously, and we all undertake together. I am grateful for Joy Garza and Chief Acosta for ensuring that we continually improve our protocols. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to making Foothill College a place where every member is assured, informed and safe.

(1) Celebrating Veteran’s Day, November 11th

It is both an honor and a responsibility to recognize the incredible contributions of our veteran students, faculty, and staff this coming Veterans Day. Our campus is committed to supporting the well-being of our veterans, including their mental health. I’m exceedingly grateful to the faculty and staff providing access to counseling and veteran benefit services, promoting peer support in our wonderful Veterans Resource Center, and fostering a stigma-free environment where all veterans can seek support without hesitation. The college also invests in community partnerships by connecting veterans and their families to specialized resources and support, empowering their success both inside and outside the classroom.

We are especially grateful to the Saga Foundation and the Los Altos Rotary. This coming Thursday, our Alumni Hall of Fame inductee Ricky Holder will be at the Los Altos Rotary, sharing how he moved through three governmental systems—foster care, the military, and then, triumphantly, into higher education here at Foothill (and beyond). Ricky is one of many textured stories I will hold to heart during this time of celebration and reflection.

As we celebrate our veterans at this week’s 5K Fun Run, I sincerely hope that the ongoing government shutdown and its disruption of vital veteran benefits will end soon, ensuring that those who served receive the support and respect they so deeply deserve.

(2) Native American Heritage Month

The month’s activities kicked off today with an opening ceremony. The next time you travel to the Campus Center, be sure to notice the new plaque on our Muwekma Ohlone flagpole outside the 1900 building. This plaque was crafted by student Lynn Porcedda and gifted to Chairwoman Nijmeh during our flag raising ceremony last December. The Chairwoman asked for it to complement the flagpole, and we are honored to have it installed.

(3) Mission Informed Planning Council

The next meeting of the Mission Informed Planning Council will take place this Friday, from 1–3 p.m. in Room 1901 and online. You may find the agenda here.

(4) Chancellor’s Priorities

At the November 3rd Board of Trustees’ Meeting, the five Strategic Priorities (Transformational Aims) were approved by the Board. I have linked them for your reference.

(5) Resource Allocation Model Somos Unos Taskforce

Membership to the Somos Uno Taskforce is being formed and the group will begin work, with Interest Based training this quarter. At the Budget Town Hall, the Resource Allocation Model Guiding Principles were first introduced. They were adopted by the Board this Monday.

1. Coordinated Support for Students Losing SNAP/CalFresh Benefits

A coordinated effort is underway across our district to ensure students affected by the loss of SNAP and CalFresh benefits receive immediate support. The Owl’s Nest is preparing to meet increased student demand and communication to students is happening on multiple levels.

Thanks to many generous donors, the district is mobilizing Hope Initiative funds, with dollars ready to deploy, and the Foothill-De Anza Foundation stands ready to activate additional resources as needed. Targeted outreach to impacted students will begin before the weekend to connect them with basic needs and community resources.

2. Foothill Bookstore Transitioning Online in Spring 2026

Beginning in Spring 2026, the Foothill Bookstore will move to a fully online model to improve affordability, access, and convenience for students. Over the next several months, the college will provide communication and support to ensure a smooth transition for both students and faculty. You may read about the process to make this decision, along with an FAQ, here. Still have unanswered questions? Contact Bret Watson and we will continue to grow our FAQ.

3. Invitation: Town Hall with Rep. Liccardo, October 30

Feeling like democracy is unrecognizable? It is a crucial time for engagement. Town Halls are interactive forums where citizens can ask questions, provide feedback, and help shape the legislative agenda. Even when discussions are lively, the direct connection strengthens democratic participation. Please join us tomorrow night, October 30th, for a special Town Hall with Rep. Sam Liccardo right here at Foothill College. The event will take place at 7:00 p.m. in the Smithwick Theater. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

4. Budget Town Halls Complete at Both Colleges

Thank you to all who viewed or participated in the recent Budget Town Halls at Foothill and De Anza. These discussions lengthened and strengthened the understanding of our fiscal picture. It is my hope that you gained an understanding of how our financial outlook, within the community-supported/basic aid funding model, holds promise; however, our basic aid status will be fragile for the next couple of years as we manage growth and carefully watch revenue sources such as nonresident tuition, especially from international students. If you missed the forum but would like to view the recording and materials, check them out here.

5. Upcoming Community and Athletic Events

The first couple weeks in November, I invite you to join me at several community events celebrating our campus and community spirit. Early this month, we’ll gather to cheer for our scholar-athletes at two tailgate celebrations, including the Men’s Soccer Tailgate Party. The game time is 3 p.m. on November 4th. We rally again around our Football Owls at the Sophomore Night Tailgate on November 8th. Meet the Football families, enjoy some snacks (including an ice cream truck!), as the Owls match up against San Jose City College. The game starts at 1 p.m.

Finally, the Veterans Resource Center 5K Run, Walk & Roll brings together students, veterans, faculty, staff, and families to support student veterans and the Veterans Resource Center. This energizing event will take place on November 9th. Details and registration may be found here.

(1) Government Shutdown Impacts Deepen in Education Sector

The federal government has now been in a partial shutdown for 15 days. All non-essential federal personnel have been furloughed. While federal student aid administration should continue as usual due to mandatory funding, institutional grant administration, technical assistance, and support functions are disrupted. On Friday, the White House began permanently terminating furloughed government workers, including more than 450 additional employees at the Department of Education. According to an American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) webinar this morning, the hardest-hit areas are the Office of Postsecondary Education, the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.

(2) Board Approves The Blueprint for Success

A major moment for our college—at the October 6th Board of Trustees meeting, Foothill’s Blueprint for Success was formally and unanimously approved by the Board of Trustees. The trustees praised the commitments to student equity, instructional innovation, and institutional stewardship over the next five years. Deep gratitude to everyone who contributed countless hours to create, review, and refine this visionary roadmap. You may review my presentation and my Leadership Report to the Board.

(3) Budget Town Hall October 16th at 1 PM

The Budget Town Hall, scheduled for tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. in Room 8338 and online, will offer an in-depth look at the district’s fiscal outlook for 2025–26. Key topics include our status as a basic aid (community-supported) district, updates on property tax revenues, enrollment trends—including continuing challenges with international student enrollment—and the structural and categorical budget details that shape our planning. Participants will also hear about anticipated impacts of state policy, next steps for the Resource Allocation Model, and recent trends in student Full-Time Equivalent (FTES) calculations and funding. The presentation will close with an update on employee and student housing initiatives. It’s a content-rich power hour!

(4) Mission Informed Planning Council – Friday, October 17 at 1 PM

The second meeting of the Mission Informed Planning Council (MIPC) will take place this Friday, October 17th, 2025, in Room 1901 or online. All are welcome! The agenda includes:

• President’s report on the Bookstore Task Force recommendations.
• Discussion on Building an AI Framework at the College, including a draft AI Fellows Program proposal.
• Review of the Google Gemini and Notebook LM implementation—Foothill is among the first five CCCs piloting this closed-data AI platform.
• Presentation of Opening Day/FLEX Day survey results.
• Standing reports from various committees.

(5) Empowering Students Through Access – Laptop Giveaway

Community connections matter! I’ll be attending the AT&T Learning Connect Laptop Distribution Event at the Sunken Gardens (California History Center) on Saturday, October 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. AT&T California President Susan Santana, Assemblymember Ahrens, and district leaders will participate. Together with community partners—Sunnyvale Community Services, Bill Wilson Center, De Anza APALI Program, and the Foothill-De Anza Foundation—250 laptops will be distributed to those in need. 100 of the laptops will be distributed to FHDA students that have been identified through our EOPS offices.

1. Impacts of Federal Government Shutdown

As the shutdown extends, we are carefully assessing what this means for our students and programs. Federal Financial Aid will continue—since they are funded through mandatory and carryover appropriations—but many of the staff who support those systems have been furloughed. This means deferred responses from Federal Student Aid offices and potential delays in related processes. We are monitoring these developments closely and will share updates as soon as we have them.

We recognize that some groups of students may feel these effects more directly than others. Our Veteran students and those served by the Disability Resource Center (DRC), who rely on timely federal communications or agency verifications, may face particular challenges during this period. We do have a small number of students that are certified but not receiving benefits. We are caring for these students by reaching out to our philanthropic partners and insulating them from being dropped. Foothill’s team is ready to assist anyone experiencing disruption or confusion; we are ready to make sure that no student is navigating this uncertainty alone.

2. Welcoming Dolores Huerta for Undocumented Student Success Week

We are honored to welcome one of the great civil rights leaders of our time, Dolores Huerta, to Foothill College on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. This very special program, held from 10 a.m. to noon in the Smithwick Theater, is by invitation only for our Foothill–De Anza district community and other invited guests. Attendance is RSVP only, so please reserve your spot early using the provided link below.

This keynote is part of Undocumented Student Success Week and Latiné Heritage Month and will be complemented by a variety of workshops and resources throughout the day. We encourage every member of our community to participate as together we create a just, safer, and more equitable campus experience for all. RSVP required.

3. Budget Town Hall–Come and Learn about Community Supporting Funding

On October 16, Foothill College will host an important Budget Town Hall that addresses our transition to a Basic Aid/Community Supported funded district. If the term “Basic Aid” is new to you, it occurs or kicks in when the local property tax revenue and student fees in a community college district exceeds the total funding that the state would have provided, as calculated by the state funding formula.

If joining us in person isn’t possible, a Zoom Webinar link has been provided to ensure everyone in our community can participate. This gathering is an opportunity to discuss our financial outlook under this revenue stream.

When: October 16, 2025, 1:00 p.m. Pacific
Where: Foothill College Room 8338 and online via Zoom
Zoom Webinar Link: Join the Budget Town Hall

4. Foothill College Named 2025 Pathway Champion

I am thrilled to announce that Foothill College has been recognized AGAIN as a Pathway Champion of Placement by the Campaign for College Opportunity. This honor acknowledges our outstanding leadership and expertise in providing equitable campuswide pathways for students in transfer-level math completion. The Pathway Champion Award celebrates our commitment to breaking down barriers and opening doors for all students—work that is foundational to our mission and our culture at Foothill.

The official recognition ceremony, featuring Deputy Chancellor Dr. Rowena Tomaneng, will be held virtually on October 23 from 10:00–11:30 a.m. as part of National Transfer Week. We invite everyone to join in this virtual celebration. Register for the event.

5. Thank You for a Spectacular Hall of Fame Event!

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and celebrated at our sold-out Alumni Hall of Fame event on October 4th! The evening, emceed by Dr. Laurie Scolari, was a tremendous success, honoring five extraordinary alumni and one remarkable community member.

The turnout, energy, and generosity reflect the spirit of Foothill College, where high impact learning and community support truly flourish together. The evening was unforgettable and could not have been possible without our community sponsors, the FHDA Foundation, Simon Pennington, Antoinette Chavez, Leigh Howell, Chris Custer, Beverly Bagalso, our wonderful ASFC students who staffed the dinner, and countless more people that stepped in and up.

If you would like to browse more pictures of the event--from the mural tour led by Jordan Fong and the reception held on the Smithwick courtyard, to the dinner and program held in a spectacularly transformed dining hall--please enjoy this photobook.

We are proud to announce that our fundraising goals far exceeded expectations; every dollar raised will go directly to fuel our signature experiential learning programs.

1. Deep Thanks for An Inspiring/Aspiring Start to Academic Year 2025–26

Having wrapped up Opening Day and FLEX Day and greeted new and returning students during Welcome Week, my appreciation for this college community only grows stronger. The energy, candor, and investment that each person brought to these events laid the foundation for a promising year. In The Blueprint for Success, four goals and objectives are framed by two ambitious and (wildly) important goals: our commitment to student retention is intentionally paired by a purposeful focus on making sure new ideas, systems, and tools also support and respect our employees. We know that achieving excellence for students requires creating conditions where our deeply valued employees can thrive. Thank you for leaning into this challenge with heart and expertise.

2. Latiné Heritage Month and the Call to Imagine

This year’s Latiné Heritage Month begins during a time of both celebration and challenge, as campuses nationwide confront the defunding and dismantling of Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designations and related minority-serving programs. While we do not have any federal HSI, MSI, or TRIO grants, these vital initiatives have effectively supported generations of learners and the institutional transformation that benefits all.

As a surefooted response to these challenges, the Heritage Month planners are offering a rich and celebratory opening: “Our opening ceremony will feature the thought-provoking outdoor poster installation ‘Imagine a Day Without Us: This is the world without Latino labor, love, and leadership,’ alongside displays highlighting Latiné history and contributions across generations. Experience how deeply Latiné communities shape our world through resilience, creativity, and care. Stay to enjoy delicious desserts from across Latin America as we gather in unity and celebration. Lunch provided.”

To give another dimension to the task of imagining “what a day without a Latino would look like,” consider the findings of the new Latino GDP report. The report highlights that the Latino GDP surpassed $4 trillion in 2023. U.S. Latino GDP growth outpaces both non-Latino and total U.S. GDP by wide margins, driven by exceptional gains in educational attainment, labor force participation, and real income. Despite facing adversity, including the health and economic challenges of the pandemic, Latinos led the nation’s economic recovery—offering lessons in hard work, family, self-sufficiency, and optimism.

3. SB 98: Immigration Enforcement Update

The Governor has signed SB 98, legislation that further formalizes how higher education institutions coordinate and respond to immigration enforcement on campus. At Foothill-De Anza, much of what the bill requires is already woven into our policy, procedures, and Board resolutions. SB 98 will require proactive, campus-wide notification whenever any immigration enforcement activity takes place at our locations. Our longstanding commitment to student safety and confidentiality remains unchanged: we act not just in mere compliance but in solidarity with our students, their families, and our employees.

4. Mission Informed Planning Council (MIPC) First Meeting

The Mission Informed Planning Council will meet for the first time this year on October 3, from 1–3 p.m. in room 1901 or online. The agenda will be available on the MIPC website. All are welcome to observe or participate.

5. Equity Professional Development: Ignite! Foothill Equity Program – Fall 2025

Kickoff: Friday, October 10, 10 a.m.–2:45 p.m. at Neutra House, Mountain View
Facilitator: Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

Foothill College's Office of Equity & Inclusion is launching Ignite!, an in-house equity training series designed to strengthen practice around diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

The program begins with an in-person retreat on October 10 where participants will explore Foothill’s equity-related terminology, role-play real scenarios, and engage with the Cycle of Socialization and Cycle of Liberation in higher education. Two follow-up Zoom sessions on November 7 and November 21 (11 a.m.–12 p.m.) will focus on case study discussions.

Who should join?
All Foothill employees interested in advancing equity and belonging. The program is designed for participants at any stage of their equity journey. Cohort size is limited to 14.

What you’ll gain:

• Tools for meaningful equity conversations.
• Practice applying equity terms with intention.
• Awareness of how families, communities, and institutions shape worldviews.

Note: Part-time faculty completing the series receive a stipend. Full-time employees will earn professional development points.

Commitment:
Participation in all three sessions is expected. Completion supports—but is not required for—Ignite! Part 2 in Winter 2026.

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