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Coastline In The News

2020

July

• 07/16/20 - National CyberWatch Center Announces Winners for 2020 Innovations in Cybersecurity Education Program
• 07/14/20 - Statement on the Reversal of Federal Guidance on International Students

June

• 06/30/20 - Crises Like The One We're In Make Clear That Community Colleges Are Essential
• 06/29/20 - Coastline College Leading the Way in Online Libraries and Higher Education Distance Learning
• 06/18/20 - Coastline College Now Open for Fall Registration
• 06/17/20 - CSUF’s OLLI Honors Woman for Lifelong Learning that Led to Advocating for Elderly
• 06/12/20 - Early College High grad Paola Mendoza started on pathway to college at 14

May

• 05/18/20 - Coast Colleges Plan To Teach Most Fall 2020 Classes Online
• 05/18/20 - Status Update: Orange County’s Jobless Can Apply For $800 From Workforce Program
• 05/15/20 - COVID-19 Likely To Keep Some Local College Classrooms Empty This Fall
• 05/15/20 - Support Coastline College Biotechnology Students Printing 3D Masks to Help Prevent COVID-19
• 05/14/20 - Cyber Hero Steve Linthicum Advances Community Colleges' Role in Cybersecurity Education
• 05/12/20 - Coast Colleges' Graduates to be Celebrated During Virtual Commencements
• 05/07/20 - Coastline College Vice President of Instruction is the Recipient of The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program

April

• 04/23/20 - Coastline College Ranks #4 Nationwide

July 16, 2020

National CyberWatch Center Announces Winners for 2020 Innovations in Cybersecurity Education Program

Largo, MD, (July 16, 2020) PRNEWSWIRE

Four winners and three Honorable Mentions across four categories: Evidence-based Strategies, Instruction, Practice, and Program Development, were chosen among the 40 creative ideas, curricula, and projects submitted for the fourth annual National CyberWatch Center's Innovations in Cybersecurity Education awards and recognition program.

The Innovations program was built on the premise that National CyberWatch members are some of the best information security educational innovators, and that through the Center, they can share their innovations, accelerate their adoption throughout the academic community, and receive proper recognition for their work.

"A Cybersecurity Strategy for At-Risk Youth" won in the Evidence-based Strategies category. This innovation, submitted by Ben Izadi, Cypress College, was designed to empower at-risk youth with cybersecurity education before entering college. From opportunities to develop employability skills to passing industry certification exams in one semester, this strategy showed how 25 students went from uncertain, skeptical, and dejected individuals to confident, optimistic, and cheerful ones.

The Instruction innovation winner, submitted by Karen Ribble from Augusta University, "Girl Scouts Learn What It Takes for an Incident Response Team," was a collaboration between Girl Scouts USA, the local Girl Scout Council of Augusta Georgia, Raytheon Technologies, and Augusta University. This event gave 125 Girl Scout Cadettes, seniors and ambassadors (6-12th graders) a glimpse of a "real-world" experience in a facility designed for teamwork. The Honorable Mention selection in this category, "STOQ-SRA: A Self-Learning Tool of Quantitative Security Risk Assessment," was submitted by Amos O. Olagunju & Hari G. Shrestha from St. Cloud State University.

Kean University's Stan Mierzwa's submission, "Situational & Cybersecurity Awareness for Public Health Researchers," won in the Practice category. He said, "The 'Center' is created under the direction of pursuing a collaborative methodology, emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach for students and staff in cybersecurity awareness and education." This toolbox helps global public health researchers implement technologies with greater cybersecurity knowledge. The Honorable Mention selection in this category, "Cybersecurity for All," was submitted by Eman El-Sheikh from the University of West Florida.

The Program Development winner, submitted by Cara Tang of Portland Community College, "ACM Cyber2yr2020 Curriculum Guidelines," is a set of guidelines that complies with government-sponsored frameworks for a broad variety of cybersecurity programs at the post-secondary level. Two-year institutions can benefit from program-specific criteria provided in this document. "This award validates the work of the ACM Committee for Computing Education in Community Colleges (CCECC) to produce practical, high-quality curriculum guidance for computing programs, which is now available at ccecc.acm.org," said Cara Tang, Task Group chair for the ACM Committee for Computing Education in Community Colleges (CCECC). The Honorable Mention selection in this category, "CyberTech Girls: Developing Interest in Cybersecurity Education and Career Pathways," was submitted by Tobi West from Coastline College.

These winners and honorable mention submissions will be recognized during the opening plenary at the 2020 Virtual Community College Cyber Summit on Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. ET. Register here: https://www.my3cs.org/3cs-virtual-summit

A reference document was created listing all the submissions, with a brief write up for each. For more information, visit https://www.nationalcyberwatch.org/resource/2020-innovations

About National CyberWatch Center

National CyberWatch Center is a National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education-funded cybersecurity consortium working to advance cybersecurity education and strengthen the national workforce. Since 2005, National CyberWatch has played a key role in developing, promoting and providing cybersecurity education solutions nationally. To learn more, visit http://www.nationalcyberwatch.org.

SOURCE National CyberWatch Center

July 14, 2020

Statement on the Reversal of Federal Guidance on International Students

Costa Mesa, CA, (July 14, 2020) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Coast Community College District is pleased that federal authorities have announced their intention to undo a policy change by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that would have required international students to attend in-person classes in order to remain in the country. The Coast District Board of Trustees had joined with colleges and universities across the country in an amicus brief supporting a lawsuit to block the in-person requirement.

The following statement is attributable to Coast District Chancellor John Weispfenning:

"With the rising number of infections in Orange County, it is readily apparent that the COVID-19 state of emergency continues. It is therefore appropriate that the federal government has decided not to move forward with a policy change that would have unnecessarily compelled in-person instruction to resume, regardless of public health and safety considerations.

"Students from outside of the U.S. epitomize a win-win. Our colleges provide an excellent education while international students help Orange County prosper by creating learning opportunities for local students, advancing the quiet diplomacy of education, and bringing new resources into our colleges and communities. International enrollment within the Coast District alone is calculated to contribute more than $64 million to the local economy.

"The Coast District is pleased that our international students will continue to live and learn in the U.S. as we all work with federal, state, and local partners to get the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic under control."

CONTACT: Erik Fallis

Director, Public Affairs and Marketing

(714) 438-4605 | efallis@cccd.edu

June 30, 2020

Crises Like The One We're In Make Clear That Community Colleges Are Essential

Orange County, CA, (June 30, 2020) LA TIMES / DAILY PILOT

Community colleges offer a proven, practical, time-tested solution in this time of crisis.

While public health measures can help keep us safe and coronavirus infection from spreading, community colleges ensure that our time is well-spent, and we are investing our efforts for our future.

For those who have not yet mastered the English language, many ESL courses are continuing so that students get that necessary, daily practice.

For those who have not completed high school, adult education programs teach the General Education Development (GED) test or other high school equivalency exams.

People in this socioeconomic group are often so concerned with day-to-day survival that they do not have time for education. However, now is the best time to start getting this basic education in functional English-language skills or a high school diploma, as there is not much to miss out on in the work world.

For those in high school, they can take advantage of Coastline Community College's well-established online learning program and get started, even today, on classes that are being taught in summer and fall.

Considering that many colleges, even Harvard, are resorting to online education for the foreseeable future, someone who gets community college for free or at a low cost has a comparable education with expensive, top-ranked schools.

For those in a four-year college, community college is an excellent resource to stay at home and be able to earn credits. Many people who are currently enrolled in Cal State and University of California schools can work with the counselors of both their universities and community colleges to make sure they can take courses that will transfer.

With unemployment and under-employment at record numbers, community college offers career and technical education that is especially relevant. Even before this coronavirus pandemic, personal care workers and home health aides were the highest growing job field in Orange country for the last several years and the foreseeable decade.

To lead by example, I have been teaching a home health aide preparation course for Chinese students who wish to immigrate to Western countries and work as nurse assistants, with a particular emphasis on infection prevention. Many people who are already skilled at a profession in China are working hard to learn English, get necessary certification and eventually use their skills to immigrate to new countries.

This coronavirus has devastated our world economy, and many countries are borrowing money to feed cash into citizens' pockets for ready spending to boost the economy. Let us make the best of this situation and put money and effort into our local education and services they are providing, such as food banks and their health clinics. Not only does this make sense idealistically but also practically.

Should Orange County wish to remain the best area in the world to live in, we can support our local community colleges for the immediate relief and longer-term skills building and socialization they provide to make informed, capable and productive citizens.

June 29, 2020

Coastline College Leading the Way in Online Libraries and Higher Education Distance Learning

Orange County, CA, (June 29, 2020) GLOBE NEWSWIRE

Due to the continued threat of COVID-19, colleges and universities still face unprecedented changes in methods of instruction for the upcoming Fall 2020 academic year. In the past few months, many educational institutions have transitioned most of their courses online and are continuing this new path forward by employing a more comprehensive digital learning environment.

Coastline College has been a leader in online education and distance learning and has been for over 40 years, through innovation and technology where 80% of the college's classes are online. Coastline College has always tried to meet students where they are and not let a physical location be a barrier. The Coastline Library is the same way. It is the online California Community College Library that is 100% online and always available 24/7, an open and amazing resource, accessible to all students.

Elizabeth Horan, the Library Director of Comprehensive Library Services at a Distance at Coastline College, has helped develop Coastline's 100% online library, and she runs the Online Library (the only library at Coastline) which offers library services to all students. She is a brilliant forward-thinking librarian who was recently honored with an "Innovation of the Year Award" by The League for Innovation.

"With COVID-19, I became an expert in online library services and was asked by librarians around the state for direction on how to run an online Library. I created a YouTube Playlist - How to run an online library and presented to the Council of Chief Librarians on 'Engaging students in an online library'"  - Elizabeth Horan, Library Director, Coastline College.

Ms. Horan has developed and created engaging educational YouTube tutorials for students to learn how to use the online library including, how an online library works and is run, how to log into Canvas, Coastline's online (LMS) learning method software, the industry-leading platform, how to order a textbook, among many other helpful videos.

June 18, 2020

Coastline College Now Open for Fall Registration

Orange County, CA, June 18, 2020 - Coastline College announces that most of its classes will remain online for the fall 2020 semester, due to the continued threat of COVID-19. Colleges and universities still face unprecedented changes in methods of instruction as institutions of higher learning develop a new path forward in education. Coastline College however, for over 40 years, has provided high quality educational opportunities where its students live and work while providing outstanding support for those students at a distance - 80% of which are online. Coastline College has long been recognized to effectively deliver innovative hybrid and online instruction while employing a digital learning environment. This fall Coastline is taking that innovation a step further:

Coastline ONLINE – Students have the flexibility of working on their coursework on days and times which are convenient for them and are not required to be online or at any location at a specific time or date.

Coastline LIVEONLINE – Students are required to attend class sessions online on the days and times listed in the schedule of classes.

Face-to-Face – The College only has a few classes which will meet on campus (mostly science labs).

"Coastline College has decided to continue to offer the substantial majority of our credit courses online for the Fall 2020 semester," states Vince Rodriguez, Vice President of Instruction.

Services offered by the Online Library and Student Services Center will continue to take place online, and the classes being offered face-to-face or through a combination of in-person and online could transition exclusively online if public health restrictions are re-imposed in the event of a resurgence of COVID-19.

The schedule of classes can be found at coastline.edu. Coastline’s fall semester begins on August 25. Current Coastline students can register electronically via www.coastline.edu/apply. For more information on the courses available, fees, and registration, contact the Coastline Admissions Office.

June 17, 2020

CSUF’s OLLI Honors Woman for Lifelong Learning that Led to Advocating for Elderly

Orange County, CA, (June 17, 2020) ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Hints of Patricia McKeon’s interest in helping others were evident during her 15-year stint as a house cleaner. As she moved through the houses, dusting and mopping, she listened to a variety of radio psychologists on her headset.

At 50, she decided it was time for a career change. After watching as her parents and the people in the houses she cleaned got older and increasingly dealt with health and family issues, McKeon realized she wanted to become a caregiver and started an educational journey to a gerontology master’s program at Cal State Fullerton that lasted another 15 years.

She took classes at Saddleback and Coastline community colleges in human behavior and gerontology, got a gerontology certificate of achievement and a bachelor’s in human services with a minor in mental health at Cal State Fullerton in 2011. She has worked for the past 10 years as a long-term care ombudsman for the Council on Aging of Southern California.

"People don’t understand the needs of the elderly," said McKeon, 65, who lives in Laguna Beach. "They don’t want to see mom and dad as being needy. They start viewing their parents as children, which is wrong. Adult children and older parents have to develop some sort of adult-to-adult relationships."

McKeon’s accomplishments haven’t gone unnoticed. She recently was awarded the 2020 Betty Robertson Award, which is named for one of the founders of CSUF’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. The award recognizes an older degree candidate who values and represents lifelong learning, said John Blaydes, head of the committee that selects the honoree.

"The reason Patricia was selected is because she has had a variety of life experiences in a whole variety of fields, so we thought she might be a perfect choice for us," Blaydes said. "She is a lifelong learner, and that is what OLLI is all about."

McKeon has also overcome some challenges in life, he said.

Growing up in Laguna Beach, McKeon said she graduated from high school focused more on partying than college. She had jobs at a hotel and a hamburger stand, but eventually decided she wanted to work with children.

She started classes in childhood education and worked in child care and as a teacher’s aide. She got an associates degree in childhood studies, but realized it wasn’t the path she wanted to take.

McKeon was also battling some demons — her drinking continued and she started abusing drugs, she said. She wound up as one of the first clients of Human Options, a women’s shelter, after a relationship turned abusive.

"My relationship at the time, with the drinking and the drugs, became violent, which is completely out of my sphere," McKeon said. "I was not raised in that type of environment."

In the early 1980s she took classes on alcohol and drug abuse and worked on getting sober.

McKeon said she started doing house cleaning because she liked the work and the independence of setting her own schedule.

"I thought, what’s wrong with me, I really like cleaning," she said with a laugh.

When she was 55, right after her father died, she started work on her bachelor’s at CSUF.

It was during an internship with the Council on Aging of Southern California that McKeon found her place — a little later than most, she acknowledged.

She’s an ombudsman, serving as an advocate for seniors in long-term care or assisted living facilities.

"Many of them don’t have families, we are there to be a confidante," she said. "We are not mandated reporters although if we feel a problem is bad enough there are channels we can report to and make sure the issues are addressed. We have to follow the residents' right to self determination. What others may view as not a good decision, it’s their right to make the decision for themselves."

She said the work, which became full-time two years ago, has opened doors for her about cutting-edge programs other agencies are doing.

With the master’s program in gerontology, McKeon hopes to continue her journey.

"It’s for credibility, definitely," she said about being part of the program. "And it’s a small field. There aren’t that many professional gerontologists out there. I’ve had professors say, ‘Gee, what’s gerontology?’ People ask me all the time. It’s kind of frightening considering where we’re headed with the demographics."

McKeon said she can see herself developing a business doing consulting in the field.

"I don’t want to do management. I like direct care work," she said. "What I love about being an ombudsman is advocating for that older person. Being the voice for them within their own family, even, and showing them what options they have for living out the rest of their life."

June 12, 2020

Early College High grad Paola Mendoza started on pathway to college at 14

Coast Mesa, CA, (June 12, 2020) LA TIMES / DAILY PILOT

For Early College High School graduate Paola Mendoza, college couldn’t have come any earlier — the Costa Mesa teen recalls taking her first course, public speaking, at Coastline Community College at the ripe old age of 14.

"It was very interesting," the teen recalled. "They probably thought I was somebody’s kid or something."

Whatever momentary awkwardness Paola may have felt soon faded as she became acclimated to Early College’s dual enrollment program and began to excel, sometimes earning top scores in classes where her peers were much older.

By the time she was a junior, she was balancing courses at Early College and Coastline while working a part-time job. She enrolled in summer classes that would take care of her general education credit requirements after high school, when she’d be attending college as an actual college student.

"There were a lot of times I’d question what I was doing," Paola, now 17, admitted. "It was very stressful, but I learned a lot."

Her diligence paid off. School officials estimate Paola has earned 322.5 credits, far beyond the 220 credits required to graduate from high school.

In fact, by the time she graduates with Early College’s class of 2020, she will have earned enough credits to start UC San Diego in the fall as a late-quarter sophomore.

Early College Principal Dave Martinez said he’s seen Paola ascend from shy freshman to an ambitious senior who sees something she wants and goes after it with aplomb.

"She’s really just a grinder," he said. "If there’s an opportunity, whether it’s community service or volunteering, she’s going to put her name in the hat — give me 50 Paolas and my job’s easy."

Paola was active in many Early College clubs, including the Save Our Youth (SOY) Center, Girls, Inc., a nonprofit that focuses on empowering young women and girls, and the college readiness program Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID).

Although Paola’s accomplishments are impressive, impressing others is not what has inspired her stellar academic transcript. Her accomplishments, she says, are for her parents — Claver and Cesar Mendoza — who moved to the U.S. from Mexico 20 years ago and worked for their three daughters to have better opportunities in life.

That’s why Paola’s parents were especially pleased when they learned their daughter had not only earned a full, four-year scholarship through the Angels Scholars program, but also additional scholarships provided by Girls, Inc., the National Charity League’s Newport Chapter and the Draper Family Foundation Fund.

"My dad literally carried me, and my mom was half crying, half laughing," she recalled of their learning of her awards. "It was a great moment."

Starting college in the fall as a sophomore will give Paola time to concentrate on her goal of preparing for medical school with a double major in sociology and likely biology. She wants to learn more about social inequity as it relates to health and wellness.

To incoming freshmen, who have yet to step on their first college campus, she has this advice:

"Please be involved in your community," she said. "You get to meet other people who may have something to teach you—try to learn from them. And never lose your motivation."

May 18, 2020

Coast Colleges Plan To Teach Most Fall 2020 Classes Online

Costa Mesa, CA, (May 18, 2020) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Coast Community College District has announced that its three colleges—Coastline, Golden West, and Orange Coast—will plan to conduct the fall 2020 semester online. In addition, student support services will be provided online.

While some essential workers are on-site, the district office and the college campuses remain closed to the public at this time. As public health guidance allows, some courses that cannot be taught online or remotely may be offered on campus and some offices may reopen— following social distancing and other safety and wellness protocols.

“While we would prefer to welcome all students back to our classrooms, we also recognize the need for planning and predictability,” said District Chancellor John Weispfenning. “No matter what restrictions may or may not be in place during the fall, we know that the majority of our classes can be taught online.”

To protect students, faculty, staff, and community members from COVID-19 spread, the Coast Colleges moved thousands of classes online and resumed spring semester in alternative formats beginning March 30, 2020. The current spring semester ends Saturday, May 23, 2020. The District previously announced that summer would continue at a distance. Student enrollment and registration is ongoing for the summer term that begins June 8, 2020.

The Coast Colleges, with one in five students attending fully online even before the pandemic, was well positioned to make the transition to remote education while maintaining academic standards and quality. Those interested in enrolling for the summer or fall can check out the We’re Back... Online resource page that connects to applicant resources for Coastline College, Golden West College, and Orange Coast College.

May 18, 2020

Status Update: Orange County’s Jobless Can Apply For $800 From Workforce Program

Orange County, CA, (May 18, 2020) ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Orange County residents who lost jobs because of the pandemic can apply for help and $800 as part of a workforce program funded with a state grant.

The Orange County Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act program is designed to help job seekers upgrade skills, obtain employment, improve job retention and increase earnings.

The county is using a $900,000 grant from the California Employment Development Department to support roughly 1,500 Orange County residents who have been financially impacted by COVID-19.

Participants can apply for the $800 reimbursement for essential items such as housing, utilities, childcare and transportation costs.

Those affected can apply using the OC One-Stop Centers in Irvine and Garden Grove. For more information, go to oconestop.com or call the Economic and Business Recovery Call Center at 714-480-6500.

Funds for students

The Coastline College Foundation has established the Student Emergency Relief Fund to help its students.

The Coastline Foundation Student Government released $20,000 to start the campaign and is matching support dollar-for-dollar for up to $100,000.

Students typically need financial help to help pay rent, utilities, medical expenses and buy food for their families.

Contributions are being accepted for the emergency fund at coastline.edu/foundation. For more information, call 714-241-6154.

OCC grant

Orange Coast College has received $9.2 million in emergency funding from the Cares Act passed by Congress in March. Some $4.5 million is going directly to helping students affected by the pandemic.

The college in a statement said it plans on distributing the money to students in the coming days, and amounts will be determined based on financial aid status and the number of units in which a student is enrolled.

Students who are enrolled in 12 or more units, and who have the highest financial need will receive $1,000 via direct deposit through the college’s digital banking service, Bank Mobile. Students enrolled in six to 12 units, with the highest financial need, will receive $750, also via Bank Mobile.

Other full-time students whose financial circumstances have changed due to the pandemic, will receive $500 either through Bank Mobile or via check, and those who have not already filled out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application will be provided with an opportunity to complete the application.

Students will be asked to complete a form explaining how COVID-19 has affected their financial or personal situation. Funding through the College’s Student Equity program is available to help students who do not qualify for aid under the Cares Act, including undocumented students attending OCC through the California Dream Act.

The remaining half of the money received by OCC will be used to help offset costs incurred due to the pandemic. OCC’s physical campus closed on March 16 but remains open to the public virtually.

PPE help

Mitsubishi Electric has made an international commitment of $2.24 million in COVID-19 relief to provide medical masks and other protective equipment to medical professionals.

The company’s U.S. headquarters in Cypress and the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation have earmarked $1.3 million to fund organizations that will create greater online learning programs and delivery methods specifically geared toward young people with disabilities. They include:

• Bridges from School to Work: Develop online career counseling programs for special-ed youth entering the workforce.
• Dreams for Schools: Develop an online coding curriculum for teachers and their students.
• Gigi’s Playhouse: Help provide technological support for 30,000 families with Down syndrome loved ones.

Nonprofit grants

Bank of America has directed more than $1 million in grants to 28 Orange County nonprofits primarily focused on hunger and homeless-related demands, in addition to family support services and job assistance, during the pandemic crisis.

The nonprofits include Second Harvest Food Bank; Community Action Partnership of Orange County/OC Food Bank; and homeless service providers United Way of Orange County; Mercy House, Friendship Shelter; OC Rescue Mission; and Families Forward.

Coming up

The Orange County Community Foundation will host the third annual Stand and Salute on May 20. The Giving Day honors local veterans and military families. The 24-hour online fundraiser wants to raise $90,000 in critical funds for seven local organizations. The seven nonprofits participating in the 2020 campaign include 211 Orange County; Bob Hope USO; Goodwill of Orange County; Strength in Support; Strong Families Strong Children; Support the Enlisted Project (STEP) and Working Wardrobes. To give online during the Stand and Salute Giving Day, go to stand-and-salute-giving-day.ocnonprofitcentral.org/.

Orange County United Way will host its annual Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast virtually from 9- 9:45 a.m. on May 20 with a live Q&A with NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He currently serves as the chairman of his Skyhook Foundation and brings educational STEM opportunities to underserved communities. Registrants for the event can submit questions to Abdul-Jabbar in advance at UnitedWayOC.org. The virtual breakfast is free to attend.

On the move

Glenn Roquemore has been appointed university president at California Southern University. The 28-year veteran of higher education and Irvine resident served as president of Irvine Valley College from 2002 to 2019 and will now lead CalSouthern’s day-to-day operations.

David Lugo has been appointed CEO of MOMS Orange County. Lugo had been serving as the organization’s interim CEO since Pamela Pimentel retired in February. He joined MOMS Orange County in 2017 as chief operations officer. MOMS Orange County is dedicated solely to newborn and pregnancy health.

Taylor Arnett has been promoted to first vice president of acquisitions at CapRock Partners in Newport Beach. Arnett, who joined the firm in 2014, supervises CapRock’s acquisition efforts in Southern California and Southern Nevada. Arnett also sits on the corporate board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County & Inland Empire.

Dennis Phan has been promoted to controller in Ware Malcomb’s Irvine headquarters. He’ll manage the financial operations of the firm under the direction of CFO and Executive Vice President Tobin Sloane. Phan joined Ware Malcomb in 2015 as a senior staff accountant and was promoted to assistant controller in 2018.

BNBuilders in Newport Beach has hired Jeremy Moore as project executive, Jeremy Turner as senior project manager, and Paul Cohoat as its preconstruction manager. BNBuilders serves higher education, healthcare, tech, life science, and municipal clients throughout the region.

Michael DiPrima has joined CBRE Hotels in Newport Beach as executive vice president with a focus on investment sales in the Western U.S. as well as sourcing debt and equity placements.

New ventures

John Wayne Cancer Foundation, a nonprofit committed to fighting cancer, will partner with TropicSport, a reef-friendly sunscreen and skincare line, to provide co-branded mineral facesticks to youth across the U.S. through its skin cancer education program, Block the Blaze. Block the Blaze is the official partner of the California Surf Lifesaving Association to provide skin cancer education to CA junior lifeguards.

SOURCE: The Orange County Register

May 15, 2020

COVID-19 Likely to Keep Some Local College Classrooms Empty This Fall

Orange County, CA, (May 15, 2020) LA TIMES - DAILY PILOT

Though Gov. Gavin Newsom said public schools might be able to open as early as late July or August after having closed in March in response to the coronavirus, local colleges and universities remain uncertain — with at least one area district opting to keep its classes online, at least for the fall.

The Coast Community College District, which oversees Orange Coast, Coastline and Golden West colleges, announced Friday it would have all its classes for the fall semester online. All campuses will remain closed to members of the public with the exception of essential workers needed on-site.

"As of now, restrictions remain in place limiting travel and gatherings. While we don’t know what the situation will be at the start of the fall semester, we do need to finalize our planning," Coast Community College District Chancellor John Weispfenning said in a video statement to community members.

"No matter what restrictions may or may not be in place in August, we do know we can hold the majority of our classes online," Weispfenning said.

Weispfenning said student support services will be provided online but said as public health guidance changes, some courses that cannot be taught remotely may become available on campus and offices may begin to open.

Plans at UC Irvine remain uncertain, though a statement from UCI Chancellor Howard Gillman to students said the university’s goal is to “have as many students back to the campus as possible, and as many in-person activities restarted, consistent with prevailing public health guidance.”

Gillman said he does not believe students and faculty will be able to return to the “old normal” by the time the fall quarter starts, but the university is doing all it can to transition back from distance learning.

He said no final decisions have been made on how classes will be held, and more information may be available in May.

"I understand the desire to look ahead, and I know that other campuses have been making some announcements — although if you look carefully, none of these announcements are definitive," Gillman said. "There is still a lot we do not know, and it is too soon for any of us to know with certainty what the fall will be like."

Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, however, said that it plans on reopening for the fall semester and that the university has established several working groups to plan for in-person classes, reopening of student housing and providing student life and athletic activities while observing current public health guidance.

"We remain hopeful that our small class sizes and innovative spirit will support the path forward as we reopen our campus in the fall," said Michael Beals, Vanguard University president.

Beals said class sizes at the university are about 24 students and the university is working to determine how to provide in-person lessons with appropriate social distancing and health precautions throughout campus.

"While some things may look different, we remain more committed than ever to supporting our students’ academic, spiritual and career success," Beals said.

SOURCE: LA Times

May 15, 2020

Support Coastline College Biotechnology Students Printing 3D Masks to Help Prevent COVID-19

Orange County, CA, (May 15, 2020) GLOBE NEWSWIRE

The increased demand for PPE - personal protective equipment has put thousands of requests on backorder. In an effort to help protect medical professionals and our loved ones from COVID-19, Coastline College Biotechnology students Gienel Rayos and Omar Medani, alongside the supervision of Professor Dr. Tanya Hoerer, have made it their goal to create protective masks by using Coastline College's 3D printers to make face shields for local clinics, first responders and hospitals.

These students along with Professor Hoerer hope to generate a sizable supply of protective gear to donate and make an immediate impact while resources are being replenished. Currently, the program has three printers in operation but are looking to expand to at-home efforts, due to campus closures from Governor Newsom's executive order. Coastline students are applying the skills they learned in 3D printing to make personal protective equipment using designs approved and tested by NIH (National Institute of Health).

The science faculty at Coastline are eager to help our local and national medical and first responder communities. We are proud to support these students as they apply the knowledge they gained in our 3D printing program to make a real impact with their skills. Dr. Tanya Hoerer, Professor, Biological Science and Allied Health, Coastline College.

They have launched a campaign through the Coastline Foundation to support the building materials, machinery, packaging, and printing. The funds will support the building materials, machinery, packaging and printing. Support Coastline College students who are making an impact on the treatment of COVID-19 and help local first responders on their fight for our communities.

Please click on this link to generously donate to this campaign.

You can watch our 3D printers in action.

May 14, 2020

Cyber Hero Steve Linthicum Advances Community Colleges' Role in Cybersecurity Education

- SynEd's series highlighting cyber heroes who quietly go above and beyond in helping to secure our nation and communities.

Santa Ana, CA (May 13, 2020) A PR NEWS WIRE RELEASE

Community colleges play a unique role in filling the thousands of open cybersecurity positions across California, and Steve Linthicum is at the forefront of helping students create the pathways that will lead to stable, well-paying jobs.

Linthicum is the Regional Director for Industry Engagement in Orange County for the Information Communications Technologies/Digital Media (ICT-DM) sector of California Community Colleges. In that role, he brings partners from education and industry together to meet critical workforce needs, like the one that exists in cybersecurity.

Before his current role, Linthicum spent nearly 20 years as an instructor at Sierra College in Rocklin, where he saw firsthand the valuable role that community colleges play in meeting ever-changing workforce demand.

"Because we have the ability to modify our courses quickly, not being constricted by the curriculum modification process 4-year colleges and universities face, we can teach what we need to be teaching in this rapid evolution of technologies," Linthicum said.

Linthicum began incorporating cybersecurity into his courses in the late 1990s, with a focus on Microsoft Windows and Novell Netware security. Back then, he says, privacy and security were largely ignored because computers were not networked.

The addition of virtual machines in the years since has made teaching complex networking and other activities much easier.

"Teaching hands-on labs required the use of physical equipment rather than virtual machines, making it difficult to experience complex networking scenarios," Linthicum said. "With virtualization, all we are limited to is our imagination when creating labs."

Linthicum helped launch the IT Fundamentals Voucher Program, one of the resources offered by the Cyber-Guild in partnership with CompTIA, Practice Labs and ITProTV. The program provides high school and community college students with the opportunity to earn professional IT certifications while they are still in school.

"We have introduced students to industry-recognized certifications, and most of them now have their first certification, a recognized key to success for IT/cybersecurity careers," Linthicum said. "Entry-level positions do not require an associate or bachelor's degree. Students entering this career path can obtain additional higher-level certifications through courses offered by California's community colleges."

Linthicum is also a leader in Coastline College's Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program, which began in 2017 as a way to bridge the gap between education and the workforce and help meet employer demand for entry-level positions. Students in the program receive on-the-job training as well as online instruction in networking or cybersecurity.

Tommy Hiers was one of the students in the apprenticeship program and recently accepted a position as a systems administrator at Space and Naval Information Warfare Systems Command, a U.S. Navy research lab in San Diego. He also works part-time as an instructor for Abled Disabled Advocacy teaching students what they need to know to pass the CompTIA Network+ and Security+ exams.

Hiers spent the majority of his career as a nurse and credited Linthicum as one of the people who helped give him the confidence he needed to make the transition to cybersecurity.

"I often wondered if I could successfully do anything else because I had been a nurse for so long," Hiers said. "I am in my 40s and changing careers is no small feat. I would not have been able to do this without the guidance that Steve and Tobi West have provided. I now use many of the things that Steve taught me to teach my students."

Outside of his teaching work, Linthicum is a volunteer with the Information Technology Disaster Recovery Center, a non-profit that deploys volunteer tech teams to areas impacted by natural disasters or other catastrophic events. He traveled to the Bahamas last fall to help bring the region's technology infrastructure back online following Hurricane Dorian.

About SynED

SynED is a non-profit organization that acts as a catalyst to help colleges and other higher education partners equip students with the skills they need to enrich their lives through education and knowledge and skill acquisition, giving them rich career opportunities.

About the ICT-DM Sector

The ICT-Digital Media Sector team focuses on relevant and effective skills training in the ICT sector. Working with employers, recruiters and colleges, our statewide team of 12 ICT  Regional Directors of Employer Engagement identify and advance successful and trusted educational strategies, or pathways, for all students – entry, advanced, and incumbent.

Contact: 866-420-4573 x801
Liz Fraumann
239769@email4pr.com

SOURCE SynED

May 12, 2020

Coast Colleges' Graduates to be Celebrated During Virtual Commencements

Costa Mesa, CA (May 12, 2020) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Coast Community College District is announcing that its three Colleges - Coastline, Golden West, and Orange Coast - will recognize the achievements of the resilient Class of 2020 through three virtual commencements. This is a first for the Coast Colleges, made necessary by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Even at a distance, each College has found a way to honor our graduates and all those who support them," said District Chancellor John Weispfenning. "We are celebrating our newest alumni as they prepare to build the future of Orange County and beyond."

Commencements are often the largest event of an academic year. It is an experience shared with friends, mentors, and loved ones. The virtual commencements will seek to preserve as much of that spirit as possible.

The Coastline College 2020 Virtual Commencement Ceremony will be Friday, May 29. Graduates will have the opportunity to submit a photo or video and quote to be shown when their name is read. Graduates, friends, and family will also have the opportunity to participate interactively via social media. Commencement participants will receive a care package complete with a commemorative tassel and stole. All 2020 graduates will have the opportunity to participate in next year's in-person commencement celebration.

Orange Coast College is holding its Virtual Commencement 2020 on Saturday, June 6. Orange Coast students will also be able to contribute to a commencement video that will premiere with a shared watch party and the opportunity to connect through social media. The College is also sending graduates care packages complete with graduation tassel, commencement program, and other goodies.

Golden West College will follow a similar format to include their graduates in a Virtual Commencement Celebration premiering on Friday, June 12. Graduates will have the opportunity to don a virtual cap and gown through a free SnapChat filter. Golden West is also giving all 2020 graduates the opportunity to join with the Class of 2021 in next year's in-person celebration.

"You will face many choices in the days ahead. Plans made months ago may not be your best option in this new world of ours," recorded Chancellor Weispfenning in a video message to the graduates. "Know, without doubt, that your College and the Coast District are there, mentoring as needed, continuing your education as needed, and always cheering you on."

May 7, 2020

Coastline College Vice President of Instruction is the Recipient of The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program

Fountain Valley, CA (May 7, 2020) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program announced this week that Dr. Vincent Rodriguez, Vice President of Instruction at Coastline College, is one of 40 leaders selected for the 2020-21 class of the Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship, a highly selected leadership program preparing the next generation of community college presidents to transform institutions to achieve higher and more equitable levels of student success. The Rising Presidents Fellows will embark on a 10-month fellowship beginning in July 2020.

Delivered in collaboration with the Stanford University Educational Leadership Initiative, the fellows will be mentored by esteemed current and former community college presidents who have achieved exceptional outcomes for students throughout their careers and will learn strategies to improve student outcomes in and after college, lead internal change, and create strong external partnerships with K-12 schools, four-year colleges, employers, and other partners.

Dr. Vince Rodriguez grew up in Orange, California. He graduated from Orange Coast College with an associate’s degree and went on to earn a bachelor of science degree in information technology and a master of arts in education with an emphasis in distance learning and adult education. In 2011 he completed his study related to retention of online students while earning his doctorate in educational leadership from California State University, Long Beach.

Dr. Rodriguez has been a member of the Coast Community College District in California since 1998 and has worked as a classified employee, instructor, and administrator. Over his 20-plus years at Coastline, he provided leadership at each of Coastline’s learning centers and spent many years overseeing a distance learning program that accounts for nearly 75 percent of the enrollments at the college. Dr. Rodriguez has served in the role as vice president of instruction at Coastline since 2012.

He is a resident of Huntington Beach and, in his free time, volunteers as a coach and referee for the Costa Mesa region of the American Youth Soccer Organization.

April 23, 2020

Coastline College Ranks #4 Nationwide

Chapel Hill, NC (April 23, 2020) PRNewswire

College Consensus, a unique college ratings website that aggregates publisher rankings and student reviews, has published their ranking of the Best Online Community Colleges 2020.

To identify the Best Online Community Colleges 2020, College Consensus focused exclusively on regionally accredited, reputable institutions identified as community colleges or technical colleges. Editors researched the number of available online degrees, then added three further factors to rank:

• Web Presence
• Transparency about their offerings
• User-friendliness of the learning platforms

These three factors help students and their families determine whether the community college they are considering will have a real, qualitative impact on their careers and lives.

The Top 10 Community Colleges of 2020 are:

1. Wake Technical Community College
2. Lenoir Community College
3. Foothill College
4. Coastline College
5. Central Texas College
6. Cowley County Community College
7. Volunteer State Community College
8. Hazard Community and Technical College
9. Front Range Community College
10. Harrisburg Area Community College

The full top 50 will be listed in alphabetical order at the end of this release.

"Community Colleges are known for being accessible and catering to literally ALL varieties of students," the editors of College Consensus explain; in fact, as they say, one can "think of Community Colleges as Post Secondary for the People." As the editors explain, "One primary contrast between community colleges and four year colleges and universities is the fact that everyone is admitted." Moreover, there are many reasons that students choose community college: "Community College Programs might interest someone working towards a specific career path. They might be required to take additional courses, achieve a vocational certificate, and/ or an associates degree to get there." In other cases, "Some students are not sure what they want to do, but know they are eventually trying to attend a four year school with the ultimate goal of walking away with a bachelor's degree."

For all of these diverse students and more, College Consensus is dedicated to helping students and their families make the right choice for them. "More and more, community colleges are trying to cater to the busy lifestyles of adult learners," the editors explain, "and, therefore, there are more and more community college online options." Whatever their goal, College Consensus wants to help students choose the online community college program that is right for them.

The Top 50 Online Community Colleges of 2020 (in alphabetical order) are:

• Anne Arundel Community College
• Bismark State College
• Bucks County Community College
• Central Texas College
• Chemeketa Community College
• Coastline College
• College of Southern Nevada
• Columbus State Community College
• Community College of Allegheny County
• Community College of Aurora
• Cowly County Community College
• Craven Community College
• Cuyahoga Community College
• Eastern Florida State College
• Fayetteville Technical Community College
• Foothill College
• Frederick Community College
• Front Range Community College
• Georgia Northwestern Technical College
• Great Basin College
• Guilford Technical Community College
• Harrisburg Area Community College
• Hazard Community and Technical College
• Herkimer County Community College
• Hutchinson Community College
• Ivy Tech Community College
• Lake Superior College
• Laramie County Community College
• Lenoir Community College
• Metropolitan Community College Area
• Minnesota State Community and Technical College
• Minnesota West Community and Technical College
• Northcentral Technical College
• Northeast Community College
• Northern Virginia Community College
• Northwest Mississippi Community College
• Odessa College
• Peninsula College
• Pitt Community College
• San Antonio College
• Shoreline Community College
• Sinclair Community College
• St. Phillips College
• Stark State College
• Tyler Junior College
• Volunteer State Community College
• Wake Technical Community College
• West Los Angeles College
• Western Wyoming Community College
• Westmoreland County Community College

College Consensus is an innovative approach to college rankings. We combine the latest results from the most respected college ranking systems with thousands of real student review scores. College Consensus also offers expert advice and guidance on all aspects of college life, from finding the perfect college, to getting accepted, paying for it, and finding your professional path after graduation.

SOURCE College Consensus