BOARD OF TRUSTEES REPORT - Crafton Hills College
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Crafton Hills College
May
2020 BOARD OF TRUSTEES REPORT
Crafton Hills
‘Superheroes’ Are Using
Online Instruction to
Continue Educating
The Crafton Hills College (CHC)
Emergency Distance Education team
is nicknamed “DE Superheroes,” and
it’s no wonder why. With little time
to prepare, the team transitioned
the college to online instruction to
prioritize the health of both the college
and the greater Yucaipa communities.
The team is a portion of the larger
Educational Technology Committee
(ETC), and has provided ongoing
remote training, an organized page
of resources, and regular email and
website updates. An extended spring
break allowed more time for instructors
Photo: Dr. Shohreh Rahbarnia, Dr. Kim Salt, and Daniel McCoy at spring in-service.
Continued on page 2.
Online Answer Center
Every problem is an opportunity for
innovation. When the campus closed
for COVID-19, Jonathan Townsend
noticed that the campus lacked a
general help line. He proposed an
online answer center, a Zoom room,
staffed throughout the day to ensure
that students receive the
information they need from a live
person that they can see. Jonathan
was tasked by instructional dean
Kay Weiss to organize and maintain
this online answer center which has
run since the beginning of April and
continues each week during the
business day.
The answer center team ensures
that our students not only get the
answers and information they need
but are also met by the most important
part of our college, employees who are
committed to students and who love to
see students thrive. The answer
center is expected to continue for the Photo: Jonathan Townsend, CHC instructional assessment technician.
duration of the campus closure.
Crafton Hills College May 2020 | Page 2
Crafton Hills ‘Superheroes’ Are Using Online Instruction to
Continue Educating continued..
to be trained and to transition, and the The key is to reassure one another, “Our students have had hands on
team plan to offer ongoing support, be flexible, and do the best we can to experiences and learned a lot of lab
continuously updated resources, help each other through this period.” techniques for many labs before this
and real-time help throughout the happened,” she said. “Keeping that
remainder of the semester. In response, CHC faculty are displaying in mind we know that we can change
extraordinary flexibility, using any the delivery of the information and
“Crafton’s DE Superheroes have means necessary to continue to techniques. I have found some videos
pulled together as a community support one another and educate their on YouTube with the lab technique
so that we can all be successful in students in difficult times. demonstrated that was the main
these uncharted waters,” said Brandi point of the experiment. I also went
Bailes, math professor and EDE team For example, chemistry professor into my lab room and videotaped
member. and DE superhero Kelly Boebinger myself performing some of the lab
recorded a video for all of her classes techniques or the actual experiment...
The team is working hard to ensure to explain the new processes and what These videos are being shared with
faculty’s technical success, since to expect. Since then, she continuously other instructors teaching the same
some faculty are new to teaching communicates about college updates experiments, so our students in
exclusively online. using email, and provides updates different sections all get the same
via Canvas and email when she has information. Students will still have
“We have emphasized that regular developed new content for lectures, lab reports from their lab manuals
and effective contact with and labs and exams - which is now fully to turn in, they will fill in the data as
among students is the number one online. She also is conducting office they are viewing the lab videos. They
priority going forward,” said Cynthia hours online. will scan the completed reports and
Hamlett, DE coordinator and ETC submit them electronically. We want
chair. “That includes consistent “My goal for my students is still the the lab experience to be as similar as
course announcements, Canvas same,” she said. “I want them to be possible as the face-to-face class. Our
discussion forums to facilitate group successful. Keeping that point of view students need these skills to move on
conversations about course materials, in mind during this transition has made in their education.”
and auxiliary forums where students this easier. Since I have already taught
can help each other with anything a chemistry lecture course online, I One challenge is serving students with
from tech issues to the understanding was fortunate enough to have many of less access to distance learning than
of course materials. We have also the skills needed to convert the rest of others.
encouraged making use of Zoom for my courses, including lab, online. Our
conferences and virtual class meetings Chemistry department is awesome. I “Chromebooks are being made
so students and faculty both will have work with Dr. Kim Salt and Dr. Shohreh available while supplies last to
some ‘face time’ to help them feel less Rahbarnia, and we work well together. students who may not have access to
isolated working from home.” We have shared ideas and even video the necessary technology at home,”
conferenced a few times to help each said Dean Kay Weiss.
However, the team also recognizes other with ideas.”
the need for individual wellness for Additionally, a limited number of
each member of the Crafton learning Transitioning from in-person to computer workstations are available
community. online instruction is not without two days a week so that students
its challenges. “Due to extremely who need computers and internet will
“We want to connect with our supportive colleagues, the changes have availability. Social distancing will
colleagues, not just to assist with are going as well as can be expected,” be enforced, and each station will be
training them on the various ways we Bailes said. “There will always be sanitized appropriately.
can teach remotely,” said Gwendolyn bumps in the road, but with a strong
Diponio, English professor and co- team of peer support, we are confident Through difficult times, Crafton Hills
chair of the Curriculum Committee. we can handle them. DE Superheroes are demonstrating the
“But also to connect with them on a strength of creativity, communication
human level, to let them know it is ok For Boebinger, teaching chemistry and extraordinary empathy.
not to aim for perfection, and it’s ok not labs remotely is the most challenging.
to expect perfection from students.
Crafton Hills College May 2020 | Page 3
Photo: Gabriel Zavala, Crafton Hills College paramedic student.
Crafton Hills College Continues to Train
Paramedics Amid Pandemic
The COVID-19 global pandemic is - didactive, clinic and field.
causing a strain on every part of the
healthcare system, calling for “all Zavala says that the program’s
Photo: Child interacting with CDC hands on deck.” Crafton Hills College instructors are helping students to
teacher. student paramedics feel the tension stay on track to graduate on time.
as well, as they navigate a strenuous “Our program leaders are admirable,
Child Development paramedic program while also knowledgeable and helpful during
working the front lines in the field. this pandemic,” he said.
Center
One paramedic student, Gabriel Students like Zavala are gaining
Learning continues, even for our
Zavala, says that the most important increased amounts of field experience,
youngest students at Crafton Hills
thing he is learning in paramedic serving their communities alongside
College. Child development center
school amid a global pandemic is first responders.
teachers remain engaged with the
adaptability. “EMS is a constantly
children and families even during
changing field,” he said. “During “Working as an EMT, serving the
school site closure due to COVID 19.
times of worldwide adversity, community, and helping others in
Students are provided virtual weekly
maintaining composure is the only need is something I will not take for
activities, story times and even Zoom
way to persevere, and composure is granted,” Zavala said. “I am incredibly
meetings in an effort to continue the
essential while working in the field.” honored for the career that I have and
early learning program provided by
what this program continues to teach
the campus.
In order to be eligible for licensure as me.”
a paramedic in the state of California,
The Crafton Hills College child
students must complete the 39 units “Paramedic school has been the
development center provides a
of the certificate program, pass most challenging and rewarding
high quality developmental and
National Registry written and skills time of my life,” he continued. “I am
educational program to serve the
examinations, and meet all other blessed to be in a program with many
college and community. Applications
licensure requirements established by other great students who I know will
for morning, afternoon, or full day
the state. The Crafton Hills Paramedic be some of the best paramedics once
care will be available June 1st for the
Program offers two cycles per year, the program is complete.”
2020-2021 school year for children
and is broken down into three sections
ages 3 to 5 years.
Crafton Hills College May 2020 | Page 4
expectations; for the first time, I
wanted to truly learn the content,
and dedicate my time to excel in the
courses because of how committed,
personable, and passionate my
instructors were.
I declared Communication Studies as
my major, and within two years I earned
my Associates Degree, along with two
Student Senate Scholarships and
Medals of Distinction. After graduating
from CHC in 2019, I transferred to
California State University, Long
Beach where I am currently pursuing a
Bachelors Degree in Communication
Studies. I have since joined multiple
campus organizations and pursued
leadership positions in both my sorority
and communications club. Building
genuine connections and networking
with those around me has played in
huge role in deciding what I want to
do once I graduate next year. I have
goals to work in the entertainment
industry focusing on communications
coordination or event planning.
My advice to current CHC students
is to take advantage of the resources
around you. Reach out to peers and
faculty, get involved in campus clubs
Photo: CHC Alumna, Lorin Costello.
and organizations, attend workshops
and events on campus; your
CHC Alumna, Lorin Costello experience at Crafton is what YOU
make it. Stay focused and ENJOY it
As I prepared to graduate high school a parking pass at a 4-year institution.
all.
in 2017, I was starting to feel the It was a no-brainer at that point, and
pressure to attend a 4-year university. with confidence I decided that Crafton
I look back now and I am incredibly
I was rejected from two of my dream was the right path for me.
thankful for the rejection that I faced
Universities and waitlisted for the
along the way. In the end, it has
third. At the time it was a hard pill to I got plugged in right away and was
taught me to make the absolute best
swallow, but little did I know it would fortunate enough to join the Student
out of where I am using what I have.
lead me to a gem that is Crafton Hills Senate on campus. I connected
Things will not always
College.
go as planned, but that
“Your experience at Crafton is what YOU is just an opportunity to
I remember attending a
SOAR day at Crafton, make it. Stay focused and ENJOY it all.” overcome obstacles and
work towards something
still waiting to hear back
greater than we could
from my third-choice university, and with driven peers like former Senate
have ever imagined.
immediately I was blown away by how President, Valerie Johnson, and
helpful the counselors were when they selfless advisors like Dr. Ericka
I am more than proud to be a Crafton
sat down with me to pick classes. My Paddock, who valued student
Hills College Alumni, and I cannot
potential professors had roaring 5-star needs and campus-wide success.
thank this institution enough for
reviews, and the cost of enrolling in 15 In the classroom, professors like
shaping me into who I am today.
units was just about the same price as Jimmy Urbanovich exceeded my
Crafton Hills College May 2020 | Page 5
Ward is extremely excited to share
the lessons she has learned from
teaching at Crafton. “This is an
amazing opportunity to remind
educators of the importance of being
a teacher worth following,” Ward
confided.
The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted
the essential work of EMS
professionals, and how colleges like
Crafton have a key role in preparing
students for the profession.
“This field is exhausting, mentally
and physically,” Ward remarked,
recognizing that students are tasked
with walking into a total stranger’s
worst day of their life. Ward is proud
that Crafton’s program prepares
students to deal with the toll on their
Photo: Amanda Ward with CHC Paramedic students. well-being and the importance of
mental resilience.
Crafton Emergency Medical Services The CHC paramedic program is a
Professor Selected to Share Knowledge at rarity, as it includes an entire course
dedicated to helping students
Prestigious Conference manage the human aspects of this
career field. Ward hopes to help other
Amanda Ward, Emergency Medical This prestigious conference professionals while representing
Services Professor at Crafton Hills offers cutting-edge training and Crafton’s Paramedic program at EMS
College, was recently selected to professional development sessions World Expo.
present at the EMS World Expo in Las including Professor Ward’s session,
Vegas. This is the largest event of its Be a Teacher, Preceptor, or FTO Currently the EMS World Expo is
kind attracting more than 6,000 EMS Worth Following! proceeding as planned for September
professionals from all over the world. 2020.
One Book One College
One Book/One College at Crafton wide conversation, creativity, and
Hills is a college-wide reading community. The group has received
initiative with the main purpose of nominations and will be selecting
bringing together the Crafton Hills a book based on the following
campus community through the criteria: Addresses issues of equity
reading of a common book focused and inclusion, is relevant to the
on equity and inclusion. This current CHC student population,
year, students, faculty, staff, and inspires critical dialogue and an
administrators will select and read a opportunity to test one’s own ideas,
common book. The One Book/One is interdisciplinary, has a message
College task force in collaboration that can develop empathy, can
with the Professional Development build community amongst students
committee will hold a series of and staff, and is accessible.
free events to encourage college-
Crafton Hills College May 2020 | Page 6
Photo: Fernando Flores. Photo: Suzanna Smit. Photo: Eric Zaragoza.
Virtual Student Awards
Each year, Crafton Hills College faculty rather than having student recipients them. These students come from all
and staff honor the best and brightest and their families for dinner, the Office walks of life and stand out from their
students from their programs with a of Student Life awarded the recipients peers for a variety of reasons. Whether
Student of the Year award. Historically, virtually through a newly designed they have the highest grade or the
the awards are presented during the webpage and emailed certificate. strongest work ethic, are the first to
Student Recognition Dinner organized help others or exhibit some other
by the Office of Student Life. This event Each student is listed on the Crafton exceptional characteristic, the College
is always a highlight of the year, kicking Hills College website under latest is extremely proud of these students
off the spring celebrations at Crafton. news with a photo, the department and their contributions to our campus
This year was a little different with recognizing them, and a quote from the community. Pictured above are three
COVID-19 required social distancing, faculty or staff member who nominated of this year’s recipients.
Student Needs Survey
As we transitioned to online instruction
and services at Crafton Hills College,
we asked students to respond to
an online survey about the recent
COVID-19 pandemic related changes.
Their responses are being used to
help Crafton Hills College develop
interventions and offer additional
support. Students were asked
questions related to online student
services, training needs, technical,
personal, and financial support, and
campus communications. There were
827 surveys collected. The results of
this survey will inform decisions to help
students achieve their educational
goals amidst this time of national
emergency. As an example, please
refer to the graph of self-reported
personal student needs.
Crafton Hills College May 2020 | Page 7
Photo: CHC cadets practice rappelling. Photo: CHC cadets practice extrication.
Fire Academy Through the Fire and Flames
Amid campus closures and stay-at- Crafton Hills faculty adjusted for Because firefighting is a physically
home orders caused by the COVID-19 COVID-19 safety requirements by demanding profession, strength
pandemic, the Crafton Hills Fire limiting groups of students, adjusting and physical stamina are required.
Academy has continued to meet instructional methods, and increasing Maintaining these rigorous training
and train students who will join the cleaning of equipment and surfaces requirements for the program were
front lines with other first responders between each training exercise. also challenging during the pandemic.
fighting fires and saving lives. Against Students were split into three groups
all odds, 29 cadets will complete their for instruction. Each group met in their “Our students must meet certain
Fire Academy training in mid-May. own classroom and maintained 6 feet physical requirements before they are
social distancing while instructors accepted to the Academy,” Chief Alder
Despite these overwhelming used live stream and Zoom technology said. “This program has a kinesiology
circumstances and challenges to to share classroom information with and physical training component that
instruction, Crafton Hills College is the students before going out into the requires our students to meet each
only college Fire Academy in California field. Alder also added, “the cadets morning for a series of conditioning
that continued their 16-week training and instructors perform temperature workouts to prepare them for the
program while also adhering to and checks twice a day and will continue day-to-day tasks of a professional
maintaining the strictest firefighter.”
of social-distancing
guidelines. All 29 students “These students have persevered Fire Academy instructors
have earned their
firefighter 1 certificates.
and earned their firefighter 1 were able to continue
this regimen with our
certificates despite even more intense students by monitoring
“It is truly exceptional how them through the Strava
our college president, Dr. circumstances than most of our cadets.” activity tracker app. “Our
Kevin Horan, our Trustees, instructors even took the
our administration, and our faculty to do so throughout the remainder of physical activity component of our
have stepped up to keep our program the academy.” training into consideration and hosted
going,” said Michael Alder, Chief, Zoom or Facetime workouts, Strava
Crafton Hills College Fire Academy. “We also had a friend of one student activity check-in’s, etc. to make sure
“In the face of many uncertainties, who heard that we needed masks,” that students were staying in shape
everyone was adamant that we should Alder said. “She volunteered and despite our stay-at-home order.”
keep going, meet the needs of our made masks for all students, faculty
firefighting workforce and complete and staff in our program so that we Applicants for municipal firefighting
training for these students in advance could continue to meet safely and jobs generally must pass a written
of the 2020 fire season.” protect everyone as requested under
COVID-19 guidelines.” Continued on page 8.
Crafton Hills College May 2020 | Page 8
Fire Academy Through the Fire and Flames continued..
exam; physical test of strength, higher than normal employee turnover new firefighters will be hired annually,
physical stamina, and agility; and a due to the Baby-Boomers that are with 100 of those each year in the
medical examination that includes exiting the workforce for retirement. San Bernardino and Riverside area.
drug screening and a psychological This has left a large workforce void Employment of firefighters is expected
test; a lie detector test and an oral that needs to be filled. The Crafton to increase slightly faster than the
interview. Those who receive the Hills College Fire Academy and Fire average for all occupations. Labor
highest scores in all phases of testing Technology Program are fully prepared Market Source: State of California
have the best chances for employment. and committed to continuing to meet Employment Development Dept.
The completion of community college that demand and professionally
degree in fire technology, and the educating and training these future “These students have persevered
completion of a community college Fire firefighters. and earned their firefighter 1
Academy Program may significantly certificates despite even more
improve an applicant’s chances for “I shared with our cadets that they intense circumstances than most
appointment. would be in a unique position upon of our cadets,” said Alder. “It truly is
completion of the program,” said Alder. extraordinary how our administration,
“Not only are the physical requirements “The job outlook is very favorable, and faculty, staff and students have worked
of these cadets demanding, but their they will not be competing with other together to be successful during these
coursework is also very challenging,” applicants as they normally would at challenging times. I am so proud of
Alder added. “All students must pass this time of year. I shared this statistic how everyone pulled together. These
a series of competency exams in three with the students, and I believe it cadets will graduate with honor and
main categories - firefighter skills, was a pivotal moment that motivated they have exhibited the can-do,
hazardous materials, and wildland. them to keep going, work hard and persevering attitude and character
These exams alone are stressful, but complete the program in the face of that all amazing firefighters show.”
adding the pandemic component these circumstances.”
drives the stress level even higher.”
In California between 2014 and 2024 it
The fire service has been experiencing is expected that approximately 1,200
Welcome Custodial
Supervisor, Rene Sampay
Rene Sampay joined the CHC team in
April, bringing with him over 15 years
of experience in educational custodial
operations. Rene is looking forward to
building professional relationships with
his team, and his priority is to “meet
APPA cleaning standards at a level 4
or above.” To meet these standards,
all custodial staff are being trained on
proper floor care, routine maintenance,
and daily cleaning operations. During
this period of the COVID-19 pandemic,
all areas on campus are being
thoroughly cleaned and disinfected
systematically. Once they have
completed a building, they lock it up
and monitor the usage to determine
if any additional services are needed.
Rene’s wife, Shana, is an educator in a
K-5 elementary school and the couple
have two sons, Daymonne who is 18
Photo: Rene Sampay, CHC Custodial Supervisor. and Jayden who will be 7 in May.
Crafton Hills College May 2020 | Page 9
Photo: Robert McAtee and fellow Rotarians. Photo: Sherri Wilson’s sewing station.
Crafton volunteers helping our community respond to COVID-19
Robert McAtee volunteered with using her sewing machine to assemble and add some cheer to the look. In
the Rotary Club of Fountain Valley masks for health care workers at addition, Sherri and her sister have
to assemble 55,745 face shields to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. made over 60 additional cloth masks
be delivered to various hospitals in She started by making masks from for the hospital, friends, and family.
California. This work was done at HEPA vacuum bags which give She offered, “if you know of people
seven different locations over a three- protection almost as good as the N95 who need a cloth mask, I can make
week period. masks. She also made several covers some more.”
for the duckbill style N95 masks to
Retired math Professor Sherri Wilson is keep noticeable soil off the masks
Crafton Hills College
New Student Saturday
On Saturday, April 25th, students were
able to meet with a counselor virtually
to complete a two-semester ed plan
and get assistance with registration.
Other student services available
were Financial Aid, Admissions and
Records, and the Free College Promise
Program. Almost 100 students received
the help they needed to enroll and
register. Thank you to all members of
our student services team for helping
our new students over the weekend.
Photo: Courtney Hogate, former CHC
student and Promise Professional
Expert.
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