Dear Faculty and Staff:

Last week the nation watched the Inauguration of the 46th President of the United States. It was a historic moment as Kamala Harris became the first woman to be sworn in as Vice President. She is also the first Black person and Asian American Vice President in the history of our country. In her Inauguration speech, Vice President Harris said, in part, A great experiment takes great determination. The will to do the work, and then the wisdom to keep refining, keep tinkering, keep perfecting. The same determination is being realized in America today. I see it in the scientists who are transforming the future. I see it in the parents who are nurturing generations to come, in the innovators and educators, in everyone, everywhere, who is building a better life for themselves, their families, and their communities.

As we begin a new year and a new semester, may we be reminded that serving our students and one another with mutual respect is a noble call, which unifies us. We have the opportunity, the honor to help students imagine a better life for themselves.

At their meeting last night, the trustees approved a few important contracts, including the following:

• Architect and Engineering Firms for our bond program – this will allow some of the projects to move into the design phase. Please remember that you can access all information related to each project at the following website: https://www.stchas.edu/lp/prop_cc/

• Assessment and Placement Software – the new software program will significantly improve and streamline our program review process and better prepare the college to meet accreditation requirements.

• Business Process Review - Specifications were written and proposals solicited to establish a contract with a qualified and experienced firm to assist SCC with the following: 1) the development and implementation of a plan to reimagine and redesign current business processes; and 2) the evaluation of a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution. This approval represents the first step in moving to a new operating system for the college. Next week will be the kick-off for several Spring Semester activities for students, faculty, and staff. Included will be the Hidden History series, Tuesday Tips lunch-time series, Tuesday Trivia Night, the Multicultural Experience Series and the Great Student Success Project. To learn more, visit the college Events web page.

I want to share an update about two important SCC traditions. The Employee Service Recognition event is being moved to May. Look for more information in the SCC portal in the coming weeks. In December, the President’s Council approved to support a virtual Commencement Exercises that will stream live at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 15. The College has contracted with a provider of such events; it will include music, speeches, the reading of graduates’ names (including a photo slide that displays the student’s name, degree, and applicable honors), and conferring of degrees and certificates.

Have a wonderful week,

Barbara

Here is this week’s COVID-19 update: