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Please consider our students as one of your charitable priorities for year-end giving. When you support students like Lucas Montoya, you are supporting families working hard every day to improve their own lives and contribute to our community. Meet Lucas here: https://bit.ly/3I7v9fe


News and Announcements

Congratulations, graduates! Enjoy the recording

Congratulations, graduates! It was wonderful to celebrate your commencement at our virtual ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 11.

We heard words of inspiration and encouragement for our latest graduates from President Becky Rowley, Ph.D., Board President Jack Sullivan, Board Member Piér Quintana, SFCC Foundation Director Deborah Boldt, Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Margaret Peters and SGA president Cierra Wagner. Our keynote speaker Lillian Montoya, CHRISTUS St. Vincent president and CEO welcomed our new grads as essential in our community.

Thanks to the campus team who made this video production possible: Doreen Gallegos, Dorothy Piriz, Sarah Martinez, Roxanne Tapia, Thomasinia Ortiz-Gallegos, Todd Lovato, Mason Kovacs, Pedro Castillon and Bernadette Gonzales! Also thanks to everyone else who helped with the commencement behind the scenes and in front of the camera.


If you missed it, check out the video! We love the photos and shout outs from our graduates. Here is an example in the inset photo from one of our graduates who earned multiple awards.

Read selections from Lillian Montoya’s keynote address and check out a few more images from the event here.

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Holiday Coat Drive through Dec. 15

SGA, SFCC Foundation & Gerard’s House are sponsoring a Coat Drive at SFCC through Dec. 15

New and gently used coats are being collected for Gerard’s House and SFCC students in need. Gerard’s House provides grief and loss support for children, teens, and families. All their services are bilingual and free of charge. They are a registered 501(c) and all donations are tax-deductible.

Collection boxes can be found in the main hallway (stairwell) and in the Fitness Center. Call Krystal Patton for more information: 505-428-1305.

OIT Maintenance 5:30 p.m. Dec. 16

OIT will be performing system maintenance on 5:30 to 11:30 p.m. Thursday, December 16. All systems will be affected by intermittent outages.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the OIT Service Desk at (505) 428-1222

Alumna Cindy Nava takes the helm of Transform Education NM

Transform Education NM announced that it welcomes policy advocate Cindy Nava (SFCC alumna) as its new executive director. For the last 13 years, Nava has worked to advance communities of color through policy, education, political involvement, and legislative advocacy at a state and national level.

Most recently, Nava was consulting as principal of Nava Strategies. Prior to that, she served as political director of Ben Ray Luján’s campaign for U.S. Senate and as lead liaison for his congressional office in Santa Fe.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to work with TENM to empower New Mexico’s communities to transform our education system,” said Nava. “As a former DACA recipient and English language learner, I know what it means to be the kid sitting in class who doesn’t understand a word the teacher says and to be bullied because of my heritage. New Mexico needs a public education system that embraces and celebrates our rich and diverse cultures, values our educators, and offers the services and curriculum our children need. TENM won’t stop fighting until all our children have the education they need and are legally entitled to.”

Nava became the first undocumented person to intern for a national political party in Washington, DC, and later, the first DACA recipient to work as a majority pool analyst for the New Mexico House of Representatives.

She is a graduate of Santa Fe Community College, the University of New Mexico, the Aspen Institute, the National Latino Center for Leadership Development Academy, and the New American Leaders Fellowship. Formerly, Nava served as executive director of Learning Alliance New Mexico, and as chief administrative officer at the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute.

Formed in 2018, TENM is a coalition of educators, families and students, Tribal leaders, experts, and community leaders advancing a visionary transformation of education in New Mexico that embraces the diverse cultures, languages and heritages of students, and ensures all students have the opportunities they need to learn and succeed.

Patricia Jimenez-Latham will continue as TENM’s program manager and assist in Nava’s transition as executive director.

Listen to the The Key Podcast featuring Becky Rowley and Tracy Hartzler

The Key Podcast | Episode 69: A Major Cross-College Collaboration – Inside Higher Ed, an interview with Becky Rowley and Tracy Hartzler.

Listen to a great conversation with Becky and Tracy explaining the challenges and goals of CHESS.

Registration now open for HSE-GED preparation, applications due Jan. 3

The registration period for Santa Fe Community College’s HSE/GED preparation classes is open for new students through January 3. Classes begin online January 18 in Spanish and English. Returning students who have been enrolled after Fall 2021 may register until Jan. 14. For more information, call 505-428-1433 or go to https://www.sfcc.edu/new-student-registration-hse-ged/.

Classes are offered in the mornings, afternoons and evenings. Classes conducted in Spanish are offered in the mornings, evenings and on Saturdays. Classes prepare students for the state-approved HSE tests – the GED and HiSet. Classes will be primarily online. Students must have a stable internet connection to participate.

New students are required to attend the four-day orientation Jan. 10 through 14. The four-day orientation is offered in the mornings from 9 a.m. to noon or in the evenings from 5 to 8 p.m. In orientation, students will have the opportunity to meet with an advisor, create an individualized learning plan, and register for classes. The orientation will be online. Please see SFCC’s vaccination requirement that goes into effect on January 18.

For information about Adult Education programs, call 505-428-1356 or visit SFCC Adult Education. SFCC’s campus is closed for Winter Break, December 18 through January 2. Students may submit an online application during that time.

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Enjoy your Winter Break!

We hope you’ll have a wonderful Winter Break.

Please note:
All campus buildings will be closed December 18 through January 2. The only exception will be the William C. Witter Fitness Center, which will be open from 8 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Dec. 18.

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ICYMI: Watch the Multi-College CHESS ERP Kickoff Celebration

Colleagues at Clovis Community College, CNM, Northern New Mexico College and Santa Fe Community College, members of CHESS (the Collaborative for Higher Education Shared Services), simultaneously hosted kickoff events on Dec. 2 to celebrate the implementation phase of the new Enterprise Resource Planning system.

Watch the recording to learn more about the initiative – where we are, where we’re going, who’s doing what, and how beautifully our new system will transform the student experience and improve our operations. Hear from students, faculty, presidents, partners, and the Implementation Team. There are lots of great photos from all of the colleges, too. For more information, contact CHESS Communications Officer Laura Mulry.

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Between Certain Death and a Possible Future World AIDS Day Event recording

Watch Between Certain Death and a Possible Future World AIDS Day Event. Hosted by Valerie Nye and the SFCC Library, several contributors to “Between Certain Death and a Possible Future: Queer Writing on Growing Up with the AIDS Crisis” read from the newly released book, followed by a Q&A with the authors.

The online event was sponsored by SFCC Foundation, PDAC and the SFCC Creative Writing program.

Spring CE Catalog now available online and in print

Santa Fe Community College announces the SFCC Spring Continuing Education Schedule is now available online. Print copies can be found in the racks at Santa Fe Community College, the Santa Fe Higher Education Center and racks around town. Visit https://www.sfcc.edu/ce for tips on registering and to view the variety of offerings.

“Many new classes are available this spring for Continuing Education students,” said Kris Swedin, Dean of Continuing Education and Contract Training. “We realize that many students continue to enjoy the comfort of online classes, but we also have a variety of in-person classes for those who want to explore outdoors or get hands-on training.”

The Spring Continuing Education catalog is now available online for viewing and download.

Browse the fun and interesting noncredit classes and then enroll online today.

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Apply now for Spring Massage Therapy program

Students interested in joining the Massage Therapy program this spring should visit https://www.sfcc.edu/programs/massage-therapy/ for program details and the application form which should be completed and emailed along with a résumé to ute.jannsen-kerr@sfcc.edu.

Please note the program includes a mix of online and in-person classes, so all Massage Therapy students must have Covid vaccinations. Apply ASAP to join the program this spring, since an interview is required for acceptance.

Questions? Contact either Massage Therapy program director Ute Jannsen-Kerr via email at ute.jannsen-kerr@sfcc.edu or Massage Therapy instructor Julianna Santillanes at juliannna.santillanes@sfcc.edu or call 505-428-1293.

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Artist Jerry Brown installs “Evolution” at SFCC

Director of Art on Campus Linda Cassel was excited to share this news:

Jerry Brown just installed his New Mexico Art in Public Places mixed media piece “Evolution” in the entry of the Art and Design Building. SFCC purchased the work using AIPP funds. It is one of eight pieces that will be coming to our campus in the next few months from eight different artists.

Jerry Brown is a contemporary Native American painter. The Diné artist is from Mariano Lake on the Navajo Nation. He is a 1995 graduate of the Institute of American Indian Arts. He is influenced by Diné traditions and ceremonies and the colors, people, sites, smells and sounds of both the Diné and modern world.

The artist also shared these images on his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/jerrybrownart/photos/pcb.5023935260967862/5023935204301201

Policy Updates

At the Oct. 27 meeting, the Governing Board approved the addition of the Cash Reserves section to Policy 1-31 Governing Board Financial Oversight. You can view the Cash Reserves information under Policy Process L. If you have any questions, please contact Vice President of Finance/Chief Financial Officer Nick Telles, Vice President of Finance/Chief Financial Officer, ext. 1161. Thank you.

2021-2022 Policy Review Schedule. The policies scheduled for shared governance review during the academic year 2021-2022 are posted on SFCC Connect: Campus Resources > Policy Review. College Policies and Procedures are posted at SFCC Policies. If you have questions or would like to learn more, please contact Laura J. Mulry, ext. 1776.

New Poetry Posts on Campus

New poetry posts by Kathryne Lim on campus.

In an October 27 blog post, Miriam Sagan previewed one of the poetry posts on campus which have recently been updated.

Magdalena, NM

Your land is a tapestry of ribbon
and rattlesnakes, sky stitched
above it like an untouched stream.
Mornings, I collect eggs from your basin,
my fingers powdery and warm all day.
It’s impossible not to see the shape of a woman
in a mountain range, here a mound of breast,
there an aching for rivers long dead.

Take a walk today and checkout the poetry posts on the SFCC Campus. Use this map to find them.


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School of Arts, Design and Media Arts Faculty and Staff Exhibition continues

SFCC’s School of Arts, Design and Media Arts Faculty and Staff Exhibition continues through January 13.You’re encouraged to stop by from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday when the campus is open. Also invite your friends and prospective art students to stop by. The public is welcome to visit but must wear a mask while on SFCC’s campus.

SFCC has outstanding fine art, design, and media art studios. The faculty and staff are recognized artists both locally and on the national level.

For more information about the gallery, contact SFCC’s Director of Art on Campus Linda Cassel at linda.cassel@sfcc.edu or 505-428-1501.

For the protection of our community...


When coming on campus:

Student Spotlight

Bookstore offers free shipping on orders over $99 through Dec. 27

Order your books for spring semester before 12/27 to take advantage of a special offer from SFCC’s online bookstore.
Free shipping on orders of $99 and up.

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Spring 2022 student employment opportunities

Student Work Study is a financial aid need-based program that provides a student funds earned through part-time employment and pays the minimum wage for Santa Fe County.

Eligible students can work up to 20 hours per week and work is scheduled around your school schedule. In addition to helping you pay for your education, the work-study program helps you gain work experience, develop your skills, and build a possible pathway to future employment opportunities.

To be eligible, students must meet the following requirements:

  • Must complete the 2021-2022 FAFSA and any additional requested verification items
  • Must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 degree related credit hours for spring.
  • Must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

If you are interested in student employment, you can email the Student Employment Office at StudentEmployment@sfcc.edu for further information.

Need money for college? Don't miss FAFSA Workshop 11 a.m. Wednesday

Get money for college! Attend the free FAFSA workshop on Zoom this Wednesday. SFCC current and prospective SFCC students can get assistance completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online via Zoom from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15.

Visit https://www.sfcc.edu/fafsa-workshops/ for details. The FASFA form is the first step to free money for college. For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@sfcc.edu or call 505-428-1268.

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Planning to come on campus next semester? Submit your proof of vaccination!

All students taking in-person courses or using the William C. Witter Fitness Center are required to have at least one dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine no later than January 18, 2022.

Visit https://www.sfcc.edu/covid/vax-requirement/ for details.
For details on how upload your vaccine card visit https://www.sfcc.edu/covid/sfcc-health-screener/

SFCC Student Weekly Connection 12/3

Read this week’s SFCC Student Weekly Connection for information on Spring 2022 registration, Fall 2021 Virtual Commencement, FAFSA workshops to help you get money for school, Campus Cupboard food distribution and the resource of the week Southwest Care Center and a bonus resource, the Santa Fe Indigenous Center.

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Spring 2022 Registration continues

Spring 2022 registration has begun. To get into the classes that you want, register as soon as possible.

The spring semester begins Tuesday, January 19.The college has developed a guide to registering detailed at https://www.sfcc.edu/look-for-a-credit-class/.
If you are registering for in-person classes, be sure to provide proof of vaccination via the SFCC Health Screener App. See https://www.sfcc.edu/covid/sfcc-health-screener/ for guidance on how to upload your documentation.

New students can get started at sfcc.edu by clicking the Apply Now button. All students are encouraged to work with an academic advisor. Remote appointments or in-person appointments can be made by emailing advisor@sfcc.edu or calling 505-428-1275.

SFCC 2021-2022 Scholarship Application Available Now

SFCC can help you pay for college with scholarships. One simple application puts you in consideration for state institutional and Foundation private scholarships. Scholarships are available for new and returning, part time and full-time students to help pay for college for the upcoming academic year. Scholarships are also available for second-generation college students, Veterans, Native American students, Hispanic students and students with disabilities (must be registered with the SAS department at kayla.garcia1@sfcc.edu). SFCC offers performance-based scholarships through Contract for a Better Tomorrow (CBT).

For more information and to apply go to:
https://www.sfcc.edu/offices/financial-aid/

If you have questions or assistance email the Financial Aid Office at finaid@sfcc.edu from your SFCC student email account. Make sure to include your Student ID number in the email.
Se habla Español.

Student Resource Center connects students with community programs

The Student Resource Center helps students connect with various services, programs and agencies. We can help link up with several community resources including: Housing, Food, Utility Payment Assistance, Childcare, Physical Health and Legal Services. For more information and assistance, please contact Student Resource Coordinator Jocelyn Hernandez Monsalvo at 505-428-1194 or visit www.sfcc.edu/student-resource-center.

El Centro de Recursos Estudiantiles ayuda a los estudiantes a conectarse con varios servicios programas y agencias. Podemos ayudar a conectarse con varios servicios comunitarios, que incluyen: Vivienda, Comida, Asistencia para Pagos de Servicios Públicos, Cuidado de Niños, Salud Física y Servicios Legales. Para obtener más información y asistencia, comuníquese con la Coordinadora de Recursos Estudiantiles Jocelyn Hernandez Monsalvo al 505-428-1194 o visite www.sfcc.edu/student-resource-center.

Employee Announcements

Jonathan Harrell and Roxanne Tapia play in Teatro Paraguas' orchestra Dec. 17-19

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Tapia and Harrell, click for larger photo

Advisor Jonathan Harrell and MPR Executive Assistant Roxanne Tapia can be found on stage next Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the closing weekend of Teatro Paraguas’ festive holiday community celebration “A Musical Piñata for Chrismas IX.” Both Harrell and Tapia play and sing in the 10 piece Teatro Paraguas orchestra. Harrell plays guitar, while Tapia plays saxophone, accordion, and jingle bells.

This year’s show features a lovely play by Alix Hudson reminding us to slow down and be present, a lively flamenco performance by Compañía Chuscales, and appearances by Santa Claus and his cousin from south of the border, Pancho Claus.

Shows are 7 p.m. Friday, December 17 and 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 18 and 19. The show is free, although donations are gratefully accepted. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 505-424-1601. Masks are required at all performances.


Jonathan Harrell, click for larger photo

Charlie Shultz Aquaponics master's thesis published in World Aquaculture

Faculty member Charlie Shultz is one step closer to obtaining his Master’s degree in Aquaculture from Kentucky State University. Last week, his Master’s thesis was published by the Journal of the World Aquaculture Society. He hopes to finish his Master’s defense during Spring of 2022. Shultz did the research and submitted the manuscript while a grad student, but the thesis is published as an SFCC Faculty member.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jwas.12860

How to submit your proof of Vaccination


  1. Access the SFCC Health Screener app using one of these methods:
    • Download on your phone. Go to your app store and search for “SFCC Health Screener.” The mobile app seems easiest to use, and can also be downloaded at the bottom of page after clicking the “SFCC Health Screener” button above.
    • Click ‘Health Screener (COVID-19)’ app button from MySFCC

  2. Sign in using your SFCC credentials with “LOGIN WITH EXISTING ACCOUNT”
  3. Upload a copy of your vaccine card by clicking “COVID-19 SCREENER” and following the instructions

Contact vaxaid@sfcc.edu for

  • Application support
  • Assistance uploading vaccination card
  • If you have already uploaded your proof of vaccine and need to resubmit

View SFCC Vaccine Requirement

HR has provided the following document to guide you through the submission process:
SFCC Health Screener App Guide

Full vaccination deadline on Jan. 6 for Faculty and staff

By November 30, 2021: All faculty and staff who work on campus or need to be at any College facility are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, have received at least one dose of an approved vaccine, or have obtained a vaccine exemption. All faculty and staff are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 or have an approved exemption by Convocation on January 6, 2022.

Visit https://www.sfcc.edu/covid/vax-requirement/ for details on how to submit your proof of vaccination or exemption request.

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Policy Updates 2021-22 Policy Review Schedule

Policy Updates
2021-2022 Policy Review Schedule. The policies scheduled for shared governance review during the academic year 2021-2022 are posted on SFCC Connect: Campus Resources > Policy Review.

Revised Procedures. Please become familiar with the newly updated Procedures in the links below and address any questions to the Policy Owners listed.

College Policies and Procedures are posted at SFCC Policies. If you have questions or would like to learn more, please contact Laura J. Mulry, ext. 1776.

How to enroll for the COVID 19 vaccine

Please review the state’s latest vaccine registration information to see how to enroll for the COVID-19 vaccine.

SFCC encourages you to enroll soon, so our state can more effectively distribute the vaccine and notify you when vaccine doses will be available in your area.

NOVID phone app: The City of Santa Fe has partnered with NOVID to slow the spread of the virus. Download the free app at NOVID.org. Read more about the app in this Dec. 15 Santa Fe Reporter story, “Spread the Word, not COVID-19.”

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Let's help slow the spread of the virus

Let’s keep everyone safe and remember:

SFCC COVID protocols require that everyone wear a mask at all times on campus.

• If you are feeling ill, you should not come into work, and avoid any type of social setting. The College wants you to feel better before you return to work.

If you are feeling ill: Get tested and isolate yourself from others as much as possible. We need to help mitigate the health risk to others.

Call 1-855-600-3453 for testing information and results.

• If you do contract COVID-19, seek medical attention immediately. Notify your supervisor and human resources. These cases need to reported, SFCC is here to support you.

Please do your part, to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Stay home, stay safe, stay healthy.

Do you need information on testing? Visit togethernm.org.

Remember to wash your hands for a full 20 seconds!

Submit nominations for WOW awards

The Office of Human Resources reminds you to nominate who you think is doing a great job here at SFCC. The nomination form can be found at the SFCC Connect portal, or by reaching out to Joanne Romero joanne.romero@sfcc.edu

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Let Campus Weekly share your news

Let us know about your accomplishments and other news that you’d like to share. Please remember that the deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesday to get an item in the next week’s issue. Submit here.

SF Botanical Garden features hornos rebuilt by adobe class

The Santa Fe Botanical Garden’s newsletter features a story with images of the hornos that were rebuilt by an SFCC adobe construction class led by Ernest Aragon.

Thank you to Kathy Haq of the Santa Fe Botanical Garden for sharing her story, “The Garden’s Mud Ovens Rise from the Ashes,” and wonderful images from that activity.

She wrote, “Both of the Garden’s hornos — the beehive-shaped adobe clay outdoor ovens that are ubiquitous throughout northern New Mexico — have been rebuilt after storm damage in 2020 caused one to collapse and left the other in need of repair.”

The hornos were repaired from the ground up on two weekends in October and November.

Photo: SFCC adobe class (left to right): Johanna Hamblett, Julie Deery, Anika Marcus, Instructor Ernest Aragon, Paul Davis, Mark Adorney, Maxwell Cohn, Shannon L. McKenna and Sandra Sosa.

Ernest Aragon said, “Many thanks to the Santa Fe Botanical Garden for allowing the students from the Santa Fe Community College’s Adobe Construction Program to participate in an actual, real-world construction project! The students learned a New Mexico tradition and heritage that can continue to be perpetuated.”

Read the full story and see many more wonderful photos here.

All photos: Courtesy of Santa Fe Botanical Garden

Consider stopping by the Santa Fe Botanical Garden during your Winter Break. For hours and admission fees visit https://santafebotanicalgarden.org/