Campus Weekly
Register now for Migrating Songbirds library presentation
SFCCs Library will present “Migrating Songbirds – Small and Mighty,” an online presentation with SFCC science professor Lenny Gannes, Ph.D., from 1 to 2 p.m. March 9. The free online presentation is open to the public, but participants must register by March 8 at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8Q89R2V. Those who register will be sent a Zoom link for the event.
Professor Gannes said, “Bird migrants make tremendous journeys crossing oceans, deserts and continents. Migratory birds connect far-flung locations across the globe with their athletic feats of movement. And perhaps most importantly migratory birds are beautiful, inspiring and are part of our natural landscape. The presentation will focus on the amazing journeys of several migrant birds.”
Photo: Professor Lenny Gannes, Ph.D., gets a close-up view of a warbler.
News and Announcements
Give feedback today on Equity Statement
Haga clic aquí para la versión en Español
The Equity Task Force is excited to share two working drafts of the Equity Statement. The Equity Statement is a collaborative project highlighting and demonstrating SFCC’s commitment to equity, belonging, and inclusivity. Your participation is essential to the success of this effort.
Please take a moment to review, reflect and provide your input. Please provide feedback by the end of today, Monday, Feb. 22.
Please click here for information and instructions:
• American Sign Language (ASL)
• English
• Español
If you have any questions, please contact equity@sfcc.edu.
We look forward to your thoughts.
Diverse Education: Five New Mexico Colleges Plan to Establish Joint Service System
The Feb. 15 edition of Diverse Education featured the story: “Five New Mexico Colleges Plan to Establish Joint Service System”
The story by Sara Wood about the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system states, “Under the joint system, the schools are working to address barriers and improve student success. …
“In fall 2019, Hispanic students made up 47.58% of the postsecondary population in New Mexico compared to 29.42% of White students and 9.44% of American Indian students, according to a report from the New Mexico Higher Education Department.
“Many college students in New Mexico are first-generation, low-income and live in rural areas,” Clovis Community College President Dr. Charles Nwankwo said. …”
Photo: Dr. Charles Nwankwo, president of Clovis Community College.
Register now for AARP Tax Aide, appointments filling fast
Due to the pandemic, a special drive-up (by appointment) service is being offered by AARP Foundation Tax Aide.
Please note: Santa Fe Higher Education Center remains closed to the public. All AARP Tax Aide appointments are drive-up only. Please remain in your car and call the number on the sign when you arrive. In-person and walk-in appointments are not available.
Please visit https://www.sfcc.edu/taxaide-aarp-tax/ for guidelines, details, downloadable forms and to schedule your appointment.
Appointments available: Feb. 9 through April 15
Cost: Free
Days and hours of operation: 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday
You must register for your appointments. Register soon since appointments are limited. Register here.
SFCC releases digital version of Fast Facts
Santa Fe Community College announces the release of a digital edition of Fast Facts 2020-2021. View this handy reference at https://www.sfcc.edu/fast-facts/
The information is also available as a downloadable PDF at the same web page. Fast Facts 2020-21 reflects data from the end of the Fall 2020 semester.
Former culinary arts student's cookie business featured in "Beer and Cookies"
In the Feb. 10 issue of The Santa Fe Reporter, Marti Mills’ cookie business XOnuevo was featured in the story, “Beer and cookies.” She studied Culinary Arts at SFCC.
Here’s an interesting morsel from this cookie story, “Mills would go on to complete culinary training at the Santa Fe Community College at the age of 13—something that required special permission from the school’s dean. Additionally, she says, she’s committed to sourcing ingredients locally.”
“My absolute favorite at the moment is the lavender shortbread,” she says. “The lavender is grown organically by my friend in Santa Fe.”
She shared with Campus Weekly: “I am 37 and I have been baking since I was five. I started the cookie business during the pandemic but I have been making and selling food and art for decades — cookies really seemed to cheer everyone up during these hard times.”
Inset photo: Marti Mills with teddy bear cookies. In the photo is a suribachi grinding bowl she made at SFCC in the ceramics department. Photo used by permission.
Letter to the Editor: More Swimming
The Santa Fe New Mexican published the following letter on 2/06/2021:
More swimming
Now more than ever, physical fitness is important for our physical and emotional health. Unfortunately, both public and private fitness centers have had to scale back operations to comply with New Mexico Department of Health guidelines. Many, including Santa Fe Community College, have moved fitness classes to online platforms. We are grateful for our awesome outdoor playgrounds in the mountains; however, they are not accessible to all. The Genoveva Chavez Community Center has managed to reopen in a COVID-19-safe manner for its patrons and staff. Congratulations and thank you. We are happy to announce that Santa Fe Community College will reopen the William C. Witter Fitness Education Center lap swimming pool by reservation (visit https://www.sfcc.edu/aquatic-facilities/ or call 505-428-1751). Exercise encourages us to practice more discipline and patience in our daily lives — habits that help us navigate these trying times. We need more fitness, more sanity and more COVID-19-safe opportunities to exercise.
Ute Jannsen-Kerr
Santa Fe Community College
academic director, School of Fitness Education
Observe Black History Month with these resources
February is Black History Month. We’re sorry we’re unable to celebrate in person, but we’re happy to share some resources available to you. Here are many free government resources.
New Mexico Highlands University, one of our Santa Fe Higher Education Center partners is sharing these resources: NMHU Black History Month 2021. There are some great suggestions for activities, as well as available resources.
The University of New Mexico has invited all to attend its many Black History Month virtual events.
Inset photo: File photo from Feb. 27, 2020. Poets Tintawi Kaigziabiher, D. Anaya and Oriana Lee participated in a Black History Month celebration.
Listen to a new podcast with Stephen Martinez, Ph.D.
Katherine Lewin, the host and producer of The Santa Fe Reporter’s “Reported,” interviews SFCC History Professor Stephen M. Martinez, Ph.D., for the latest podcast episode, “New Mexico is a state now and the other pandemic.” You’ll learn about the state’s first three governors, the role of Spanish language newspapers and much more.
If you missed the previous podcast when Steve Martinez, Ph.D., spoke about the origins of statehood, the legislature and the feud with Texas as well as other bright and dark spots of the period before New Mexico became a state,
listen to the podcast.
Image: Santa Fe Reporter’s graphic design for REPORTED.
Cline's Corner radio show features Becky Rowley
President Becky Rowley outlined the benefits students will receive through SFCC’s partnership with five New Mexico colleges on a new technology system when she spoke with Lynn Cline, host of KSFR 101.1 FM’s Cline’s Corner on Feb. 5. Listen to the podcast.
Register for lap swimming appointments
The registration system for making appointments for lap swimming is now open.
The lap pool lanes are available to the public for limited individual appointments that begin on the hour from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. There is a $7 fee. (Employees please refer to recent email from Human Resources to use the codes as part of your employee benefits.)
Stories about legislative initiative to expand Opportunity Scholarship
Several news outlets have reported on a legislative initiative to expand the Opportunity Scholarship. Here are some of the stories:
02/05/2021 AP News by Cedar Attanasio : “New Mexico legislature considers college tuition funding”
02/05/21, KOB News, “New Mexico Legislature considers college tuition funding”
Library Spring 2021 Curbside Services
The SFCC Library is offering curbside services for the spring semester. Students, faculty, and staff may request library items for pickup here: https://libraryhelp.sfcc.edu/curbside
Students may request printing services for curbside pickup here:
https://libraryhelp.sfcc.edu/dashboard/covidprinting
Curbside hours are
- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays
- 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays
- by appointment.
Send questions to: library@sfcc.edu
Midtown Campus news
Several news stories in recent weeks indicated that the Midtown Campus developer wanted to end its contract with the city and the City Council has ended the agreement. SFCC is a partner in the Midtown Campus planning.
2/10/21, Santa Fe New Mexican, “Santa Fe City Council hears development options for midtown campus”
1/28/2021, Santa Fe New Mexican, Santa Fe agrees to terminate midtown development contract”
Jan. 28, Santa Fe Reporter, “Lights out for Midtown master developer: Council to reconvene evaluation team and consider alternative”
12/16, Santa Fe New Mexican, Editorial: “Developer’s exit brings new midtown opportunities”
Image: Santa Fe Higher Education Center is on the edge of the Midtown Campus.
American Red Cross classes offered Spring 2021
Opportunities for American Red Cross training are available, register now at https://www.sfcc.edu/ with the CRN listed below. For more information, call 428-1608, or click the course title to view a flyer.
Water Safety Instructor Course
April 9 – 18
CRN 30693 HLED 1140
Register now for CE classes about Frida Kahlo and more
Are you interested in learning more about Frida Kahlo? CE is offering three different online classes about the famous Mexican artist. The first begins this Thursday. The instructor Carlos Rovelo is a full-time college professor of Mexican American Studies and Art history in Dallas/Fort Worth. Carlos is also affiliated with the Spanish-language TV networks Telemundo and Univision. Carlos holds an M.A. Degree in Liberal Arts. He completed additional graduate work in art history (the French Academy) in France. He is an expert in the Mexican Muralist movement and the life of Frida Kahlo.
Employees use your EEB Benefit. Need assistance with registration? Call 505-428-1676 or email CE@sfcc.edu.
Media related to ERP system initiative to assist students
Many stories, columns and radio interviews are highlighting the Shared Services Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) initiative including these:
2/1/21, Community College Daily, Partnering to streamline services and reduce costs
2/11/21, PR Newswire, Five New Mexico Colleges Band Together to Share One Enterprise Technology System
1/22/2021, KTRC radio, Northern New Mexico College President Rick Bailey and President Becky Rowley explore the benefits students will experience with a new technology system shared by five colleges on the Richard Eeds Show on KTRC.
1/7/2021, University Business, “5 New Mexico colleges launch groundbreaking partnership”
12/18/2020, Santa Fe New Mexican, “SFCC among 5 New Mexico colleges to collaborate on admissions/transfers”
12/12/20, Santa Fe New Mexican, “My View: Colleges introduce new collaborations.”
SFCC in the news
The following stories or radio shows either featured or mentioned SFCC or one of its employees.
1/29/21,KSWV, Thomasinia Ortiz-Gallegos shares her educational journey
1/16/21, The Santa Fe New Mexican, “Moving Arts Española, Moving on Up” Story mentions possible SFCC collaboration.
1/11/21 Santa Fe New Mexican, “New Mexico Education Department seeks more funds for Opportunity Scholarship”
1/9/21, Santa Fe New Mexican, “Literacy Volunteers of Santa Fe celebrates 35 years”
12/18/20, Santa Fe New Mexican, “Estevan Ortega at the Visual Arts Gallery”
Student Spotlight
Become an RN at Northern New Mexico College: Info Session Feb. 25
Interested in becoming a Nurse? Then plan on attending Northern New Mexico College’s Nursing Info Session, 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, February 25.
NNMC Professor and Nursing Program Director, Ellen Trabka, will be present to talk about Northern’s RN to BSN Nursing program and answer all your questions.
https://nnmc.edu/home/academics/schools-and-departments/nursing-health/
Please email Louise Majorey for the ZOOM Link @louise.majorey@nnmc.edu
Paid virtual summer internship at NMT, NMSU, or UNM. Apply by March 5
Now accepting applications for Summer 2021
Program Dates: May 31 – July 23
The STEM Advancement Program (STEMAP) engages students from New Mexico’s regional universities, community colleges, and tribal colleges in the research funded by the New Mexico SMART Grid Center at UNM, NMSU, and NMT. Up to 12 students are selected to participate each summer; benefits include a $4,000 stipend and funds for living expenses. Academic year opportunities include support to present at state, regional, and national conferences, a webinar series, and continued research activities back at your home campus with a faculty mentor.
If you are interested in pursuing a STEM degree, now or in the future, STEMAP is a great way to get paid while gaining valuable hands-on experience.
Deadline: March 5, 2021
TRIO accepting student applications
The TRIO Program is recruiting new students. Student Support Services (SSS) TRIO is a federally funded grant program designed to work with 160 Santa Fe Community College students. The program serves income-eligible students, first-generation students and students with disabilities. Please encourage students to apply to participate in TRIO.
TRIO continues to serve students with tutoring and other resources in an online capacity.
TRIO provides the following services:
- Tutoring: math, science and writing
- Cultural, educational and community service events
- Workshops: FAFSA, financial literacy, online learning, study skills, self-care, self-advocacy
- Scholarship Assistance
- Transfer to a 4-year college or university
- Academic coaching with a personalized success plan
- Career exploration
Find applications and more information at TRIO Student Services. Questions? Contact trio@sfcc.edu or call 505-428-1130.
Student Weekly Connection Feb. 19
This week’s Student Success newsletter, SFCC Weekly Connection contains great information about resources, transfer opportunities, and student activities events, and Black History Month Trivia!
Submit your work for Katie Besser Student Art and Writing Awards
When inspiration strikes, remember to submit your work for the Katie Besser Student Art and Writing awards!
Categories include Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction/Academic Essay, Text & Image.
For more informataion on prizes and how to submit your work, visit:
WNMU Virtual Transfer Workshop March 2
Interested in becoming a teacher? Interested in transferring to and studying at Western New Mexico University?
Then plan on attending the upcoming
WNMU School of Education Virtual transfer workshop
3 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 2
Representatives from the Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary and Special Education departments, as well as from Admissions and Financial Aid will be available to answer all your questions about transferring and completing a teaching degree.
To RSVP and be sent the event Zoom link please reach out to Renee at, Renee.Howard@wnmu.edu.
ENMU Virtual Visit 1 p.m. March 4
Eastern New Mexico University will be hosting a Virtual Visit session from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 4. Admissions staff will be available to answer all your questions and can help with the transfer application.
Click here at the scheduled time to join the visit.
If you cannot make this time or prefer a one on one session, feel free to schedule a thirty-minute virtual session to meet with one of our staff members or a fifteen-minute phone call here: https://calendly.com/enmurecruitment or reach out anytime to Michael at 575.562.2182 or Shawn at 575.562.2406.
Employee Announcements
Remote Work Reimbursement
The Remote Work Reimbursement Form is available on SFCC Connect. You must be logged via VPN to access the form.
Submit this form if you are eligible for Remote Work Reimbursement. If you were eligible last fall, you are likely still eligible if you are working from home. Speak with your supervisor if you have questions about your eligibility.
George Lee to give keynote at Professional Development Day on March 5
Employees: Please save 8:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 5 for Professional Development Day. A subcommittee of SFCC’s President’s Diversity Advisory Committee is working with other collaborators to present a dynamic conference day of online workshops and interaction revolving around equity, diversity and inclusion. The overall theme is Anti-Racist Leadership.
SFCC is excited to announce that George Lee (shown in the photo) will give the keynote address: “Exploring the Consciousness and
Unconsciousness in Racism.” Read more about George Lee here.
Employees: Watch your email for more details and links to register for the afternoon workshops.
Please note: If March 5 is a regular work day for you, then you are expected to attend Professional Development Day.
Sydney Scherr featured artist on Artsy Shark
Sydney Scherr is head of the Jewelry and Metal Arts program at Santa Fe Community College, according to her bio at https://www.sydneyscherr.com/about
Sydney’s art is featured in the Art Business website, Artsy Shark. In the feature, she describes herself as a visual storyteller.
Photo: “Phoenix” Cloisonné Enamel Necklace/Brooch by Sydney Scherr
Sign up to read for the Faculty and Staff Annual Springtime Reading
Readings in the Library: Faculty and Staff Annual Springtime Reading
5 to 6 p.m. May 6, 2021
All faculty and staff are invited to read their original creative work aloud at this beloved and supportive springtime event. To sign up to read, email sflr@sfcc.edu.
January WOWs! Edward Segura and Frances Valdez
The WOW nominees for the month of January are Edward Segura and Frances Valdez! Congratulations and thanks for your outstanding work!
Edward Segura nominated by Michelle Harding -Collectively OIT is professional and responds quickly to SFCC employees. I have dealt with Mr. Edward Segura numerous times this week and he has consistently provided the utmost professional customer service while taking care of the needs of others. His helpful yet calm demeanor serves well when talking some off the ledge when disaster strikes.
Frances Valdez nominated by Aamna Nayyar-I am nominating Frances Valdez [from Jackie Gutierrez’s office]. Frances is very professional and efficient. In this COVID-19 campus closure, she is one of those who keeps positive and make sure that her duties are done on time.
NAPE Culturally Responsive Teaching Webinar March 5
Eliminating Barriers through Culturally Responsive Teaching
This toolkit is intended to help educators develop mindsets to meet the needs of their students and to implement curriculum that utilizes students’ cultural perspectives and home or community knowledge. Culturally responsive teaching is when educators relate content and instructional strategies to the cultural backgrounds of their students. Through a process of examination, reflection, and action, educators investigate their own experiences with Culturally Responsive Pedagogy (CRP) and develop a unique CRP reflection tool customized to their specific context for use in evaluating practices. Please note, this webinar is part of SFCC’s Professional Development Day, and is an afternoon workshop option.
3 to 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 5, 2021
Register now for this and other FREE Nape Webinars today!
The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V) grant funds are supporting this professional development. If you have any questions, please contact Ann Black at ann.black@sfcc.edu or 928-779-4584.
Employees: Conversation with the President video available
How to enroll for COVID 19 vaccine
Please see the President’s update from Jan. 8 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.”
Since the update was released, there has been additional information about the phases of distribution. Read more here.
Gerard Martinez y Valencia shares opinion in My View column
Gerard Martinez y Valencia shared his opinion in the Jan. 17 issue of of the Santa Fe New Mexican in the “My View: Seize opportunity for cultural healing.”
Reminder: Don't speak to ERP vendors
In an email on Dec. 15, President Rowley shared an ERP update.
She stated: After months of incredibly hard work by dozens of our colleagues here and at our partner colleges at CNM, Clovis Community College, Northern New Mexico College, and San Juan College with the Shared Services Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) initiative, I am pleased to announce that our Shared Services ERP Request for Proposals will be posted on Friday, Dec. 18…
Later in the full message she notes,
“Thank you to our coworkers who have dedicated many hours to the Shared Services ERP RFP. Thank you, also, to all of you for continuing to honor the mandate that we must avoid all vendor contact now through the awarding of the contract next summer. We have already received a lot of outreach from vendors, and that has not been limited to those in OIT. Therefore, please remember to avoid responding to vendors. Should you hear from a vendor, please refer them to Gerrie Becker, Chief Procurement Officer for the RFP, 505-224-4551. Gerrie is the only person authorized to speak with vendors.”
Let's help slow the spread of the virus
Human Resource Director Luis Olivas shared this message on Nov. 20:
With COVID-19 cases increasing to the highest levels we have seen since the start of the pandemic, I just want to remind everyone of a few important pieces of information.
• Public health orders require that everyone wear a mask at all times outside of your home.
• Social distance in public and avoid gatherings with people outside your household.
• 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. A new testing site at 2501 Camino Entrada at Fire Station #7 is open 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• If you do contract COVID-19, seek medical attention immediately. Notify your supervisor and human resources, these cases need to reported, we are 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
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.
Welcome Interim Deans and Interim Associate Dean
Following the retirements of Dean Jenny Landen and Dean Camilla Bustamante, Ph.D., SFCC welcomes the following in their interim roles:
Julia Deisler, Ph.D., Acting Interim Dean of Trades, Advanced Technologies and Sustainability and of Business, Professional Studies and Education.
Dawn Wink, Acting Interim Associate Dean of the School of Trades, Advanced Technology, and Sustainability and the School of Business, Professional Studies, and Education. She will continue to serve as the Director of Teacher education.
Colleen Lynch, Acting Interim Dean School of Science, Health, Engineering, and Math and the School of Fitness Education.
Ute Jannsen-Kerr is assisting the School of Science, Health, Engineering, Math and the School of Fitness by taking on some of the Associate Dean duties while continuing to serve as Director of Fitness Education.
Please welcome these colleagues in their new roles and offer support while the search for the deans continues.
Inset photos: top – Julia Deisler, Ph.D. followed by a photo of Colleen Lynch.
