Campus Weekly
SFCC moving primarily to remote learning through Jan. 30
In a message to the college community on January 14, President Becky Rowley, Ph.D., wrote:
“Welcome to the New Year. I hope your winter break was restful, safe, and rejuvenating. I am writing to share some important information with you as we enter the spring semester.
Like you, I have been closely following news and information about the Coronavirus Omicron variant and its surge through our community. While research suggests that Omicron may be milder for some, it continues to set records for Covid-related hospitalizations and cases – subsequently straining hospitals, school systems, and a wide range of vital support services. Because of this situation, I am sharing with you these important announcements:
Spring semester will begin remotely on Tues., Jan. 18 with most classes meeting online through Jan. 30.
If circumstances improve, we will resume on-campus, in-person learning on Mon., Jan. 31.
Select academic programs that require in-person attendance will be held onsite and are posted here: https://www.sfcc.edu/covid/2022-on-campus-classes/.
The following departments and organizations are not currently scheduled to switch to exclusively remote learning: Continuing Education and Contract Training; William C. Witter Fitness Education Center and fitness classes; Kids Campus; Santa Fe Higher Education Center and its partners; The MASTERS Program; KSFR Santa Fe Public Radio; La Familia Medical Center Dental Clinic. This is subject to change, so please be on the lookout for updates.
Main Campus will remain open during regular hours and students can receive assistance online or in person.
SFCC employees: The campus will remain open and student services must remain operational so that we can provide students the support they need. Please continue to work with your direct supervisors in managing your on-campus schedule.
The best and quickest way to protect ourselves and each other from Covid and return to a normal routine is to get vaccinated. The college’s vaccine requirement is in effect. If you are scheduled for in-person classes at any point this semester, please don’t delay in submitting your documentation here: https://www.sfcc.edu/covid/sfcc-health-screener/. For assistance, please contact covid@sfcc.edu.
Covid protocols remain in effect, including masks and social distancing.
As we all strive for a return to a more regular routine, I recognize that these adjustments may seem sudden, disappointing, and perhaps difficult. Some of you may feel relief. Either way, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the college for assistance. I thank you deeply for making the adjustments and sacrifice necessary to keep one another safe during these challenging times.”
News and Announcements
AARP Tax-Aide taking appointments from Feb. 1 through April 13
The college and AARP Foundation Tax-Aide announce they will offer tax assistance and preparation via online appointment. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service. The services are provided by volunteers from the community. Appointments can be made after January 15 at https://www.sfcc.edu/taxaide-aarp-tax/. Community members will be asked to either pick up forms outside the Santa Fe Higher Education Center, 1950 Siringo Road, beginning January 27 or download the forms at the registration website to fill out and prepare for drop-off at their appointment time at the Santa Fe HEC.
All appointments must be made online. No one will be admitted on a drop-in basis. Appointments, which are expected to quickly fill, will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday beginning Tuesday, February 1 and ending Wednesday, April 13. For information, please leave a voice mail at (505) 428-1780. Volunteers will return calls when possible. Note: Taxpayers will be asked to stay in their cars and wear a mask so volunteers can pick up and return paperwork to them in the Santa Fe HEC parking lot.
OIT Maintenance
OIT will be performing maintenance 7 a.m. to noon Sunday, January 23.
All systems will be affected by intermittent outages.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact the
OIT Service Desk at (505) 428-1222
CE opens form for vaccination requirement for in-person classes, training and events
Continuing Education and Contract Training have opened a form for participants to upload their proof of vaccination to attend in-person classes, trainings and events. Please read the details on the web page re: submitting a request for religious and medical exemptions, as well as requirements for testing for those with exemptions.
Save the Date: 'Honoring our Relationships Through Solidarity' series begins noon Feb. 7
Mark you calendar to save noon to 1:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7 for a campuswide kick-off of the ‘Honoring our Relationships through Solidarity’ series presented by PDAC and funded by Title V.
Presenters from the University of New Mexico will launch the series with a presentation that will be followed up by several opportunities in the following weeks to have the SFCC community participate in dialog to identify systems of exclusion and oppression in higher education (SFCC), develop a framework that helps identify systems of oppression and explore the role of data in dismantling systems of exclusion and oppression at SFCC.
Watch Campus Weekly to learn more about this engaging series, details about the initial presentation and information about the presenters who’ll share conversations with faculty, staff and students that can help shape the future of SFCC.
SFCC announces Dean's list for Fall
Congratulations to the Santa Fe Community College students on the Dean’s List who maintained a grade point average of 3.5 or higher during the fall 2021 semester!
Apply now for Gene Haas Scholarships for Machining Engineering
SFCC and SFCC Foundation announced Gene Haas Scholarships are now available for Engineering Machining Technology AAS students.
Part-time students (6-11 credits) can receive a scholarship of $300 per semester, and full-time students (12 or more credits) can receive $500. New students are eligible, and continuing students must maintain a semester and cumulative GPA of 2.5. In addition, students must:
• declare a major in the Engineering Machining Technology AAS
• be New Mexico residents
• file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Dreamers Financial Aid Application.
The Gene Haas Scholarship can be combined with other scholarship options like the Opportunity Scholarship and the Lottery Scholarship.
For more information and links to applications, go to https://www.sfcc.edu/offices/financial-aid/.
For more information about this scholarship, as well as other scholarships email financialaid@sfcc.edu or call 505-428-1268.
It’s not too late to register for classes in the program. The evening/online machining cohort starts spring 2022 including the following sequence of courses: ENGR 121 – Engineering Graphics, MATT 113 – Manufacture Safety and Measure, MATT 114 – Introduction to Lathes, MATT 115 – Introduction to Mills and MATT 116 – Introduction to Supporting Machine Tools and Principles.
Questions about the program? Contact either Miguel Maestas:
miguel.maestas@sfcc.edu at 505-428-1315 or Steve Converse: steve.converse@sfcc.edu 505-428-1232.
Register for ESL classes now, orientation begins soon
Do you know someone who wants to learn English as a Second Language? Whether you speak no English at all, or you only know a little, or even if you know a lot of English, SFCC has classes for you.
Santa Fe Community College will offer a 12-week English as a Second Language session from January 31 to April 28 to any adult who wants to learn English. New students must attend an orientation session prior to registration. The orientation session will include testing and placement as well as registration for the courses. The $25 registration fee is being waived for the upcoming Spring 2022 term. Classes will be in person at the SFCC Main Campus, Desert Sage Academy and online.
Students will need to pre-register and attend a mandatory orientation session. COVID vaccines are required for all who participate in person.
How to Register for ESL:
Visit https://www.sfcc.edu/esl-program-registration/ Complete and submit the registration form in English or Spanish.
Attend an ESL orientation. (required)
Location: SFCC Main Campus
Dates: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday January 11-27 (January 11, 12, 13/18, 19, 20/ 25, 26, 27)
Times: 9 to 11 a.m. and 5 to 7 p.m.
Orientations will be held in small groups, so expect wait time. Social Distancing and masks are required as per SFCC COVID protocols. Only future students may be present. Additional guests will not be permitted in the orientation area.
Students interested in online classes can attend an orientation at SFCC or contact the ESL Program to arrange an online orientation. Students will need a stable internet connection to attend online classes.
The Spring 2022 ESL classes will be offered in-person at Santa Fe Community College, Desert Sage Academy and online. Classes meet twice a week, on Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays depending on the level. Morning classes meet from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. Evening classes are from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Spring 2022 ESL classes begin Jan. 31. Space is limited. For more information, call 505-428-1356.
Register now for free online lecture by Michael McGarrity on Feb. 15
SFCC Library presents a free online lecture “Michael McGarrity: How Writers Sabotage Themselves and What to Do About It” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. February 15.
The best-selling novelist will discuss the pitfalls aspiring writers face as they strive to break into print. Issues will include setting unrealistic expectations, overcoming rejection, falling into the trap of self-publishing, over-reliance on the opinion of others, a reluctance to recognize technical and creative flaws, and an unwillingness to persevere and make lifestyle sacrifices.
Michael McGarrity is a clinical social worker, New York Times best-selling novelist with 17 books in print, and originator of the SFCC Richard Bradford Memorial Creative Writing Scholarship.
The free online lecture will be presented on Zoom. Preregistration required at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WritersSabotageMcGarrity Registrants will receive an email with a Zoom link the morning of the event.
SFCC Visual Arts Gallery , "Paintings and Poetry: The Center Cannot Hold" opening rescheduled to 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 3
SFCC’s Visual Arts Gallery presents the exhibition, “Paintings and Poetry: The Center Cannot Hold,” opening has been rescheduled to 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 3. The exhibition features the work of artists Jane Shoenfeld and Bill Sortino. Please note: All attendees at the opening will be required to show proof of vaccination and wear masks.
The two diverse contemporary artists will offer a showcase of paintings imbued with a deep connection to poetry. “This is such an exciting show that will resonate with artists and poets alike,” said Director of the Visual Arts Gallery, Linda Cassel. “While the artists are quite different, they both are so gifted and dedicated to immersing themselves in the full artistic process of painting, as well as writing poetry.”
Inset image above: Bill Sortino’s “Possibilities,” Acrylic on Canvas, 36” x 48
Jane Shoenfeld’s “The Center Cannot Hold” (in response to phrase from “The Second Coming,” WB Yeats,) Pastel on Tinted, Sanded Paper, 28 1/8” X 20 1/8”
A special workshop “Poems from Paintings” with Poet Donald Levering is scheduled in conjunction with the exhibition from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, February 11 at the Visual Arts Gallery. Proof of vaccination and masks will be required to attend.
Participants in this workshop will write poems in response to the paintings in this exhibition.
Register now for Miriam Sagan reading on Feb. 1
SFCC Library presents “Start Again: A Reading” by Miriam Sagan from her newest book of poetry at 6 p.m. Feb. 1.
The poems in Miriam Sagan’s poetry collection, Start Again ($21.95 paperback, Red Mountain Press), come from the poet’s experiences and ruminations during the COVID-19 pandemic in Santa Fe.
As in her previous work, Sagan dips into elements of myth and mysticism, working in symbols of the tarot, astrology, nature, history, and Judaism, to create a poetic cosmology all her own.
Some poems explore the traditional New Mexico landscapes — sacred places turned iconic, the indigenous and migrated populations jarring up against the history and trauma of conquest and Anglo invasion. Heavy in the history, the poet likewise captures the present pandemic moments, the underlying sense of dread and unknowing the pandemic spurred.
Photo by Matthew Morrow.
Register to attend here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/StartAgainSagan
Listen to the The Key Podcast featuring Becky Rowley and Tracy Hartzler
Listen to a great conversation with Becky and Tracy explaining the challenges and goals of CHESS.
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.
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.
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.
For the protection of our community...
When coming on campus:
- Masks are required.
- Practice social distancing
- Avoid congregating in groups.
- Avoid staying in public, indoor spaces for extended time periods.
- Children are allowed on campus. Masks required.
- Fully vaccinated? Please use the SFCC Health Screener App to submit proof of vaccination
- Departments, programs, and unique spaces may require special protocols or safety requirements.
- Appointments are highly encouraged.
SFCC in the news
The following stories or radio shows either featured or mentioned SFCC or one of its employees.
1/16/2022, Santa Fe New Mexican, “New initiative aims to boost ESL teacher numbers”
1/16/2022, KRQE-TV, “Santa Fe Community College hosting new art exhibit”
1/15/2022, Santa Fe New Mexican,“Many in N.M. land on their feet after quitting jobs” includes information about Felip Perez who received training and now works at the Fab Lab Hub at SF Higher Education Center.
1/14/2022, Santa Fe New Mexican, “Santa Fe Community College will start spring semester remotely”
1/02/2022, Santa Fe New Mexican, “In Memoriam: A look back at New Mexicans who died in 2021” The story includes beloved SFCC grad Kyle Pacheco and SFCC instructor John Paul LeDoux.
12/31/2021, Santa Fe New Mexican, “Artists in Conversation: Arthur Lopez and Noe Garcia Chavez” Noe Garcia Chavez is studying art at SFCC.
12/17/2021, Los Alamos Daily Post, SFCC Visual Arts Gallery Presents ‘Paintings And Poetry: The Center Cannot Hold’ Jan. 27
11/10/2021, Santa Fe Botanical Garden newsletter, “Adobe mud ovens rise from the ashes”
11/08/2021, Santa Fe New Mexican,“Santa Fe Community College Automotive Technologies Center gets LEED Gold rating.”
11/06/2021, Santa Fe New Mexican, “MY VIEW PAUL LAZARUS: Come January, screenwriting is continuing ed at SFCC”
Student Spotlight
FAFSA Workshops Wednesdays at 11 - First step to Financial Aid!
FASFA workshops begin at 11 a.m. Wednesdays
January 19, 26
February 2 & 23
March 23, April 20 & May 25
Have your 2019 income tax and wage information available in order to apply for this year’s financial aid (through Summer 2022)
Have 2020 info to apply for next year (Fall 2022 – Summer 2023)
Parents’ information should be used if the student is under 24 years old and not married or independent
The workshops will take place on the Zoom video conferencing platform. For more information, contact Financial Aid Office at finaid@sfcc.edu or call 505-428-1268.
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.
Planning to come on campus this Spring semester? Submit your proof of vaccination by Jan. 18!
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.
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 need 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
December WOWs: Susan Rathjen
WOW Award for the month of December
Edward Ashmead nominated Susan Rathjen
“Susan has worked for many, many years promoting math and language literacy for students enrolled in the ACE (Academic and Career Education) program and is always so pleasant and helpful. She bends over backwards to line up students with tutors and has been a Godsend to our program for those students with skills so low they would otherwise struggle to succeed in our Adult Basic Education program. I could not have succeeded with so many students without her help in training and matching tutors with them, which
has led to improved graduation rates.”
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.
How to submit your proof of Vaccination
- 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
- Sign in using your SFCC credentials with “LOGIN WITH EXISTING ACCOUNT”
- 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
HR has provided the following document to guide you through the submission process:
SFCC Health Screener App Guide
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.
- Policy 1-11 Shared Governance, President Rowley, ext. 1201 or Audrey Lucero, Executive Assistant to SFCC Boards, ext. 1148
- Shared Governance – Procedures Overview
- Policy Review Procedures
- Policy Review Flowchart
- Policy 3-12 Faculty Qualifications Procedures, Margaret Peters, Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, ext. 1372.
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.”
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
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.
Applications open through Thursday for fiber optics training
The college in partnership with Santa Fe County and the New Mexico Department of Workforce Connections announce applications are open for a free training bootcamp to become a certified fiber optics technician. Qualified applicants will get up to 80 hours paid internships.
The Professional Readiness for Technical Careers (PROTEC) program begins on Monday, January 31 continues through Friday, February 4 at the Santa Fe Higher Education Center, 1950 Siringo Road. Applications are due on January 20. More information and applications are available at protecsantafe.com.
The free five-day, hands-on intensive program gives students the opportunity to earn three certifications from the Fiber Optic Association that are recognized throughout the world and aligned to industry standards. These credentials will remain valid for three years, after which they can be renewed by the student. Students can earn the following certifications: Certified Fiber Optic Technician, Certified Fiber Optic Specialist in Splicing, and Certified Fiber Optic Specialists in Testing and Maintenance.
Certified optics technicians are in demand. Local employers include Kelly Cable of NM, Nelnet, Windstream Communications, CACI and ATI Security.
Included in the training are these three opportunities for three certifications.
Participant requirements: Students must be able to distinguish colors and have good finger dexterity. No prior workforce training is required. Participants must be a high school graduate or equivalent, aged 18 years old or older, have proof of Covid-19 vaccination and be a Santa Fe County resident. For applications visit protecsantafe.com.
For more details read the press release.
PROTEC offers preparatory training for entry-level employment in a variety of industries and is designed for individuals who are currently unemployed, underemployed or looking to increase their hire-ability in Santa Fe County.
For more information about the PROTEC program contact SFCC Continuing Education program at 505-428-1676 or ce@sfcc.edu.
