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Stay alert; Closures at Dinosaur Trail and Richards Ave. begin Sept. 11

Map from Santa Fe County alert news release.
Click on the map to see it bigger.

SFCC realizes how disruptive the construction of the NE/SE Connector Project has been to everyone traveling to the college.

Keep in mind that these projects have had many variables beyond the College’s control. Last week’s unexpected water-pressure disruption led to the closure of SFCC’s Main Campus. Read more. The construction is ongoing. SFCC wants you to stay alert and stay safe. For your safety, please sign up for the County and SFCC Alert systems.

Sign up for County Emergency Alerts

For road updates, please sign up for the county emergency alerts at Alert Santa Fe.

Campus Closures

You can always find the latest about emergencies and weather alerts regarding campus closures in the top banner at sfcc.edu. If you did not receive the email alerts or text messages regarding the recent closure, register (at the top green button) and update your information for the SFCC Alert system RAVE.

On Sept. 1, SFCC received this latest update from Santa Fe County:

NE/SE Connector Road(s)Project
Richards Ave. Closed from
Dinosaur Trail to Zinnia Lane;
Richards
Ave. and Dinosaur Trail Closure


Santa Fe, NM – Beginning Monday, September 11, 2023, the contractor for Santa Fe County will begin construction of a roundabout at Richards Avenue, north of the Dinosaur Trail intersection for the NE/SE Connector Project. To safely accommodate the construction, it will be necessary to close a segment of Richards Avenue.

Richards Ave. will be closed immediately north of Dinosaur Trail extending north, to immediately south of Zinnia Lane (north of the I-25 southbound bridge). This closure will be in effect for up to 60 calendar days. During this time, Santa Fe County will provide detour and business access signage identifying alternative routes around the closure.

In advance of the temporary closure on September 11, please be aware, that beginning on September 5, earth work will be occurring in the area and flagging operations will be instituted. While a closure is unnecessary for this work, minor traffic delays may occur.

Motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists are advised to seek alternate routes and urged to allow additional time to accommodate the detours.

For additional information regarding this project, please visit www.sfcconnectors.com or contact Santa Fe County Public Works at (505) 992-3010.

Thank you for your patience, continued cooperation, and please use caution in the work zones.



Video of Miriam Sagan’s ‘Castaway’ poetry reading now available

If you missed Miriam Sagan’s recent reading, “Castaway” brought to you on Zoom by the SFCC Library, check it out. Note: Watch for several minutes and then you will see Miriam Sagan in the full screen. Read more about her reading in the press release.


Spur Trail gates reopen; please stay on the trail

To protect college students and employees as well as the public during the NE/SE Connector project, as well as during the decommissioning of the wastewater plant, SFCC was obliged to close off the Spur Trail gates that provide access to Main Campus.

The Spur Trail gates reopened on Friday, August. 25. All users are reminded to stay on the trail. For your own safety, do not walk or ride off the trail. The college will be working to improve signage and wayfinding along the trail. In the meantime, please respect college property and remain on the trail. Thank you.


SANTA FE LITERARY REVIEW available for pickup

Free reading at 5 p.m. Oct. 19 in SFCC Visual Arts Gallery

Register at https://bit.ly/sflr2023

Complimentary copies of the SANTA FE LITERARY REVIEW (SFLR) are available for pickup at the Santa Fe Public Library branches, the Vista Grande Public Library in Eldorado, and at the SFCC Library.

The public is invited to a free reading at the SFCC Visual Arts Gallery, from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19. Please register at https://bit.ly/sflr2023.

The SFLR editors wrote in this issue’s letter to the reader:


““There’s no hiding something that wants to be found,” writes Melissa Darcey Hall in her story, “Leave the Bone Buried.” Creation is like that: that which was hidden rises to the surface, manifesting in ways the artist might never have intended—or imagined. Once fashioned, a good myth takes on a life of its own, evolving over time through countless retellings. And for the writers and artists—the makers of myths—it’s so often the case that our message, our voice, finds us, and not the other way around […]

Through dozens of manifestations, the myth lies at this issue’s core, and with it, a celebration of every story wishing to be found.”

The SFLR is created each year by SFCC faculty, students, and alumnae. This year’s issue features work by contributors from SFCC, Santa Fe, and around the world, and also includes an interview with Amber McCrary, a Diné artist and the founder of Abalone Mountain Press.

The 2023 issue of the SFLR is available for viewing or download at https://bit.ly/sflronline. For a selection of writing and art, visit sfcc.edu/literary-review-issue/2023/. For more information about the publication or the event, contact SFLR Faculty Advisor Kate McCahill by email at sflr@sfcc.edu, or call 505-428-1903.


Road closure at Governor Miles and Richards, sign up for alerts

Governor Miles Road at Richards Avenue is closed as of Wednesday Aug. 23 for repairs. No estimate of when it will open. Seek alternative route. Future road construction announcements will be provided through Alert Santa Fe.

Sharing this observation: As you travel on Richards Avenue from Rodeo Road toward the college, the portion of Governor Miles that goes east is closed for maintenance. The section of Governor Miles that goes west is open.

Construction projects and timelines have been variable due to supply chain issues and staffing.

For any future road updates please sign up for Alert Santa Fe.


Former student and his work showcased on ¡COLORES!

Art installation by Hernan Gomez Chavez.

Sculptor and public artist Hernan Gomez Chavez, a former student, creates a conversation about home, belonging, and displacement inspired by his Mexican-American heritage, on the NMPBS show ¡COLORES! The show, which first aired Aug. 19, should be available soon online at NMPBS.org.

The artist received an Associate of Science in Welding Technologies from SFCC in 2018. Read more about the artist from the NMPBS website.



Genuine Foods Coffee Shop now open, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Genuine Foods Coffee Shop is open and is serving breakfast burritos, drinks, coffee, sandwiches, pizza and salads. Currently, the hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Genuine Foods needs to add staff to support the kitchen operation to open the cafeteria.

Genuine Foods is hiring! Please encourage friends or family to apply here for a cook position. Trish Campbell, Director of Food Services, said the cook position is open. She shared, “Candidates should have some experience because they will have to hit the ground running and have knowledge of prep, cook, equipment and such. They also have to be personable and ready to please as we will be customer-oriented. They need to handle a fast-paced environment and take direction well. Starting pay is $18 per hour. I will also have a couple cashier positions opening soon and more than likely some catering positions, as well.”

If you have any specific questions regarding food services please contact Trish Campbell, Director Food Services at trish.campbell@genuinefoods.com



SFCC and IAIA Open House events on Sept. 21

There will be a demonstration of steamroller printing again at this year’s Open House.

Save the date! Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) and Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) are pleased to announce they will partner—again—and host open house events on the same day, Thursday, September 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at SFCC (6401 Richards Ave.) and 1 to 5 p.m. at IAIA (83 Avan Nu Po Road). Visitors are encouraged to visit both campuses—only a six-minute drive or 11-minute bike ride apart—for exciting demos, art exhibits, campus tours, and to meet students, staff, and faculty at both schools.

Read more details in this press release. Please note: Many activities will occur in the Campus Courtyard. SFCC will update this web page with the schedule soon. Also, check out the IAIA schedule as it evolves. Director of Art on Campus Linda Cassel is coordinating SFCC’s open house. For information, contact her via email at linda.cassel@sfcc.edu or call 505-428-1501.



Create a Free Will using easy online tool

Executive Director of SFCC Foundation Kelly Marquez shared this opportunity to create a Free Will in a recent email:

Valued supporters like you help the Santa Fe Community College Foundation empower our students on their educational journeys toward a successful future. We wouldn’t be able to strengthen this community without you. In gratitude, I’m writing to share news of our exciting new partnership that offers you a resource to complete a vital life task.

The Santa Fe Community College Foundation partnered with FreeWill: a free online estate planning tool!

This partnership comes just in time for National Make-A-Will Month, the best time of the year to create or update your will. Here are a few reasons why you might want to complete this essential task:

  • Security: Creating your will and estate plan allows you to communicate important financial and healthcare decisions, so you’re prepared for whatever the future may hold.  
  • Peace of mind: A will allows you to provide for the people and pets you love, so you know that no matter what, they will be supported. 

Make your Free Will at: https://www.freewill.com/sfccfoundation

Impact: By including a legacy gift in your will, you can sustain the future of Santa Fe Community College and help secure our learning environment for the next generation!

Nearly 67% of American adults do not have an up-to-date estate plan, and it’s a crucial document that helps you care for your loved ones and steward your assets. FreeWill’s online tool guides you through writing your will in about 20 minutes — and it’s completely free to use.

As you write your will, FreeWill makes it simple to plan a legacy gift of any size to the SFCC Foundation. Your legacy gift can plant a seed of support that will grow to empower hardworking young people who are the future of our community!

Thanks for your continued support.


Exhibition “Entwined: Memory, Experience and Serendipity” opens 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 14

The exhibition featuring the art of Ilse Bolle continues through Oct. 11.

Ilse Bolle’s “Cycles,”16x22x2, Handmade paper, encaustic found objects

SFCC’s Visual Arts Gallery opens the art exhibition, “Entwined: Memory, Experience, Serendipity” featuring the art of Ilse Bolle, with a reception from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14. The public is welcome to attend the free reception with refreshments at the Visual Arts Gallery. The exhibition continues through Oct. 11.

Ilse Bolle, “Healing FromWithin XIVIII,” 62x8x8, Handmade paper, mixed media

Ilse Bolle’s fiber constructions are a fascinating combination of mixed media and sculpture. Bolle uses paper she makes by hand, twigs she harvests from the local landscape and waxed linen thread, which she uses to construct a simple, strong sculptural form. Found pieces of rusted metal, ubiquitous in the arroyos around Santa Fe, are then added to the composition. The juxtaposition of natural and man-made elements creates a remarkably earthy, stable beauty. At the same time, Bolle’s work maintains an aesthetic that captures and releases an emotional reaction.

Director of Art on Campus Linda Cassel said, “We’re pleased to showcase the creative work of Ilse Bolle. Her artwork invites the viewer to experience her clever artistic interplay of unconventional and traditional natural materials, which presents a refreshing illustration of conviviality and life.”

Ilse Bolle bio:

After immigrating from Germany in 1969, Ilse Bolle raised a family and continued her education at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois. She achieved a BS Ed. in Art Education in 1982 and a MA in Studio Art in 1987. For 26 years, Ilse taught art in the public schools while maintaining a working studio. After she retired from teaching, she and her late husband moved to Santa Fe where she concentrates on her art full-time.

Ilse’s work was chosen for the 8th International Triennale of Tapestry in Lodz, Poland, and exhibited and collected by private and corporate collectors throughout the United States, Germany, Canada and Mexico.

Artist’s Statement:

“While growing up in rural Germany, I developed a special bond with nature. I loved creating with seedpods, tree bark, twigs, vines and grasses and, to this day, still gather most of the materials that I incorporate in my work.

Layers of handmade paper, with inclusions of textural elements, and knotted stick structures of willow and tamarisk are the bases for my fiber constructions. This process allows me to enclose space and explore the relationship between flat and curved surfaces. Process is very important to me, and I strive for simple, yet strong forms, always working with the natural color of the materials.

Paper and the process of making it has become an essential element in my work. The meshing and bonding of individual fibers create a strong yet pliable substance rich in texture. I enjoy slight, tactile imperfections and often emphasize them for their organic beauty.

Found objects in the form of rusted metal find their way into my work. I value the past and its remains, for they provide insight and context to the present and connections to the future.”

The SFCC Visual Arts Gallery is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information about the SFCC Visual Arts Gallery, contact Director of Art on Campus Linda Cassel via email at linda.cassel@sfcc.edu or call 505-428-1501.


Follett Higher Education now operating bookstore; snacks have arrived!

The bookstore is now being operated by Follett Higher Education.

Bookstore hours:

8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday
8:30 – 3 p.m. Friday
Closed Saturday & Sunday

Visit the web page for the bookstore at https://www.sfcc.edu/offices/bookstore/

With more than 150 years of experience in the education industry, Follett is trusted by more than 1,000 campuses across the U.S and Canada to help drive student success and support the higher education journey. As the latest to join the Follett network, Santa Fe Community College will benefit from Follett’s unique industry perspective and expertise, giving students, faculty and staff, alumni, and the entire campus community a cohesive and engaging campus retail experience.

Follett Higher Education is an equal opportunity employer. If you know someone who’d like to work at the bookstore, please have them apply online at www.follett.com/careers.



East Wing Eatery currently closed

The East Wing Eatery is closed for now. SFCC hopes to have it reopen later in the fall semester. We’ll share in Campus Weekly any updates.



Library Fall Hours

The SFCC Library hours for Fall semester are:

Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Friday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

You can contact the library online either via email at library@sfcc.edu or via chat on the SFCC Library homepage: https://www.sfcc.edu/library/



SFCC Accelerated Medical Assisting Certificate

Accredited specific education includes performing clinical and administrative procedures in settings such as physician’s offices, clinics and ambulatory settings. Course are sequenced to build skill level and prepare students for a career in the growing medical field.

The certificate is accelerated, eligible for financial aid, offered in both Fall and Spring semesters. It includes a practicum in a doctor’s office or hospital and National Certification tests. The certificate is embedded in the Medical Assisting Associate Degree.

Students must complete an application to start the acceptance process.



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.



Info session for Medicaid health insurance and alternatives for students on Sept. 13


Counseling services available for students


Apply now for AwardSpring Scholarships

Here are the requirements that must be met for all Foundation scholarships for the Fall 2023 semester:

GPA (2.5 or higher)
Completion Rate (67% or higher)
Satisfactory Academic Status
Enrollment (6 credit hours or higher)
FAFSA on file
Completed Financial Aid file
For more assistance and information, please contact The Financial Aid office at finaid@sfcc.edu.


Schedule an online FAFSA appointment

Students who need FAFSA assistance can now schedule an appointment via a Calendly link. There are no longer weekly virtual FAFSA hours during the fall semester. 

Scheduling via Calendly allows students to schedule a specific time, allowing the time needed to complete their FAFSA. At this time, with many students inquiring for FAFSA assistance, the virtual hours wouldn’t allow for great one-on-one assistance.


Apply by Sept. 8 for SFCC Student Parent Success Program

SFCC is offering individual coaching and support and up to $600/semester to student parents under age 30 with a child ages 0-5 or expecting. Apply by September 8 to participate: https://forms.office.com/r/nhfsZxjPCG.



Important dates for fall semester


Irina Thomas Linocuts at Dulce

Irina Thomas, Printmaking student at SFCC, is currently showing her Linocuts at Dulce Capital Bakery and Coffee Shop located in the El Mercado Plaza. The show will be up until September 20.
Dulce hours are 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. everyday but Sunday.

Irina Thomas was born and educated as an architect in the southern city of Rostov-on-Don in Russia, former Soviet Union. Santa Fe has been her home for the last 25 years.

All her prints were done in Santa Fe Community College’s studios, and she sincerely thanks this wonderful place, its teachers, gallery staff, and many friends she met here for inspiration and support.

 Artist Statement

The ideas for my prints come spontaneously from the feelings of awe, delight, bewilderment, and anticipation of nothing short of a miracle in every moment of life.

I feel that Printmaking is a very democratic form of art, as it allows sharing messages of our time more freely and readily than any other form. Although printmaking commands solid design and engineering of the plates, in time, as this medium became my best friend, I discovered that I could “do less and get more” – true freedom of expression!

The laconic statement of a linocut can be, without being an illustration, a “right on” aphorism or a “would be funny if not so true” folk saying.

It can reflect a subtle wish in prayer or be a snapshot of a dream. The composition of black and white lines can convey all the colors of human emotions and light to dark gradations of the mind. That is magic!

The prints are $150- $350 unframed, matted.
For more information, please contact Irina at IrinaThomasPrints@enet3.com


Student Recruitment Ambassador needed

The Office of Recruitment and Student Outreach is hiring a Student Recruitment Ambassador to assist with leading campus tours for individuals and large groups, to support SFCC’s Recruitment and Dual Credit team and assist with projects as needed. Our Ambassador will also participate in community and Santa Fe public School events like college and career fairs and application drives.

Please contact Daniela Gurule at daniela.gurule@sfcc.edu or 505-428-1149 if you are interested!


Interested in helping others? Campus Cupboard is seeking student employees

Interested in helping others? Campus Cupboard is hiring three Students as Campus Cupboard, The Exchange and Office Ambassadors.

Interested call 505-428-1582  or email maria.eleas@sfcc.edu

Students will work a maximum 20 hours per week. Must be registered for at least 3 CR in summer and 6 CR in fall and maintain a minimum of a 2.5 GPA. Pay is $15/hour. Students do not need to be work-study eligible.

Ambassadors make a difference by providing excellent customer service, completing and fulfilling online and in-person orders, coordinating on-campus delivery events, maintaining inventory reports and ensuring products are readily available, maintaining a positive atmosphere, ensuring the cleanliness of space, and providing other opportunities to make a difference. Assist with campus events and activities. Ambassadors may have some physical requirements to fulfill.


Registration open for late-starting fall classes

Do you know someone who’s interested in taking classes at SFCC, but doesn’t know where to start? Encourage them to visit the Educational Pathways. Find classes at https://www.sfcc.edu/look-for-a-credit-class/.

Encourage your friends and family members to come to the college. Remind folks about the Opportunity Scholarship, as well as the Lottery Scholarship for recent high school graduates.

For information on applying and registering visit https://www.sfcc.edu/get-started/apply-and-register/ For more information, please contact the Welcome and Advising Center, 505-428-1270, wac@sfcc.edu. 


Students: Need childcare? Make sure you’re on the Kids Campus waitlist

When a spot comes available at the Kids Campus, students get priority placement. Kids Campus wants to support student parents and hopes that those needing childcare will get on the waitlist.

Children of degree-seeking SFCC students, SFCC employees, and full-time students at the Higher Education Center are prioritized for placement to support a two-generation philosophy of education at the college.

Visit the Kids Campus website for more information. Students receive a 10% discount on the cost of Kids Campus and N.M. Early Childhood Education and Care Development offers Child Care Assistance to income-eligible students.



Student Resource Center is here for you

Connect with Community Resources
The Student Resource Center focuses on providing information to students about resources throughout the community and providing appropriate referrals to agencies. The resources focus on basic needs such as: housing and shelter, food, legal services, transportation, childcare services, utility payment assistance, and physical and mental health services. All services are free and confidential.

Conèctese con los Recursos de la Comunidad El Centro de Recursos para Estudiantes se enfoca en proporcionar información a los estudiantes sobre los recursos en toda la comunidad y proporcionar referencias apropiadas a las agencias. Los recursos se centran en necesidades básicas como: vivienda y refugio, alimentos, servicios legales, transporte, servicios de cuidado infantil, asistencia para el pago de servicios públicos y servicios de salud física y mental. Todos los servicios son gratuitos y confidenciales.

505–428-1194 | resourcecenter@sfcc.edu | www.sfcc.edu/offices/student-resource-center



Message about Interact Communications sessions

In an email on August 29, President Rowley sent the following message.

Dear Colleagues:

Thank you to those of you who were able to participate in the Interact internal communication retreats. Your input is important and appreciated. This is only the beginning of our journey to identify possibilities, overcome challenges, and energize the sense of community we value.

I am committed to thoroughly exploring and following through on the recommendations that you identified in the Interact meetings. With your valuable feedback, I feel confident that we will accomplish a great deal together. I will be collaborating with our Interact consultants (Mary and Diane) to outline a strategy for our next steps of this project. I will also be reaching out to many of you as we prepare next steps.

In case you were unable to attend or want to review, please see below.

Wednesday, Aug. 16, Interact Communications:

Thank you for your participation and engagement during this important project. I look forward to developing goals and outcomes together.

Sincerely,

Becky Rowley, Ph.D.
President


Faculty: Please share with students about Student Success Program

Email sent Aug. 31. Sent on behalf of Rachel Kutcher, Student Parent Success Program Manager:

Dear Faculty,

Please help us support parenting students in your courses by sharing information about the Student Parent Success Program on your Canvas course, in your office, or in your classroom. You can share the below bullet points with students. (Also, download the PDF flyers in your Aug. 31 email.)

  1. All parenting students can check out our student parent campus resources and activities on our website: www.sfcc.edu/parenting-students
  2. Student parents 30 and under with a child 5 or under can apply to receive 1:1 coaching support, stipends and more. Deadline to apply is September 8th: https://www.sfcc.edu/parenting-students/student-parent-programs/student-parent-success/
  3. Parenting students can also help SFCC develop more resources, activities, and spaces for parenting students by joining our Student Parent Advisory Group and earning a $15/hour stipend for their time. Deadline to apply is September 15: https://www.sfcc.edu/parenting-students/student-parent-advisory-group/

Copy Center open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mon.-Fri. in LL307


Jonathan Harrell and Roxanne Tapia to perform in ‘United in Blood’ Sept. 8-24

Academic Advisor Jonathan Harrell and MPR Executive Assistant Roxanne Tapia are among the cast members of “United in Blood: The Revolutionary Poetry and Music of Chile” being performed at Teatro Paraguas from Sept. 8-24. See more details about the performance and tickets here.


Book launch & reading for Professor Betts’ book at 5 p.m. Sept. 17 at Teatro Paraguas

Professor Genevieve Betts.

Professor Genevieve Betts will read from her new book (poetry collection), “A New Kind of Tongue,” at 5 p.m. Sept. 17 at Teatro Paraguas. Read more about the book, author and event here. The event is free. Donations welcome.


Enjoy 4 hours administrative leave; note rules and guidelines

President Becky Rowley, Ph.D., shared this message in an email on Aug. 21, 2023:

Dear Colleagues, It’s time to enjoy New Mexico’s fall events. I am authorizing four hours of administrative leave for full-time ‘regular, probationary, and term status’ employees (prorated for those employees working part-time). Use this time to participate in local community events or just to recharge. I know everyone has been working hard and I appreciate all you do.

A few rules:

  1. You must take the hours between now and Monday, Nov. 13.
  2. Administrative leave cannot be accumulated for use outside this time period and cannot be considered as work time for purposes of overtime compensation.
  3. Supervisors are reminded to schedule this time off in a way that does not negatively impact services.
  4. See Policy 4-35 Leave.

As always, please consult with your supervisor to coordinate your time off. If you have any questions about your leave, please contact the Office of Human Resources.

Thank you.

Becky Rowley, Ph.D.

President


‘Addressing ChatGPT in Your Course Syllabus and Policy’ video available

Check out the latest SFCC Library presentation led by Reference and Instruction Librarian Sarah Hood. The presentation and discussion was during Convocation on Aug. 18 regarding “Addressing ChatGPT in Your Syllabus and Policies.”


Annual Mandatory Cybersecurity Awareness Training

On August 16th, all SFCC employees will be assigned Mandatory Cybersecurity Awareness Training.

Current Employees will have two months to complete the training. New employees hired throughout the academic year will be assigned the course on their start date and will have two months to complete the training.

We appreciate your compliance with the important annual training requirements.

If you have questions about this training, please contact Kita.bass@sfcc.edu.

To access the assigned training, log into https://my.sfcc.edu, click on the KnowBe4 link under Applications, then click on Training to see all assigned trainings.


CHESS — Collaborative for Higher Education Shared Services

CHESS Connection Newsletter – August 2023

If you’re wondering what’s happening with Workday, check out the latest CHESS Connection!

This newsletter contains lots of information on training demos, more on reporting, and how to edit your personal profile, plus the value of doing so.


Fall Online Teaching and Learning training opportunities

The office of Online Teaching and Learning (OTL) encourages faculty members to improve their online teaching skills with Title V supported trainings. Contact Michelle Rentería at michelle.renteria@sfcc.edu to register or for more information. Visit https://www.qualitymatters.org/PD-schedule for the full Quality Matters schedule of classes. 


Opt-In to get Student Parent Success newsletter

Did you know that more than 1 in 5 college students nationally is a parent and that 42% of student parents are enrolled at community colleges? The Student Parent Success Program, a program of the SFCC Early Childhood Center of Excellence, distributes a monthly student parent newsletter, events, and resources to student parents. Please help us reach more student parents – staff and faculty, use this form to opt-in to our emails so that you receive information on events, resources, and opportunities that you can share with student parents: https://forms.office.com/r/fr3gyHqQBC And student parents, use the form on our webpage to opt-in to our emails directly: www.sfcc.edu/family-resources.



Erica Keppel recognized as “Forty Under 40 Top Business Leaders”

Erica Keppel Director of IT Projects

Erica Keppel was named one of “Forty Under 40 Top Business Leaders” by the Santa Fe Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

She said, “I feel humbled and honored to receive the 40 under 40 recipients’ recognition. I want to start off by thanking God for this opportunity.

This recognition is not only for me but for all those who have mentored me throughout the years and have given me the opportunity to become who I am today.”



August WOW – Gilbert Leyba

Congratulations to Gilbert Leyba

August 2023 WOW Award winner Gilbert Leyba

Nominated by Candice Mirabal
“This employee has gone above and beyond in his janitorial duties ever since he was assigned to the HEC. He helped me, as a disabled worker, move equipment and organize it so it could be easily located. He also helped an instructor pack heavy equipment into her car when she was going to teach an off-site class all while maintaining his daily duties. His eagerness to help made the department more cost efficient as we all knew Gilbert was willing to help without complaint. If I bring something from the mail room, he will meet me at my car to help with lifting which also helps general services. The Director Janet Kerley, and the Dean Kris Swedin, all want to acknowledge Gilbert and thank him for his continued help at the HEC.”

Please be sure to nominate who you think is doing a great job here at SFCC. The submission form can be found at the SFCC Connect portal, or by reaching out to Katie Cadena Priebe, Katherine.cadenaprie@sfcc.edu.



WOW awards – nominate an outstanding coworker today!

The Office of Human Resources recognizes WOW recipients for their dedicated work and commitment to Santa Fe Community College.

Please be sure to nominate someone who you think is doing a great job here at SFCC.
The award is a $25.00 gift certificate from Amazon.
The submission form can be found at the SFCC Connect portal, Home » Online Forms/Surveys/Tests » Online Forms » Office of Human Resources or nominate by reaching out to Katie Cadena Priebe at Katherine.cadenaprie@sfcc.edu


New employees: We’d like to get to know you!

Staff Senate is encouraging new staff employees to come to an upcoming Staff Senate to introduce yourselves.

Campus Weekly would also love to introduce new staff and faculty members. Please send us your name, job title, when you started at SFCC, brief bio and photo (it can be a selfie!) to Submit News.

If you’re new to SFCC, we’d love to introduce you to the our community. We’re happy you’re working with us at SFCC!


Feature

Public Benefits Clinic for students 12:30-2:30 p.m. September 11


Students need to bring required documents to apply for assistance

A Public Benefits Clinic will provide support to SFCC students seeking state assistance. Details are as follows:

Date: September 11

Time: 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Location: Room 413

Services include help with Medicaid, food stamps (SNAP), and pre-K/daycare applications. No appointments are needed; assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Please bring the required documents noted in the flyer.



Ongoing news and events


CE partners with Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado; opens Fall registration

Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado

Santa Fe Community College’s Continuing Education announces a partnership with the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado in Tesuque. Registration for classes at the resort property is now open along with more than 150 offerings in SFCC’s Fall Continuing Education Schedule now available online. Print copies are available in the racks at Santa Fe Community College, the Santa Fe Higher Education Center and around town. Visit https://www.sfcc.edu/ce for tips on registering and to view the variety of offerings available in-person and online for personal enrichment or to develop professional skills.

SFCC Director of Continuing Education Nicholas “Nick” Wernicki said, “We are thrilled to be partnering with the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado to offer some of our most popular classes on the Four Seasons property. These classes will offer a chance for personal enrichment in a magnificent setting. Attendees can enjoy the Ancient Sky-Watchers class accompanied by the Four Seasons signature S’mores and hot-cocoa. We invite the community to join Professor Steve Martinez for an afternoon of 19th Century New Mexico history or popular art instructor Michael Long for an outdoor art experience both offered at the Four Seasons property with a mouthwatering lunch at the seasonally inspired Terra Restaurant included.”

Bixente Pery, General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado added, “Four Seasons is excited to partner with Santa Fe Community College to welcome people to experience the ambiance and cuisine of Rancho Encantado while enjoying superb lectures offered by talented instructor.” Bar and Restaurant General Manager Faith Shroeder said, “We are proud to share our signature restaurant with the community, featuring the flavors of northern New Mexican cuisine with global influences, all with sweeping views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains.”

Click to view fall catalog

Read about the full selection of classes in the press release.

Advance registration is required for the classes at Four Seasons, as well as other offerings through SFCC’s Continuing Education program.

If you have questions about the schedule or where to get a print copy, contact Continuing Education at ce@sfcc.edu or 505-428-1676. The CE staff can help you complete your registration.

Please see the schedule for other exciting class partnerships. Read about the Sake 101 class offered at Izanami Restaurant (page 10) and The Back in Time class (page 3) given as you ride aboard the Sky Railway.



Following the Manito Trail exhibit continues through Oct. 15

Santa Fe Community College hosted an opening reception for the traveling exhibition Following the Manito Trail from the Millicent Rogers Museum on Aug. 26. The exhibition continues in the Main Hallway through October 15.

SFCC’s Director of Art on Campus Linda Cassel said, “We’re so pleased to be able to share the rich cultural history shared in the Following the Manito Trail exhibition so well-prepared by the curators at the Millicent Rogers Museum on our campus. It’s an enlightening exhibition that will also touch the hearts of so many Hispanic families from northern New Mexico.”

Banners tell the stories of many families from northern New Mexico.

The Millicent Rogers Museum shares this about the exhibition:

“Following the Manito Trail is a cultural heritage exhibition that shares the migration experiences, creative practices, and largely untold stories of Manito (Hispanic New Mexican) families from Taos County and its surrounding area. These families carried their culture with them through their migrations to other states for seasonal and permanent work during the 19th and 20th centuries. These migrations represent Manito family values in surviving, even if it meant leaving the homes they cherished.”

Their contributions significantly impacted the American West through their labor in sheepherding, coal mining, railroad construction, and the sugar beet fields. Wherever they went, they never forgot their roots in New Mexico, and they shaped their new homes in other states to preserve and adapt their cultural traditions that they brought with them. For some families, the following generations stayed in their diaspora homes, and, for others, they returned to New Mexico. Through their descendants, Manito families carry on the legacy of shaping the northern New Mexico cultural landscape through professions in medicine, the humanities, the arts, linguistics, and agriculture.”

The exhibition highlights Manito family histories; the significance of storytelling, agricultural, poetic, religious and culinary practices to Manito families.

Stop by any time during SFCC campus open hours. Read more about The Manito Trail.

For more information about the exhibition, contact Director of Art on Campus Linda Cassel via email at linda.cassel@sfcc.edu or call 505-428-1501.



Next phase of NE/SE Connector Road Project delayed due to supply chain issues

Santa Fe County shared this information on August 8:

While preparing for the construction of the second round-about for the NE/SE Connector Roads Project, Santa Fe County was notified that due to extended waterline material lead times and scheduling, the closure at Richards Ave. and Dinosaur Trail, previously scheduled for August 14, 2023, will need to be postponed until late August or early September.  

The round-about at Richards Ave. and Avenida del Sur opened July 31. The construction of the round-about at Dinosaur Trail has been delayed.

Regretfully, a full detour will need to be established weeks after the start of the school year. Santa Fe County has been in coordinator with Santa Fe Public Schools in preparation for the detour. Residents, please be aware that the detour may impact routes to Amy Biehl, IAIA, Santa Maria de la Paz, Santa Fe Community College, Bicycle Technologies International, The Academy for Technology and the Classics, and Easter Seals Disability Services. Santa Fe County will publish an official press release when the full closure will be initiated.   

We want to thank constituents for their patience as traffic detours may delay your route to work, school, or for recreational purposes. Santa Fe County will continue to closely monitor this sensitive project scheduling and minimize traffic disruptions in this corridor. 

For additional information regarding the project, please visit www.sfcconnectors.com or contact Johnny Baca Project Manager 3, at jpbaca@santafecountynm.gov


Enhancements to SFCC.edu

In an email on Thursday, June 13 Executive Director of Marketing and Public Relations Todd Lovato shared the following about the public website:

Dear Colleagues,

I am writing today to update you on an exciting development on our public website. For more than a year, a team of my MPR teammates have worked on a project to enhance our website offerings for prospective students.

We are pleased to announce that some of these website revisions – which include some updates to program and department pages – are being introduced today. Website updates and adaptations are an ongoing process. I’d like to point out, however, that the focus of these latest revisions was primarily to enhance the experience of prospective students on our site as they navigate the admissions process and explore educational pathways at SFCC. The updates provide enhanced access to career information, registration guidance and support resources. They also address some on-going technical and user navigation issues.

Many of the recent updates are best viewed by exploring SFCC offerings via the college’s Educational Pathways landing page.

These enhancements have been carefully developed using higher education best practice research, website and search engine optimization (SEO) traffic analytics, consultation with local web developers and writers, as well as ongoing consultation and collaboration with many of our colleagues throughout the campus.

Also, please note that these changes provide MPR with new features and additional ways to collaborate with programs and departments to further improve the website and provide prospective students easier access to information about college programs.

As with any web updates, there is the possibility of small, easily fixable glitches like broken links or re-directs. As we comb for these bugs, I ask for your help by keeping an eye out for anything out of the ordinary. Please contact MPR with these updates using the MPR Job Request Form. This will enable us to quickly address issues. Please continue to review and update your department’s respective webpages for out-of-date or excessive information. Please note, today’s message pertains to the college’s public website, and does not include changes to MySFCC or the SFCC Connect Intranet, which are not under MPR’s purview.

I’d like to thank my MPR team and colleagues across campus for their persistence, collaborative energy, and continued focus on our college’s future students.

We look forward to continuing to work with you in promoting SFCC’s outstanding programs to our community.


SFCC to offer coding and creativity opportunities with support from Apple

File photo of student using an Apple laptop.

SFCC will offer the Santa Fe region new learning opportunities around coding and creativity, with the support of Apple’s Community Education Initiative. Community partners include Santa Fe Public Schools, Santa Fe Indian School, Boys & Girls Club of Santa Fe/Del Norte, and STEM Santa Fe, which will work with the college and Santa Fe Community College Foundation to cultivate digital literacy, digital equity, and coding and creativity experience to Santa Fe’s diverse community.

SFCC President Becky Rowley, Ph.D., said, “Santa Fe Community College is thrilled Apple is supporting our work to offer training in coding and other creative digital skills to young people who have had limited access to such opportunities in the past.”

The initiative will reach youth in a variety of locations primarily in the Santa Fe Public Schools, Santa Fe Indian School, as well as at the Boys & Girls Club based at the Santa Fe Place Mall. STEM Santa Fe will assist with the initiative.

Read the full press release here.

For more information about SFCC’s role in this program, contact Dean of Continuing Education and Contract Training Kris Swedin via email at kris.swedin@sfcc.edu or call 505-428-1253.


Required COVID-19 Reporting

SFCC continues to monitor and follow guidance from public health officials and state and local government on mitigating and addressing exposure to COVID-19. The State of New Mexico and New Mexico Higher Education Department recently announced they will no longer require the reporting of COVID-19 cases amongst student, staff, and faculty who are on campus via the Rapid Response Submission Portal.

Our college continues to take the transmission and threat of infectious diseases seriously and we remain committed to keeping our community as safe as possible. Please note the following:

  • The college no longer requires reporting of COVID-19 positive cases to SFCC’s Contact Tracing Team.
  • However, it is very important we continue keep each other safe and follow health and safety best practices. The college continues to follow guidelines from the CDC Quarantine and Isolation Calculator, which details the following:
    • You should isolate from others when you have COVID-19.
    • You should also isolate if you are sick and suspect that you have COVID-19 but do not yet have test results.
    • Ending isolation is detailed on the CDC’s Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19 webpage – “Ending Isolation”.
  • Positive or suspected positive individuals should coordinate closely with supervisors to make appropriate accommodations, as well as reporting for absences using regular sick leave.
    • If you are out of sick leave and contracted COVID-19, please contact the Office for Human Resources to determine if other options are available to you.
  • The college custodial staff continues its rigorous cleaning and disinfecting protocols, which includes a campus-wide daily schedule, with emphasis on bathrooms, and higher traffic and enclosed spaces.
  • Additionally, Facilities and Operations staff have made significant improvements to college ventilation and filtration systems and those systems are up and running.

The College will continue to follow best practices, community levels, and infectious disease developments.


Museum STEP Passes available at Library

With the STEP Pass, you and up to 5 people can use the card for free admission to:

  • Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
  • Santa Fe Children’s Museum
  • IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Art
  • Santa Fe Botanical Garden

Passes check out for two weeks at a time.

For more information contact: library@sfcc.edu.


SFCC ChatGPT conversation

Part 1: ChatGPT’s Implications for Higher Ed

This session includes a demo of how ChatGPT works, implications for higher education and how other colleges and universities are responding. This session was led by SFCC librarians.

See ChatGPT information and resources: https://libraryhelp.sfcc.edu/Chat-GPT.

Part 2: How do you spell the future with AI

See this video of the latest presentation from the SFCC Library – How do you spell the future with AI. This was the conversation from April 27.


Message about preferred names

Dear Faculty,

While the college has always supported our students, we now have another technological opportunity to provide an empowering, safe, and nondiscriminatory educational and work environment.  Beginning on Monday February 6, students will be able update their preferred name in Self Service Banner (SSB9).

The student’s legal name will be on your class roster and their preferred name, if applicable, will appear in parenthesis.  For example, Gonzales, Bernadette (Charmaine).  For legal purposes, the student’s legal name will still appear on all formal documents such as Financial Aid information, 1098-T’s and transcripts.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

With kind regards,

Bernadette Gonzales. MA Ed. (she, her, hers)
Registrar |Office of the Registrar
505-428-1881 | Bernadette.gonzales@sfcc.edu


OIT Service Desk Hours
Phone service 24 hours a day Mon. – Fri.

On November 1st the OIT Service Desk extended its phone hours to better serve students, staff and faculty.

Phone Hours
505-428-1222

Monday – Friday: 24 hours
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Office Hours
Room 528

Monday – Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to noon
Sunday: Closed


Free STEM Kits at SFCC Library

The kits are made available to the SFCC community through the Santa Fe Children’s Museum. Kits are available during the library’s regular hours. For more information contact: valerie.nye@sfcc.edu

Greenhouse STEM Kits
The very popular and free Greenhouse STEM Kits are available once again for kids ages 4-7. All materials are included in the kits courtesy of the Santa Fe Children’s Museum.

Come by the library to pick up a kit to use and explore growing plants from seeds with your kids! Kits are available during the library’s regular hours.

For more information contact: valerie.nye@sfcc.edu.

Balancing Robot STEM Kits at SFCC Library

Come by the SFCC library to pick up a kit to use to explore balance with your kids!  Kits are available during the library’s regular hours.

For more information contact:  valerie.nye@sfcc.edu

Solar System Bracelets

Solar System Bracelet STEM kits are available for kids ages 4-7 at the SFCC library. Instructions are in English and Spanish and all materials are included in the kits.

Come by the SFCC library to pick up a kit to use to explore the solar system with your kids!

Name Rockets!

Available at the SFCC Library

Free Name Rocket STEM Kits are available for kids ages 4-7 at the SFCC Library.

All materials are included in the kits courtesy of the Santa Fe Children’s Museum.

Come by the library to pick up a kit to use and explore shapes & rockets with your kids! Kits are available during the library’s regular hours.

For more information contact: valerie.nye@sfcc.edu


Need food? Campus Cupboard welcomes all

Campus Cupboard offers fresh, canned and refrigerated items.

The Campus Cupboard (Room LL302E) in-person shopping hours are:
Mondays: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., Tuesdays: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Thursdays: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

If you cannot visit during the current open hours listed or are not
comfortable with in-person shopping, check out Bookings for more options. To access Bookings, log in to MySFCC, look under Schedule an Appointment, and click on the pink button labeled Campus Cupboard (Online). You can access the reservation and delivery option 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Students, staff, and faculty are all welcome to visit the Campus Cupboard weekly for free groceries and other household items that may be available. Personal hygiene (menstrual) products are available from Free Flow NM.
Contact cupboard@sfcc.edu or 505-428-1775 for more information.

Visit Campus Cupboard for more information.

Campus Cupboard is supported by SFCC Foundation.


SFCC in the news

The following stories or radio shows either featured or mentioned SFCC or one of its employees. Some stories also are related to NM higher education.


08/26/23, Los Alamos Daily Post, “Santa Fe Literary Review Reading Thursday Oct. 19”

08/25/23, Santa Fe New Mexican, Pasatiempo, “Out There, LISTEN & LEARN, Different trail in Santa Fe”

08/21/23, Santa Fe New Mexican, “NMSurf brings wireless service to SFCC neighborhoods”

08/19/23, Santa Fe New Mexican, “Proposed south side development includes cemetery”

08/16/2023, Santa Fe Reporter, “Early Learning Core: New Mexico targeted early childhood education as a solution to learning gaps. How far can it go?”

08/16/2023, Los Alamos Daily Post, “SFCC And IAIA Invite Community To Open Houses Sept. 21”

08/01/2023, Santa Fe New Mexican, “Santa Fe’s planned purchase of land for Richards Ave. from Game Commission back on”

08/03/2023, Albuquerque Journal, “$6.4M grant for job development benefits rural NM” From the story, ” Santa Fe Community College is identified as the “backbone” institution in the health care sector.”

07/28/2023, Santa Fe New Mexican, “City approves agreement with Midtown Santa Fe Productions for film studio expansion

07/31/2023, KOB-TV, “Santa Fe approves plan to expand film studio”

07/27/2023, Rio Grande Sun, “Santa Fe Community College offers coding and creativity opportunities with support from Apple”

07/26/2023, Santa Fe Reporter Best of Santa Fe 2023 – Health Services.  First: Best Small Gym, Second: Fitness Classes.

07/24/2023, Santa Fe New Mexican “Smartboard “- SFCC partners with Four Seasons Rancho Encantado”

07/24/2023, The Paper, “Apple helps Santa Fe, Native students expand digital skills”

07/18/2023, Los Alamos Daily Post, “Santa Fe Community College Offers Coding & Creativity Opportunities With Support From Apple”

07/17/2023, Los Alamos Daily Post, “SFCC Hosts Reception For ‘Following The Manito Trail’ Exhibition From Millicent Rogers Museum Aug. 26”

07/13/2023, Santa Fe New Mexican, “SFCC student parent working to make sure others are represented”

07/09/2023, Albuquerque Journal, “In the Studio: Jennifer Lynch”