Mikaela Mack
The Student Equity and Success Committee Meeting was held on August 27 in the Nest Room.
The first fall semester meeting of the Student Equity and Success Council was held on August 27 in the Nest. Discussions went around the room debating policy regarding undocumented students, campus clubs, and the faculty recruitment process.
Amanda Morrison, Coordinator of the Student Equity and Success Council, discussed past actions with 14 voting representatives from student services and other programs on the Solano campus, where the council is reviewing past accomplishments and considering which initiatives to carry over. Members are invited to propose new focus areas and actions for the upcoming term, with emphasis on inclusivity and broad representation in membership and activities.
A Student drop survey is being developed to ask students why they drop courses. The survey triggers when students self-select to drop the course online. The survey questions students about course expectations, difficulty in their interests, and financial issues.
Collected data is aimed towards identifying patterns, enabling targeted outreach, financial aid, and basic needs support.1n
While efforts are underway to standardize policies and access support towards Solano College students for course materials. Faculty, bookstore, and administration were contributing with advice on how to give direct billing and payments to students.
Although Morrsion and Director of Student Support Services Christina Rodriguez discussed promoting a safe and secure campus environment for all students in response to anti-immigrant agendas, the Board did not approve a “full sanctuary campus,” Christina Rodriguez stated.
During the SESC meeting, Puente Coordinator Isabel Anderson brought up original legislation that was being passed at every campus. This legislation stated that a liaison for underdocumented students was needed. The Puente Program was asked if they were willing to share a space with this proposed liaison.
The Puente students stated that they did not want to share a space with the undocumented student center because they reject the idea of being associated with the undocumented student population, just because they have the same skin color.
Christana Rodriguez then expressed the reason why Solano isn’t designated as a sanctuary campus: because SCC didn’t want to lose federal funding. According to Rodriguez, just having a DEIA statement and an anti-racist statement will not keep the campus from being targeted.
The Associated Students of Solano Community College and Trustees are interested in revisiting sanctuary campus statuses and establishing a Dreamers Resource Center, with grant/funding requirements mandating a dedicated center for undocumented students. Collaboration with the Dreamer’s Liaison and Chancellor’s Office is underway to provide resources and translation services, including plans to hire student ambassadors for resource dissemination.
Experiences were shared regarding encounters with law enforcement and the FBI on campus, highlighting the importance of quick thinking and establishing protocols. Such as a rapid response to identifying ICE vehicles, and responding to enforcement actions with potential committee involvement. For Solano College students, there is a need for safe spaces for students who happen to be undocumented, similar to those shared by LGBTQ+ students with concerns about privacy and targeting risks.
Advocacy for open spaces that promote healing, self-acknowledgement, and mutual respect was also discussed.
Student Ambassador, Wini Dayrit, talked about how she wants to build an Open house in the Art Department and showcase certain local events for the Vallejo campus. She also mentioned creating a strong student interest in new clubs, such as the Dungeons & Dragons club, along with encouraging faculty involvement in club advising and exploring ways to make rules more flexible. Moreover, Dayrit wants to reduce the burden on faculty and increase club sustainability. Since it has already been three weeks into the school semester
“There’s a lot of disconnect with students not seeing enough teachers,” Winni stated.
Either way, for the college, seeing everyone coming together would be the “perfect time to create more community,” she stated.