[Wsssc] SBCTC Education Division Common Messaging & Student Service Newsletter

[Lauren Hibbs]

Dear Members of WSSSC,
Attached please find the SBCTC Winter 2024 Education Division Common Messaging, including all Education department updates. Below please find the Student Services Department Winter Newsletter with more targeted updates.
On behalf of the SBCTC and Student Services department, we look forward to seeing and hosting many of you later this week.

TO:            Student Services Commission and Councils
FROM:      Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges
    Department of Student Services
RE:             Winter 2024 Student Services Newsletter
Update from the Director

As we enter the second half of the 68th Legislative session, we are eager to update our community on the prominent topics that have gained visibility. During Governor Inslee's final year, his agenda<https://ofm.wa.gov/sites/default/files/public/budget/statebudget/highlights/budget24/00_24_Budget-Policy-Highlights.pdf> emphasizes key budget priorities for investments in clean energy, health care, homelessness prevention, public safety, behavioral health, opioids and fentanyl treatment, transportation, equity, and more.

The Student Services legislative landscape has been dynamic, featuring impactful bills covering expanded financial aid eligibility, protection for sexual violence victims, early registration for Veterans, Name, Image, and Likeness in Athletics, dual credit, data-sharing agreements, free speech policies, and more. Notably, HB 2112, addressing the opioid crisis in Washington, has captured our attention and remains present after the Feb. 5 cutoff date.

The opioid and fentanyl epidemic in our state<https://ofm.wa.gov/sites/default/files/public/budget/statebudget/highlights/budget24/05_Opioids_24_Budget-Policy-Highlights-5.pdf> has surged fourfold in the last two years, particularly affecting counties such as King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Spokane. Even rural counties, such as Okanogan, Yakima, Clallam, Grays Harbor, and Mason; these areas have witnessed some of the highest death rates and largest increases in reported overdoses. What's notable, is that this epidemic cuts across all social, racial, economic, and age groups. While the evidence may not be directly visible on our campuses, it's crucial to anticipate our role in educating and combating the escalating deaths in our communities. SBCTC extend our gratitude to WSSSC members, especially VPSS's Rob Cox (Centralia) and Claire Peinado (Skagit), for their consultation on this legislative effort and shaping HB 2112.<https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2023-24/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/House/2112%20HBR%20APP%2024.pdf?q=20240206151403>

Through continuous consultation, we are actively working to ensure that the colleges' perspectives shape the ongoing student service-related legislative discourse. As we face each of these academic and social issues together, your increased awareness and engagement within our education community is essential. Colleges are key institutions in addressing racial, equity, and closing economic gaps in society and we play a vital role in fostering environments that promote a healthy and productive life, impacting not only our students and campuses but also the broader communities we serve.

In exciting news, this winter quarter we welcomed two student legislative interns to our team, injecting a fresh perspectives and new energy into our collective efforts during this session. More on our student interns is shared below.

While navigating legislative matters, our department remains committed and steadfast in advancing current grants, program, projects, federal changes, and initiatives detailed by the team in the newsletter below.

On behalf of SBCTC and the Student Services Department, we extend our sincere gratitude for your unwavering dedication, care for students, commitment to our profession, and leading with racial and social equity at the core.

2024 Legislative Updates
The 2024 supplemental (short) session kicked off on January 8th and is scheduled to conclude on March 7th. The WACTC and board approved decision package priorities for this session include the following:

  *   Operating Budget:<https://www.sbctc.edu/colleges-staff/programs-services/operating-budget/operating-budget-requests> Computer Science ($9 mil), Climate Curriculum/Tribal Stewards ($950k)
  *   Capital Budget:<https://www.sbctc.edu/colleges-staff/programs-services/capital-budget/capital-budget-detail> $1.7 billion system need, Supplemental Requests from Community and Technical Colleges such as - Emergency Repairs, Clean Building/Energy Efficiency, Center for Vocational Studies, and Performing Arts Building.

Bill areas the SBCTC is watching include: Apprenticeships, Sexual Violence, Opioid/Fentanyl prevention, Dual Credit, Mental Health, Adjunct Pay Equity, Workforce, College Promise/Free College, Financial Aid, and Artificial Intelligence.
SBCTC 2024 Legislative Interns
The SBCTC is excited to introduce our Legislative Session Interns. During the 2024 Legislative session interns will be working in-person and virtually with the State Board's Legislative Director and other staff in support of our system's legislative priorities and goals.
[cid:image008.jpg at 01DA5910.F33E5BF0]
My name is Josaphine Saccio-Devine, is a high school senior working on completing her associate degree through Running Start at Lower Columbia College. She holds the position of student activities director, which has given her insight into effective student and staff communications. She is passionate about sustainability and environmental justice. She is also an Avid reader and enjoys crocheting in her spare time. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to the community at the SBCTC.
[Mollie smiling at the camera  Description automatically generated]
Mollie Kuwahara (she/her) is a returning college student and is in the middle of her second year at Tacoma Community College. Mollie has returned to Tacoma Community College to complete her lifelong dream of getting a degree in Chemical Engineering and pursuing a career in sustainable/ 'green' engineering.  Mollie Kuwahara has spent the last 6 months as an elected member of Associated Students of Tacoma Community College's Executive Team, filling the role of Vice President of Legislation and Records. Through her appointment into this position Mollie has become passionate about policy at the state and federal level. Specifically, she is passionate about policy that affects students, environment/sustainability, and all Americans that are misrepresented or underrepresented in policy. Mollie's love for policy looks like being an active member of the Washington Student Association (WSA) and Washington Association of Community and Technical Colleges Student Association (WACTCSA.) Mollie would love to marry her affinity for policy and engineering, by focusing on holding industries and companies accountable to sustainability and 'environment first' policies. Mollie balances her school and work life through self-care that looks like going to concerts, playing volleyball and racquetball, camping, and building with LEGO.
New Student Services Staff
[cid:image004.jpg at 01DA583D.3D5C00E0]Rebecca Kay
The Student Services team is both eager and delighted to welcome Rebecca Kay to the State Board! Rebecca joined the Student Services department on November 1st in her new role as the Relationship and Compliance Analyst in Student Supports' Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET) and WorkFirst programs. Rebecca's role is pivotal in supporting the college's ability to build and foster cross-departmental relationships and apply program specific practices that increase efficiencies through intentional integrations and dedicated technical support and training. Her skills, experiences, and dedicated commitment to EDI are central to the core of our agency work, values, and mission.
Rebecca has 15 years of experience in the CTC system and most exclusively with the BFET and other Workforce programs. Her most recent role was at Clark College where she served as the Associate Director for Workforce Education Services. She brings her passion for supporting staff as they support students to this new role.
A message from Rebecca -
"I am looking forward to this new role! Outside of work, I am a mom of three daughters. I love to hike, read, write, paint, and explore..."
Student Success Tool RFP Taskforce
Co-chaired by members of WACTC Sara Thompson Tweety (Big Bend) and Matt Campbell (Pierce), the taskforce aims to complete the RFP process and contract with a vendor for a unified opt-in student success tool. Leading with racial equity, the primary purpose of the student success tool is to enhance and support academic progress, academic planning, and student achievement. The scope of the work involves a thorough review of student success tools, culminating in the issuance of an RFP. The timeline for this taskforce is anticipated to occur over 18 months which is separate from implementation. We are privileged to have a diverse and dedicated group of commission and council members from 16 institutions representing their commission or council, facilitating constructive dialogue, collecting, and sharing feedback from stakeholders, and ensuring transparency in the taskforce process from start to finish.

Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) Planning Grant
The City University of New York (CUNY) ASAP program eliminates barriers and graduate's students within three years by providing structured and wide-ranging services. The ASAP model is a key equity driver and achievement strategy aligning under the guided pathway framework. Our state agency team from SBCTC and WSAC attended the fall kickoff coalition facilitated by CUNY marking the commencement of a five-state planning grant effort. Additionally, Washington's three evaluating colleges (Clover Park, Peninsula, and Spokane Colleges) engaged in a fall overview session, delving into aspects such as program model characteristics, financial modeling and cost; other states replications models, and other considerations. This planning grant is poised to enhance our knowledge and influence if we will pursue further opportunities for pilots to enhance our commitment to student success and equitable educational outcomes. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue learning and evaluating in the winter and spring terms.
Student Support Programs Updates
Integrations
The Student Support Programs (SSP) Team continues its efforts to integrate across programs, within Student Services, and across the Education Division. Currently, Student Services Policy Associates are supporting more intentionally the Student Success Center and Strategic Initiatives work. Additionally, eJAS access, password resets, and other eJAS related processes have transitioned over to the WorkFirst and BFET Program Administrators. If you have questions regarding eJAS access, or need support with your eJAS password, please email StudentSupports at sbctc.edu<mailto:StudentSupports at sbctc.edu>.

Upcoming Meetings, Trainings, and Forums:

  *   January 23, 2024 - WorkFirst Work Study Workshop Training - registration link<https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAtd-2qrjIuHdIoi3Gd8EW10DpCp_8W0w8y>
  *   January 24, 2024 - BFET Billing and Payment cycLink Training - meeting link<https://sbctc.webex.com/sbctc/j.php?MTID=m1b4d6a68bc606f779849206eeae66013>
  *   January 26, 2024 - Benefits Navigator Cohort Meeting - registration link<https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZckf-isqj4oEt35_dBAys0oafrUHAkf-Um6>
  *   February 8, 2024 - SEAG/SSEH Collaboration Hub - registration link<https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMrc-igqzguHNZbBQb5aBXAlxrQ9aTmbEXe>
  *   February 20, 2024 - FY25 WFDA Application Webinar - meeting link<https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88150301829?pwd=MmRVc3RQcUhlMEtnMGdsa0U0VHVHZz09>

We're pleased to be exploring a spring opportunity for collaboration across the system as we bring back our annual WorkFirst and BFET Training Forum. More to come as this opportunity develops.
Canvas Community Reminder
The Student Support Programs Canvas Community is your resource hub for WorkFirst, BFET, Benefits Navigators, SSEH, SEAG, Opportunity Grant, and WRT. Important program information, updates, and reminders are communicated solely via this Canvas Community. Take care to enable course notifications in your Canvas account to ensure you are getting the most up-to-date information for your programs! Utilize the Student Supports Canvas Community for:

  *   Grant & Program Application Announcements
  *   Funding Surveys
  *   Notifications from DSHS
  *   Program Information
  *   Policy Memos
  *   Recorded Trainings
  *   Helpful Forms and Links
Student Services Program Administrators can provide technical assistance and manage enrollment in the community for each program.
Basic Needs Act
In 2023, the WA Legislature passed the Basic Needs Act (2SHB1559). Since July 1, 2023, colleges have been working on implementing the Benefits Navigator and Campus Hunger Free and Basic Needs Strategic Plan. The SBCTC has partnered with United Way of King County and the WA Student Achievement Council (WSAC) to provide a series of onboarding and training last November to the Cohort of Benefits Navigators. Additionally, through Fall, WSAC has been hosting a Strategic Plan Learning Community. These learning opportunities are short-term and not required. All colleges regardless of participation have access to the materials and recordings. For more information contact Jennifer Dellinger, Policy Associate, Student Services.
The six selected colleges (four CTCs and two Universities) for the Free-Reduced Meal Pilot Program are underway in their implementation. WSAC and SBCTC have also partnered together to best support the colleges through this pilot.
Student Emergency Assistance (SEAG) Program
The FY23 SEAG report was submitted to the Legislature in December. The report describes student basic needs trends across the state. More students were served in FY23 compared to FY22. Colleges fielded 16,685 student emergency assistance requests in FY23 and of the total number of requests submitted the system funded 28% of requests. Combined, students requested $32.5 million in emergency assistance funds in fiscal year 2023 compared to $54 million in fiscal year 2022.  Even though the total amount of funding requested by students in fiscal year 2023 was less than in fiscal year 2022, students' needs continue to far exceed SEAG funding. Of the $32.5 million in student emergency assistance requested in fiscal year 2023, only $3.95 million - or 12% - was funded, leaving $28.5 million in requested amounts unmet. Fiscal year 2023 data shows that 89% of students completed the credits and credentials they attempted in the same quarter after they received SEAG aid. Additionally, 66% of recipients who received emergency fund aid in the prior academic (2021-22) year enrolled and/or completed in the following fall 2022.
In both fiscal year 2022 and fiscal year 2023, the three most requested emergency needs were housing, transportation, and food.
[cid:image005.png at 01DA583D.3D5C00E0]
The above chart illustration shows housing continued to have the largest dollar amounts requested compared to the other SEAG expense categories for emergency assistance in fiscal year 2023.
A SEAG/SSEH College Collaboration Hub meeting is scheduled for February 8. Agenda items include a report out on the legislative reports, spotlight on SEAG/SSEH college best practices and program updates.
Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness (SSEH) Program

The SSEH Program serves students experiencing homelessness, at imminent risk of homelessness, and those who aged out of foster care at 28 community and technical colleges and all six public baccalaureate institutions. In the four pilot years of the program, (fiscal year 19-20 through fiscal year 23-24), CTC-sector SSEH programs supported 5,918 students. Providing support with case management, housing accommodations, and other basic needs supports helped students stay enrolled; 87% of students completed the academic quarter in which they received SSEH support, and 77% of those continued to the next quarter.

SBCTC, the Washington Student Achievement Council, and participating colleges collaborated on the first SSEH legislative report, which was submitted December 1st, 2023.  The report includes findings and recommendations since the inception of the pilot. The Executive Summary<https://wsac.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-Supporting-Students-Experiencing-Homelessness-Pilot-Project-Executive-Summary.pdf> and the full report<https://www.sbctc.edu/resources/documents/colleges-staff/programs-services/students-experiencing-homelessness/student-homelessness-pilot.pdf> are available on the SBCTC website.

The statewide SSEH Learning Community convened virtually on December 6st. This provided an opportunity for participating CTC's and the state universities to engage with each other. Presentations and roundtable discussions facilitated by Lower Columbia College, North Seattle College, Renton Technical College, Wenatchee Valley College, The Evergreen State College, and University of Washington-Tacoma were the heart of the convening.  The Learning Community was also excited to welcome the four new SSEH Planning Grant colleges: Clover Park Technical College, Peninsula College, Skagit Valley College, and Whatcom Community College!  The next opportunity for college collaboration and practice-sharing will be the SEAG/SSEH Collaboration Hub on February 8th.

WorkFirst & Basic Food Employment & Training (BFET) Programs
The SBCTC Program Administrators have provided multiple system-wide trainings and workshops, open office hours, and technical support sessions during fall quarter. This was in addition to providing corresponding written guides and content within the Student Support Programs Canvas Community. Planning is underway for a Spring annual in-person forum. Currently, the dates being held are May 14th and 15th.
The WorkFirst and BFET Funding Surveys have gone through a huge overhaul this fiscal year. Both Workfirst and BFET programs have combined their funding survey to provide CTCs additional time to intentionally project their budgets and respond to the survey with accurate programing needs.
The Fall/Winter (and first) funding survey for FFY24 was released on October 9th, with WorkFirst approvals processed we are now working on BFET approvals.
The Spring Funding Survey is scheduled to be released on March 11, 2024. Thank you to the colleges who have shared with us feedback on the Spring Funding Survey timeline. The team is working to determine the possibility of an alternative timeline.
 Upcoming Important Dates:

  *   FY25 WFDA Grant Application Release - February 8, 2024
  *   FY25 WFDA Application Webinar - February 20, 2024 - meeting link<https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88150301829?pwd=MmRVc3RQcUhlMEtnMGdsa0U0VHVHZz09>
  *   FY25 WFDA Grant Application Due - March 14, 2024
Please remember WorkFirst and BFET programs have monthly billing deadlines. If you are unable to make the SBCTC deadline for your invoice, it is important that you contact your SBCTC Program Administrator to let them know as soon as possible.
BFET & WorkFirst Monitoring

The FY/FFY24 monitoring season has kicked off. This year we are incorporating a mix of in-person, virtual, and self-assessments. This is the first year since March of 2020 that we have been able to conduct in-person monitoring visits. We are excited to continue to incorporate additional layers of support and technical assistance through the various modalities we are utilizing.
Beginning this year, we will transition Program Administrators from conducting monitoring visits and make way for the Relationship & Compliance Analyst to oversee program and fiscal monitoring processes for both BFET and WorkFirst. This will allow Program Administrators to work  more closely with colleges to provide training, technical support, and program assistance to college staff.
Opportunity Grant
The Opportunity Grant will be retiring the listserv and will be transitioning to the Canvas Community in 2024. Allowing for stronger student supports integration and program alignment. All program updates, documents, and resources will be provided in the canvas community.
Dual Credit Updates
College in the High School Funding
For College in the High School (CiHS) programs that operated during 2022-2023, SBCTC has received approval from OFM to disperse funds to colleges by January 5, 2024. These funds are based on 2022-2023 enrollment data sent to OFM from SBCTC on 10/15/23.
SB 5048<https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?billnumber=5048&year=2023>: Eliminates College in the High School fees for all students in 9th grade through 12th grade that attend a public high school or charter school and are enrolled in a public institution of higher education.

  *   Community and Technical Colleges will be reimbursed at $300 per student and capped at $3500 per course
  *   "Course" means a class taught under a contract between an institution of higher education and a single high school teacher on an articulated subject in which the student is eligible to receive college credit
  *   SBCTC interprets a 'course' in the bill language as a single class iteration of a course, taught by a single high school teacher. This means a 'class' or a 'section'
  *   The definition of class vs course is in here: <https://www.sbctc.edu/resources/documents/colleges-staff/policies-rules/policy-manual/definitions-of-terms-for-enrollment-reporting.pdf> https://www.sbctc.edu/resources/documents/colleges-staff/policies-rules/policy-manual/definitions-of-terms-for-enrollment-reporting.pdf

Math Placement Grant Update
In collaboration with Dual Credit and Student Success Center Departments and funded by College Spark, SBCTC hosted a Math Placement Grant Convening November 2023 at Wenatchee Valley College with representation from 19 Community & Technical Colleges.
Goals for the 2023-2024 grant are the following:

  *   Implement a universal transcript placement policy for regional community and technical colleges.
  *   Create a global policy for identifying and tracking placement in ctcLink.
  *   Elevate Bridge to College agreements and courses.
  *   Create space and sustainable learning environments for continued professional development and learning in the areas of placement.
  *   SBCTC overarching goal - comprehensive guidance on placement - supportive guidance for community and technical colleges.

Future gatherings for the grant:

Winter Virtual Convening - Online - January 25, 2024

Spring In-Person Convening - West Side WA (location TBA) - April 25, 2024


Bridge to College Update
In 2023-24, the Bridge to College program is operating in 107 school districts (167 high schools) across the state, supporting 391 teachers (202 English, 189 math) offering the senior year transition courses. In late January 2024 school districts began to register teachers to offer the courses for the 2024-25 school year; please refer your K-12 partner schools to the OSPI Bridge to College page<https://ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/graduation/graduation-requirements/graduation-pathways/transition-courses/bridge-college-courses> for more information. For more details about the program, the current automatic placement agreement, and the latest evaluation data on the impact of the courses, see the SBCTC Bridge to College web page<https://www.sbctc.edu/about/agency/initiatives-projects/bridge-to-college>.
Upcoming Running Start Series for Community & Technical College Staff
Join fellow community and technical college Running Start colleagues in receiving program updates and sharing a space for systemwide staff to come together and connect. The first hour of each session will be recorded and shared out. Each session will have updates followed by themes and topics for discussion.

  *   January 18th 9-11am: <https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84529125336> https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84529125336
  *   February 27th 2-4pm: <https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86776276346> https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86776276346
  *   March 20th 9-11am: <https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83232242702> https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83232242702
  *   April 18th 2-4pm: <https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81148936980> https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81148936980
  *   May 22nd 9-11am: <https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86477902736> https://us02web.zoom.us/j/864779<https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86477902736>


Mental Health Counseling and Services Pilot Program
The mental health counseling and services pilot, consisting of Grays Harbor College, Lake Washington Institute of Technology, North Seattle College, and Wenatchee Valley College, is in its third year. Funded through July, 2025, this pilot has expanded access to mental health counseling to students at each pilot college.
Expanding dedicated resources for student mental health services continues to be a legislative priority for the State Board.
Upcoming Scholarship Funding Related to Substance Use Disorder
The SBCTC has been invited to partner with Washington State's Health Care Authority for the purpose of providing scholarships and support services to increase enrollments and completions in substance use disorder training programs. We will update the college system once we know more about this potential partnership.
Health Insurance Outreach Pilot
Through a proviso granted for FY23 and renewed FY24, Yakima Valley College and South Puget Sound Community College both received $40,000 to help students, including those enrolled in state registered apprenticeship programs, connect with health coverage.
We continue to collaborate with The Washington Student Achievement Council and the Health Benefits Exchange to develop best practices and student oriented outreach materials. A final report about the Health Insurance Outreach pilot is due at the end of this academic year.

Promising Practices Exchange and Webinar Series 2023-24

The Promising Practices Exchange provides an opportunity to highlight "what's working" within our system and dive deeper into emerging areas of opportunity.  We want to hear from colleges on their latest innovation and strategies to make a difference for students. Please visit the Promising Practices Exchange<https://www.sbctc.edu/about/task-forces-work-groups/strategic-enrollment/promising-practices.aspx> to view past webinars and to submit current practices for consideration.

Upcoming webinar topics will include::

  *   Winter, March 12, 1:00 - 2:30 pm - "Connections:  Building and Sustaining Innovative Partnerships with Industry and Community-Based Organizations to Improve Economic Mobility for Adult Learners"
  *   Spring (TBA) - Artificial Intelligence Panel
Information related to the dates and registering will be distributed through SBCTC listservs.
Student Success and Strategic Initiatives
Guided Pathways Peer and Professional Learning Calendar
The Guided Pathways Peer and Professional Learning Calendar<https://www.sbctc.edu/colleges-staff/programs-services/student-success-center/peer-professional-learning> is regularly updated with new events to support Guided Pathways implementation.  Events are in a variety of modalities. Some highlights include:

  *   Developing an Assessment cycle in Student Affairs: This free series of workshops is designed for student affairs professionals who advise students at community and technical colleges. The series will provide an overview of the role of assessment in Guided Pathways, opportunities for data collection in student services, analyzing data in student services, and using data to inform action and continuous improvement. The workshops will be facilitated by Dr. Kellie Dixon of Clear Pathway Consulting Services, LLC.
  *   Guided Pathways Career Convening (Full): This full day, in person, workshop will provide space to engage in comprehensive conversations and action planning to enhance the role of career and employment services in Guided Pathways implementation across Washington State.
Assessment, Teaching, and Learning Conference Call for Proposals
The 2024 Assessment, Teaching, and Learning Conference is a two-day event that will bring together faculty and teaching and learning professionals in our system. This event will take place May 2-3, 2024 at the Yakima Convention Center. The conference will explore a variety of topics related to faculty and student success and will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, and breakout sessions. There will also be opportunities for networking and collaboration. Click here to submit a proposal.<https://forms.gle/7RjoxgKSGgn82jdn8>
Faculty Professional Learning Credential
This program uses the existing Canvas Credentials badging system to award faculty with badges for courses they complete at their respective institutions and through SBCTC. It capitalizes on the expertise and dedication of faculty developers in our state and offers faculty tangible acknowledgement of their professional development efforts. The program is in development and set to launch in late spring. For questions or to learn more contact Guava Jordan<mailto:gjordan at sbctc.edu> or Alissa Sells<mailto:asells at sbctc.edu>.
WA Shared Professional Development Calendar
In collaboration with the eLearning Council, promoting and supporting professional development by WA CTC employees for WA CTC faculty.  Teaching and learning professionals can easily add available professional development to the calenda<https://sites.google.com/site/waelearningcouncil/calendar-training-conferences-and-events?authuser=0&pli=1>r and interested faculty can easily register for sessions they would like to attend, creating more opportunities for faculty and engagement for developers.
Math Pathways & Placement
In the fall, math faculty met to review corequisites and guided self-placement in Washington. Currently, 68% of WA CTCs offer at least one corequisite math course and 50% use some form of guided (or directed) self-placement. This winter, math and BEdA faculty are invited to join us on March 8 for presentations and guided workshop time on "Math I-BEST Team Teacher Training" led by Will Durden, SBCTC Director of Basic Education for Adults, and "How to Make Math Corequisites Work for You and Your Students" by Kathleen Almy founder of Almy Educational Consulting<https://www.almyeducation.com/>.
For more information about Math Pathways and Placement work happening in Washington, please read the Winter Math Newsletter<https://docs.google.com/document/d/15ybqRokEpk9LbG8YW5yLcqmw2JnViK0bIc6Evn4PB4w/edit?usp=sharing>, join the CTC Math Listserv<https://lists.ctc.edu/mailman/listinfo/math_lists.ctc.edu>, and/or email Dawn Draus<mailto:ddraus at sbctc.edu> to get enrolled in the Math Pathways and Placement Canvas course<mailto:ddraus at sbctc.edu?subject=Canvas%20Course%20Enrollment>.
College Success/ First Year Experience (FYE) Courses Project
Amunoo Tembo and Guava Jordan in the SBCTC Student Success Center are embarking on a project focused on college success/ first-year experience courses! This initiative recognizes the critical role that college success/first year experience courses can play in shaping a student's academic journey and future career path, and we want to support our CTC system.

  *   Enhancing Student Success/First-Year Experience Courses: Refine existing curriculum, incorporating best practices and innovative approaches to academic readiness, study skills, time management, career development and connections, job market, advocacy, and overall well-being.
  *   Building a Robust Professional Network: This network will offer opportunities to give input, share resources, and potentially collaborate on curriculum.
To ensure this project reflects the needs and expertise of our community, A form will be distributed with the purpose of seeking involvement from as many colleges as possible!
Initiative in Diversity, Equity, Antiracism, and Leadership (IDEAL)
The fifth cohort of the IDEAL Fellowship is launching in February with students from Lower Columbia College, Green River College, Skagit Valley College, and Olympic College. IDEAL fellows engage in project and problem based learning where they use the Innovative, Measurable, Purposeful, Antiracist, Caring, Transformative (IMPACT) framework to identify and investigate campus policies that disproportionately impact hyper-marginalized student groups and propose equity-centered alternatives for consideration. The fellowship commences with a symposium where students present their IMPACT projects, findings, and recommendations.
Guided Pathways Coaching
The 2024-2025 Guided Pathways Coach application<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScagosn7InJdiWLuE9TGINPnXQ1laOFpzLry9EIU8Ycby_tXg/viewform> is open. We are seeking additional coach candidates to complete the application and consider joining the coaching cadre this spring for possible assignment in the 2024-25 year. We now need your help in identifying additional candidates to help expand our capacity.
Recruitment and Selection Time-line:

  *   Applications should be submitted no later than April 1, 2024 for this round.
  *   Coach Advisory Team reviews and recommendations for appointment of new coaches: April 1-April 15, 2024
  *   Notification of new coach trainees by May 1 and New Coach Orientation May 16, 2024, 1-4 p.m.
Confirm continuing 2023/24 coaches: A check-in will occur in early February to determine the interest and capacity of current coaches. This will be used to determine any changes in assignments as we plan for fall 2024.
Click here to access the 2024-2025 Guided Pathways Coaching Application<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScagosn7InJdiWLuE9TGINPnXQ1laOFpzLry9EIU8Ycby_tXg/viewform>.
Accessibility Updates
The SBCTC is working with Disability Support Services Council members to update the yearly Disability Accommodation Pool (DAP) report that tracks accommodation expenses and spending at each college. Noah Overby will work with Monica Olsson to develop a yearly Data Brief report based on the DAP for college leadership and the Disability Services directors beginning in fall 2024.

  *   SBCTC is working with Bellevue College and Lake Washington Institute of Technology to explore the use of Student Groups as a possible solution to the proposed disability coding changes submitted through the ctcLink Enhancement Request Process.
  *   With leadership from Dr. Michael Brown, the Educational Technology Advisory Group (ETAG) is in active conversation with Instructure regarding specific requirements and requests from your system leading to the contract renewal this spring. This includes Monica Olsson proposing new Accessibility Rider contract language for review.
  *   The second iteration of the Web Accessibility Learning Lab (WA Lab) has been postponed until summer 2024. We plan to offer a shortened "summer camp" version.
  *   SBCTC staff are working with the Anthology accessibility team to deliver a series of sessions to our system focused on Ally, the third-party accessibility remediation third-party tool available to all colleges inside Canvas.
  *   Vicki Walton and Monica Olsson are working together to deliver customized accessibility trainings to SBCTC HR and the web editor staff.
  *   SBCTC staff continues to conduct internal accessibility testing and reporting for in-house and third-party applications.
  *   The monthly ctcLink Accessibility Open Forum sessions continue to see a good turn out from our colleges. More information can be found on the <https://www.sbctc.edu/colleges-staff/it-support/ctclink/ctclink-accessibility> main ctcLink Accessibility web page.<https://www.sbctc.edu/colleges-staff/it-support/ctclink/ctclink-accessibility>
Commission & Council Winter Calendar

ACC - February 2, virtual

ARC - January 17 - 19, hybrid at Skagit Valley

CUSP - February 16-16, Cascadia College

DSSC - January 31-Feb 1, Virtual

FAC - January 17-19, Lower Columbia College

MSSDC - February 7-9, Green River College

VMSC - Water Cooler meetings every Thursday at 11

WSSSC - Feb 8-9, SBCTC



[Compass]
Lauren Hibbs, Ed.D
Director, Student Services
Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges
lhibbs at sbctc.edu* o: 360-704-4334 *
sbctc.edu<https://www.sbctc.edu/> * Twitter: @SBCTCWashington<https://twitter.com/SBCTCWashington> * Facebook: @WASBCTC<https://www.facebook.com/wasbctc/>

SBCTC Vision:

"Leading with racial equity, our colleges maximize student potential and transform lives within a culture of belonging that advances racial, social, and economic justice in service to our diverse communities."



-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.ctc.edu/pipermail/wsssc_lists.ctc.edu/attachments/20240206/e0402ada/attachment-0001.htm>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image003.jpg
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 235095 bytes
Desc: image003.jpg
URL: <http://lists.ctc.edu/pipermail/wsssc_lists.ctc.edu/attachments/20240206/e0402ada/attachment-0005.jpg>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image004.jpg
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 340985 bytes
Desc: image004.jpg
URL: <http://lists.ctc.edu/pipermail/wsssc_lists.ctc.edu/attachments/20240206/e0402ada/attachment-0006.jpg>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image005.png
Type: image/png
Size: 48881 bytes
Desc: image005.png
URL: <http://lists.ctc.edu/pipermail/wsssc_lists.ctc.edu/attachments/20240206/e0402ada/attachment-0001.png>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image006.jpg
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 629079 bytes
Desc: image006.jpg
URL: <http://lists.ctc.edu/pipermail/wsssc_lists.ctc.edu/attachments/20240206/e0402ada/attachment-0007.jpg>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image008.jpg
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 13088 bytes
Desc: image008.jpg
URL: <http://lists.ctc.edu/pipermail/wsssc_lists.ctc.edu/attachments/20240206/e0402ada/attachment-0008.jpg>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image009.jpg
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 2621 bytes
Desc: image009.jpg
URL: <http://lists.ctc.edu/pipermail/wsssc_lists.ctc.edu/attachments/20240206/e0402ada/attachment-0009.jpg>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: SBCTC Common Messaging _ Education Division _ Winter 2024 2.docx
Type: application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document
Size: 50681 bytes
Desc: SBCTC Common Messaging _ Education Division _ Winter 2024 2.docx
URL: <http://lists.ctc.edu/pipermail/wsssc_lists.ctc.edu/attachments/20240206/e0402ada/attachment-0001.docx>