[LIBRARYDIR] FW: RE COVID response - Digital Equity and Inclusion efforts

Tue Mar 31 14:30:03 PDT 2020

Hi Mark. See my thoughts below.

Jaclyn Jacot
Dean of Extended Learning & Workforce Initiatives
Spokane Community College
509-279-6234

From: LIBRARYDIR <librarydir-bounces at lists.ctc.edu> On Behalf Of Mark Jenkins via LIBRARYDIR
Sent: Monday, March 30, 2020 2:43 PM
To: elc at lists.ctc.edu
Cc: Mark Jenkins <mjenkins at sbctc.edu>; WACTC Library Directors <librarydir at lists.ctc.edu>
Subject: [LIBRARYDIR] FW: RE COVID response - Digital Equity and Inclusion efforts
Importance: High

Hi

I'm working with Grant on this response  to a legislative request for information about how we're making sure we preserve equity and access during this period. He's sent the following to ITC and I wanted to be sure you had a chance to weigh in because I know everyone is very focused on exactly this question.

If you could give me some brief descriptions or lists of measures you're taking to ensure that the focus in all this remains on equity and inclusion, I'll incorporate those into our response.

Thanks - I know you're DOING it, so describing it isn't the first priority; but anything you can give me will help.

Mark

[Title: SBCTC logo - Description: Compass]
Mark Jenkins
Director, Educational Technology & Open Education
Accessible Technology Initiatives
Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges
mjenkins at sbctc.edu<mailto:mjenkins at sbctc.edu> * o: 360-704-4363

____________________________________________________________________________________
I'm working to draft a response to Rep. Gregerson re: Our COVID-19 response -Digital Equity and Inclusion efforts.  (see below).

I'd like to include some of your insights, examples and maybe some stats (where available) on how our system is working to help provide access in support of digital equity and inclusion.

I think Paul Francis' email below is a good representation, but I believe we have a higher number and percentage of students & faculty impacted.

So..., can you provide examples of how your addressing some of the digital equity and inclusion challenges.

Things like:

  *   Internet access -on campus (when open); Hot spot loaners or vendor provided (low cost) options. Once open, we will have 5+ computer labs open across campus with staff for students use (using social distance procedures), we are loaning out 25 hotspots and purchasing 25 more to loan to students. We purchase hotspots from Mobile Beacon, with only cost $10 per month for unlimited data. They run on the Sprint network which works well in Spokane, but is not supported well in our rural counties. Our rural counties (Ferry, Stevens, Pend Orielle, Whitman, Lincoln) are at a disadvantage because not only do they not have access to quality broadband, but areas also have cell phone limitations so hotspots are ineffective. Our rural sites were using Verizon hotspots, but at $40 per month the cost was unsustainable.
  *   Computer/device access; loaner programs? We have 100-125 laptops to lend to students. We wish we had  more, but funding a supply chain limitations hinder us from purchasing more.
  *   Communication and outreach efforts
  *   Training for students and faculty (Zoom, Canvas, Panopto, etc.) This work is very active, with over 20 training sessions for faculty happening this week alone. Our eLearning office is putting together videos for students who will be taking online classes for the first time.
  *   Partnerships with vendors/suppliers
  *   Others...

Thank you,
-Grant

[Compass]Grant Rodeheaver
Deputy Executive Director / CIO, IT Division
Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges
grodeheaver at sbctc.edu<mailto:grodeheaver at sbctc.edu> * o: 360-704-3939  * c: 360-280-4733
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From: Gregerson, Rep. Mia <Mia.Gregerson at leg.wa.gov<mailto:Mia.Gregerson at leg.wa.gov>>
Sent: Saturday, March 28, 2020 11:50 AM
To: Paul Francis <pfrancis at councilofpresidents.org<mailto:pfrancis at councilofpresidents.org>>
Cc: Gupta, Rashi <Rashi.Gupta at leg.wa.gov<mailto:Rashi.Gupta at leg.wa.gov>>; Jones, Genevieve <Genevieve.Jones at leg.wa.gov<mailto:Genevieve.Jones at leg.wa.gov>>; Bailey, Sami <Sami.Bailey at leg.wa.gov<mailto:Sami.Bailey at leg.wa.gov>>; Ruben Flores <rflores at councilofpresidents.org<mailto:rflores at councilofpresidents.org>>; Jan Yoshiwara <jyoshiwara at sbctc.edu<mailto:jyoshiwara at sbctc.edu>>; Terri Standish-Kuon <terri at icwashington.org<mailto:terri at icwashington.org>>; Sabrina Roach <sabrinadroach at gmail.com<mailto:sabrinadroach at gmail.com>>
Subject: RE: RE COVID response - Digital Equity and Inclusion efforts

Good morning Paul,

Thank you so much for your prompt response.  I'm sorry it took a few days to get back to you.  I wanted to check in with Sabrina Roach (included in this email) who really understand digital inclusion and it seems like one simple ask would be to find out what institutions have currently opened up their parking lots to wifi?

Part of our problem is learning WHO is doing WHAT when it comes to individual institutions so we can identify gaps, quick easy opportunities and then of course policy and funding needs.

Thanks again!  Please stay healthy.

Warm regards,
Mia

*NOTICE OF PUBLIC DISCLOSURE: Please note, this email and any documents you send this office may be subject to disclosure requirements under the state Public Records Act, RCW 42.56.*

From: Paul Francis <pfrancis at councilofpresidents.org<mailto:pfrancis at councilofpresidents.org>>
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2020 10:35 PM
To: Gregerson, Rep. Mia <Mia.Gregerson at leg.wa.gov<mailto:Mia.Gregerson at leg.wa.gov>>
Cc: Gupta, Rashi <Rashi.Gupta at leg.wa.gov<mailto:Rashi.Gupta at leg.wa.gov>>; Jones, Genevieve <Genevieve.Jones at leg.wa.gov<mailto:Genevieve.Jones at leg.wa.gov>>; Bailey, Sami <Sami.Bailey at leg.wa.gov<mailto:Sami.Bailey at leg.wa.gov>>; Ruben Flores <rflores at councilofpresidents.org<mailto:rflores at councilofpresidents.org>>; Jan Yoshiwara <jyoshiwara at sbctc.edu<mailto:jyoshiwara at sbctc.edu>>; Terri Standish-Kuon <terri at icwashington.org<mailto:terri at icwashington.org>>
Subject: RE: RE COVID response - Digital Equity and Inclusion efforts

Hello Rep. Gregerson -

Thank you for reaching out and working to close our digital divide.  This is definitely an issue that affects college students, particularly among underrepresented students, students in rural areas, students experiencing housing insecurity, and others.

We support any efforts at the state level to promote digital equity and inclusion.

As you may know, we have transitioned<https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcouncilofpresidents.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2FSpring-2020-Table.pdf&data=02%7C01%7Cjaclyn.jacot%40scc.spokane.edu%7C9753942944424b9c6a7608d7d4f37967%7C4dedfefa6bd04442a06c98aed0b4b8da%7C1%7C1%7C637212014491793902&sdata=Y4MctjNw8nyPjNZEIhr7bYy0gx6MabI0V92wnHWGe%2Fw%3D&reserved=0> all our classes to remote learning for the remainder of the 2020-21 academic year.  Because many students are currently unable to access technological resources on campuses, the public four-year institutions have worked to provide technology directly to students to ensure they can continue their education.  For example, due to some new purchasing flexibility from the Department of Enterprise Services related to COVID-19, The Evergreen State College just purchased 347 laptops, most of which are available for students to check out and use at home.  We are also working to provide hot spots for students so they can access the internet while following federal, state, and local public health directives and guidance.  In addition, we are providing assistance<https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fits.wsu.edu%2Fwsu-video-conferencing-services%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cjaclyn.jacot%40scc.spokane.edu%7C9753942944424b9c6a7608d7d4f37967%7C4dedfefa6bd04442a06c98aed0b4b8da%7C1%7C1%7C637212014491803901&sdata=wy27HTgXz8v4%2BkrBLP6O%2FiQ7mAKNizLvqgrB6yQauhA%3D&reserved=0> to help students understand how to gain the most from Zoom video conferencing services as well as tips<https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fitconnect.uw.edu%2Fwork%2Fworking-remotely%2Fincreasing-the-speed-of-your-home-internet-connection%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cjaclyn.jacot%40scc.spokane.edu%7C9753942944424b9c6a7608d7d4f37967%7C4dedfefa6bd04442a06c98aed0b4b8da%7C1%7C1%7C637212014491803901&sdata=Xk6xuFYK78wBYtZp4tx6QrtzzklJ34hVicxSCMrbOpQ%3D&reserved=0> on how to increase the speed of home internet connections.

Finally, we always encourage students to reach out and connect if they are experiencing any technological issues or concerns.  We do not want technology to be a barrier to student access and success - particularly at a such a disruptive time in their lives.  When possible, we may be able to provide emergency funds or increase aid available to help students secure the technology they need.

I've also copied Jan Yoshiwara (Executive Director of the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges<https://www.sbctc.edu/>) and Terri Standish-Kuon (Executive Director and CEO of the Independent Colleges of Washington<https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ficwashington.org%2Fdefault.aspx&data=02%7C01%7Cjaclyn.jacot%40scc.spokane.edu%7C9753942944424b9c6a7608d7d4f37967%7C4dedfefa6bd04442a06c98aed0b4b8da%7C1%7C1%7C637212014491813891&sdata=Zc4Qx6RqCRHkTwN7YySUbiF9YcDfPxNf%2FuvjcN5jRHs%3D&reserved=0>) so that they can share thoughts and efforts from their colleges and universities.  This is an issue that impacts students at colleges and universities across our state.

Thank you again for reaching out and please let us know how we can best partner with you to ameliorate this public policy problem.  Stay safe.

Paul
_______________________________________________
Paul T Francis
Executive Director | Council of Presidents
Tel: 360.292.4101 | pfrancis at councilofpresidents.org<mailto:pfrancis at councilofpresidents.org>
| councilofpresidents.org | Twitter: @CouncilofPresWA

[cid:image008.jpg at 01D34CB3.1ED35660]

From: Gregerson, Rep. Mia <Mia.Gregerson at leg.wa.gov<mailto:Mia.Gregerson at leg.wa.gov>>
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2020 1:37 PM
To: Paul Francis <pfrancis at councilofpresidents.org<mailto:pfrancis at councilofpresidents.org>>
Cc: Gupta, Rashi <Rashi.Gupta at leg.wa.gov<mailto:Rashi.Gupta at leg.wa.gov>>; Jones, Genevieve <Genevieve.Jones at leg.wa.gov<mailto:Genevieve.Jones at leg.wa.gov>>; Bailey, Sami <Sami.Bailey at leg.wa.gov<mailto:Sami.Bailey at leg.wa.gov>>
Subject: RE COVID response - Digital Equity and Inclusion efforts

Good afternoon Paul,

I hope you and your loved ones are staying healthy during this time of uncertainty.

Rashi and Genevieve have been great helping me think and work through what digital inclusion means.  Of course our student population and the College Campuses came up as both a great concern and a great opportunity!

Attached is a lot of information but it has been helpful for me.   Below are a few questions if you don't mind helping to give us your opinion.

Is there a coordinated response to ensure that all students have equal access to the speed and products necessary?

Are we making sure we launch the necessary resources for those in the most need (financially, rural, undocumented, homeless)?

If not, is there an interest and opportunity to do this?

There is a small but mighty core team that has been meeting to try and figure out week by week strategies.  I'm pretty sure you'll be familiar with several of the stakeholders.

Please let me know if a call or what would be some good next steps.

Thank you!

Warm regards,
Mia

Representative Mia Gregerson
33rd Legislative District - Burien I Des Moines I Kent I Normandy Park I Renton I SeaTac
Labor & Workplace Standards | Transportation | State Government & Tribal Relations, Chair
Olympia Office: 360-786-7868
Legislative Phone: 206-513-5987
328 John L. O'Brien Building
PO Box 40600
Olympia, WA 98504
Gender Pronouns: She\Her\Hers

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*NOTICE OF PUBLIC DISCLOSURE: Please note, this email and any documents you send this office may be subject to disclosure requirements under the state Public Records Act, RCW 42.56.*

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