News Links | May 25, 2021

System News | Opinion

Skagit Valley College to offer summer Running Start program

... "For many students, summer's a great time," said state Rep. Dave Paul, D-Oak Harbor, who sponsored the bill and also serves as Skagit Valley College’s director of community relations. "They're not participating in sports or other extracurricular activities, so the opportunity to take a college class is really helpful for them."
Skagit Valley Herald, May 23, 2021

Edmonds College students present research at national conference, meet congressional staff

Edmonds College students Bandhna Bedi, Elizabeth Morales and Miia Sula presented their research on the environmental consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic at a virtual conference on April 28. The annual Posters on the Hill conference is sponsored by the Council on Undergraduate Research and is usually held on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
My Edmonds News, May 21, 2021

Three Centralia College students named to 2021 All-Washington Academic Team

Three students from Centralia College have been named to the 2021 All-Washington Academic Team, the college announced late last week. The students were recognized at the May 13 meeting of the Centralia College Board of Trustees, according to a college news release.
The Chronicle, May 21, 2012

SPSCC Board of Trustees passes resolution to name boardroom after founding foundation board member

The South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) Board of Trustees passed a resolution on January 12 to name the SPSCC executive boardroom, located on the Olympia Campus, the Cindy K. Hough Boardroom. Hough has served on the SPSCC Foundation Board since its inception in 1982 and is one of only two original members who continue to serve.
Thurston Talk, May 21, 2021

LCC has 'no plans' to require COVID-19 vaccine, will reopen more services in July

Lower Columbia College does not plans to require the COVID-19 vaccination for fall classes and is also eyeing a mid-July date to reopen more services. ... Neither the state nor the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges has announced a position on mandatory vaccines for college students yet ...
The Daily News, May 20, 2021

Undocumented community college students can now get COVID-19 related financial help

Both Yakima Valley College and Columbia Basin College have announced a major change to the availability of CARES Act emergency funding for students. As the colleges prepare to distribute the forthcoming third round of federal financial support (known as Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III), the U.S. Department of Education ...
NBC Right Now, May 20, 2021

Trends | Horizons | Education

Strong public support for community colleges continues

Community colleges continue to garner strong public support overall, but especially when it comes to their role in workforce development and how efficient they are, according to an annual survey by New America.
Community College Daily, May 25, 2021

Public 4-year colleges in Washington State go test optional

Public four-year colleges in Washington State have gone test optional, permanently. "The decision to move to permanent test-optional policies reaffirm our sector’s commitment to reduce barriers for students. Further, as we enter a period of post-COVID-19 recovery, we continue our commitment to learn from this historic challenge and embrace long-term changes that best serve our students and state," said a joint statement from the provosts or vice president of academic affairs of the eight universities.
Inside Higher Ed, May 24, 2021

Ransomware attack takes Sierra College off-line

... Earlier this year, the FBI’s Cyber Division warned that cybercriminals are increasingly targeting colleges, schools and seminaries, attempting to extort them using ransomware software that may block access to essential IT systems and data.
Inside Higher Ed, May 25, 2021

Politics | Local, State, National

Washington Watch: Recent federal STEM grant opportunities

To promote STEM education (science, technology, engineering and math), several federal agencies — including the U.S. Education Department — recently announced a few STEM-related funding opportunities. 
Community College Daily, May 20, 2021