Cañada Collaborates
This website is organized to help Cañada College students, faculty, staff and administrators collaborate effectively as they strive to achieve our College Mission and ensure success for all of our diverse students.
What are our strategic initiatives for 2023-24 and beyond?
Each year, student, faculty, staff and administrator leaders at Cañada College identify
the the specific actions we will take during the coming academic year to operationalize
the strategic initiatives laid out in our Educational Master Plan (EMP) and our Strategic
Enrollment Management Plan (SEM). In 2022-23, the College will launch the implementation
of our new Educational Master Plan for 2022-2027. 
Leadership Retreat
As part of the College's annual planning cycle, campus leaders convened for a Leadership Retreat on August 10, 2023 to discuss how to operationalize and implement the strategies contained in the new Educational Master Plan during the coming academic year. Information from prior Leadership Retreats can be found here. The Planning and Budgeting Council adopted a new Annual Plan based on the Leadership Retreat recommendations on September 20, 2023.
Working on our strategic priorities in 2023-2024
During the 2023-24 academic year, four work groups will tackle nearly a dozen of our EMP initiatives as laid out in the College's 2023-24 Annual Plan for EMP implementation. Each of these work groups is open to all faculty, staff, and students. For more information or to get involved, please contact the leads below:
Annual EMP Priority Project |
Project Lead(s) |
Meeting Information and/or Materials |
Priority #1: Create and sustain an inclusive, antiracist, and equity-minded campus culture |
||
| EMP 2.8 Provide regular, accessible, planned and intentional professional development opportunities (including implicit bias and antiracism training every two years) to all employees that sustains their personal growth and professional development over the course of employees’ careers. | Anniqua Rana, Interim Dean of ASLT | All information about this Work Group is posted here. |
| EMP 2.9 Implement a campus-wide bias incident reporting system with safeguards for victims and transparent methods for addressing all reports effectively. |
Dr. Kealoha, Director of Equity; Dean Hartman, Counseling; and Mwanaisha Sims and Dr.O’KenZoe Selassie-Okpe (District) |
Materials: BEST PBC Presentation on September 20, 2023 Meetings occur on an as needed basis; meeting times are contingent on the committee’s schedule. To be added to the calendar invite, please email Dr. Kealoha . |
| EMP 2.10 Reimagine and transform college participatory governance processes and structures to: (1) address equity and antiracism in all integrated planning and resource allocation decisions; (2) increase student voice in college processes, including program review; and (3) ensure classified staff have adequate time to contribute to the committees and councils on which they serve. | EAPC Tri-Chairs, Kiran Malavade (faculty), Krystal Martinez (classified), Michiko Kealoha (administrator) | Equity and Antiracism Planning Council are open to the public. Meetings occur on the 4th Tuesday of every month. Please visit the EAPC meeting site for more details on how to join the multi-modality meeting. |
| EMP 2.11 Develop the College Cultural Center (Multicultural Center) to provide timely, relevant, and intentional programming that serves the needs of the campus community in a manner that supports antiracist work at the College and more effective support for and representation of diverse racial, ethnic, and LGBTQ+ groups in the community. | Dr. Michiko Kealoha, Director of Equity |
Cultural Center events and workshops are open to the entire campus. To attend the Cultural Center programming, please visit our Cultural Center events page for more details.
Would you like to partner on any Cultural Center programming? Email Dr. Kealoha at kealoham@smccd.edu. |
Priority#2: Expand Programs and Opportunities (in North Fair Oaks, Belle Haven, East Palo Alto w/emphasis on BIPOC communities) |
||
| 3.6 Triple the number of high school students on campus during the summer and on Saturdays during the academic year. | Dr. Manuel Alejandro Pérez, VP of Student Services |
October 25, 2023 meeting slides November 7, 2023, 8:30 -10:30 a.m. on Zoom November 28, 2023 4:30-7:30 in the community, location TBD December 8, 2023 time TBA pending off-campus site and member availability Recommendations presented to PBC on December 6, 2023 Please contact Dr. Manuel Alejandro Pérez for more information. |
Priority #3: Strengthen K-16 pathways and transfer |
||
| 3.7 Fulfill the MOU with Sequoia UHSD, SF State and CSU East Bay 3.8 Strengthen transfer support services to increase transfers 3.9 Implement AB 1111 (common course numbering) and 928 (CalGETC) |
Dr. Chialin Hsieh, VP of Instruction |
Meeting #1: October 13, 2023, from 11:00 - 1:00 in 9-154 Meeting #1 Notes and Meeting #1 Slides Meeting #2: November 3, 2023 from 1-3 p.m. in 9-154 Meeting #2 Notes and Meet #2 Slides Meeting #3: November 17, 2023, from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. in 9-154 and on Zoom |
Priority #4: Reimagine how we support students’ accessing career opportunities |
||
| 3.10 Centralize and coordinate employer relationships to scale opportunities for students 3.11 Create and expand career exploration experiences for students |
Dr. Karen Engel, Dean of Planning, Research, Innovation & Effectiveness |
Meeting #1: October 5, 11:00 - 12:30 in 8-119 Meeting #1 Notes and Meeting #1 Slides Meeting #2: October 26, 11:00 - 12:30 in 8-119 Meeting #2 Agenda and Meeting #2 Notes with Draft Recommendations Meeting #3 (final meeting): November 16, 11:00 a.m. - noon in Room 8-119 |
At the same time, work continues on our other EMP initiatives as defined by PBC here: EMP implementation matrix and below:
2.2 Increase the use of equity-minded curriculum
2.3 Increase resources for faculty professional development
2.4 Sustain and expand faculty learning communities
2.11 Develop the College Cultural Center
1.9 Strengthen Cañada’s participation in the California Virtual Campus
1.19 Reduce or eliminate the cost of textbooks
2.1 Increase support for faculty to provide individualized attention (Umoja practices)
2.2 Increase the use of equity-minded curriculum
2.3 Increase resources for faculty professional development
2.4 Sustain and expand faculty learning communities
2.5 Increase use of Open Educational Resources
2.9 Implement a campus-wide bias incident reporting system
2.10 Transform college participatory governance processes
2.12 Identify and address equity gaps in Program Review
3.9 Implement AB 1111 and 928
1.9 Strengthen Cañada’s participation in the California Virtual Campus
1.12 Increase peer mentoring
1.19 Reduce or eliminate the cost of textbooks
2.5 Increase use of Open Educational Resources
4.8 Increase student access to tutoring and other academic supports
4.11 Provide trainings needed to ensure new technology facilitates quality teaching
and learning
3.13 Address food insecurities
3.14 Increase access to housing resources
1.11 Complete implementation of Guided Pathways essential practices
1.15 Create and scale the First Year Experience Program
1.16 Create campus culture that supports completion within 3 years
2.6 Improve faculty and staff hiring practices to ensure a diverse pool of applicants
(with District HR)
3.1 Centralize and coordinate employer relationships to scale opportunities for students
3.5 Double the size of Middle College in 5 years
3.7 Fulfill the MOU with Sequoia UHSD, SF State and CSU East Bay
3.11 Create and expand career exploration experiences for students
4.1 Improve
access to campus via public transit, rideshare
4.5 Improve pedestrian and bicycle access
4.6 Modernize the Performing Arts Center
2.1 Transform college participatory governance processes
2.9 Implement a campus-wide bias incident reporting system
1.2 Build on the CWA model
4.3 Create a hub for evening and weekend students
1.9 Strengthen Cañada’s participation in the California Virtual Campus
2.7 Provide comprehensive on-boarding for all new employees
2.8 Provide regular professional development that includes implicit bias and antiracism
training every 2 years
1.10 Improve WebSchedule
4.5 Improve pedestrian and bicycle access
4.6 Modernize the Performing Arts Center
2.7 Provide comprehensive on-boarding for all new employees (IDEAL)
2.8 Provide regular professional development that includes implicit bias and antiracism
training every 2 years
2.9 Implement a campus-wide bias incident reporting system
1.17 Include Financial Literacy in First Year Experience
1.18 Increase % of students who submit financial aid applications
3.13 Address food insecurities
3.14 Increase access to housing resources
2.1 Increase support for faculty to provide individualized attention (Umoja practices)
2.2 Increase the use of equity-minded curriculum
2.3 Increase resources for faculty professional development
2.4 Sustain and expand faculty learning communities
1.2 Build on the CWA model
1.3 Create a student-first course schedule
1.4 Create new degrees and certificates
1.6 Create short-term, stackable certificate programs
1.7 Increase degree and certificate programs available in Menlo Park and East Palo
Alto
1.9 Strengthen Cañada’s participation in the California Virtual Campus
1.19 Reduce or eliminate the cost of textbooks
2.5 Increase use of Open Educational Resources
3.4 Increase dual enrollment opportunities for high school students
4.3 Create a hub for evening and weekend students
4.7 Increase student access to information literacy programming
4.12 Offer key courses in multiple modalities
In consultation with Academic Senate and the Office of Instruction, IPC will serve in an advisory role specific to the following initiatives:
1.3 Create a student-first course schedule
1.16 Create campus culture that supports completion within 3 years
1.19 Reduce or eliminate the cost of textbooks
1.8 Ensure academic program viability
2.3 Increase resources for faculty professional development
2.5 Increase use of Open Educational Resources
4.10 Ensure faculty, staff and students have access to technology to support multiple
modalities
4.11 Provide trainings needed to ensure new technology facilitates quality teaching
and learning
4.12 Offer key courses in multiple modalities
1.5 Develop new KAD programs and certifications
3.6 Triple the number of high school students on campus during the summer and on Saturdays
during the academic year
3.3 Utilize relevant social media and websites to ensure we reach a diverse, inclusive audience
4.4 Make the campus more visually welcoming
4.9 Update and implement sustainability initiatives
3.9 Implement AB 1111 and 928
4.7 Increase student access to information literacy programming
4.9 Update and implement sustainability initiatives
4.11 Provide trainings needed to ensure new technology facilitates quality teaching
and learning
2.13 Evaluate student support programs and practices
2.14 Evaluate academic support programs and practices
2.15 Evaluate Guided Pathways practices & dual enrollment
3.12 Double the number of alumni connected to Cañada’s Alumni Organization by 2027
(with SMCCCD Foundation)
4.2 Build student housing and a Childcare Center (with Chancellor's Cabinet)
4.13 Advocate for more resources from the District
4.14 Invest in equity and antiracism
4.15 Fundraise $1 million (with President's Advisory Council)
1.13 Scale the Promise Scholars Program for part-time students
2.9 Implement a campus-wide bias incident reporting system
2.1 Transform college participatory governance processes
2.13 Evaluate student support programs and practices
2.14 Evaluate academic support programs and practices
2.15 Evaluate Guided Pathways practices & dual enrollment
4.14 Invest in equity and antiracism
2.1 Increase support for faculty to provide individualized attention (Umoja practices)
2.2 Increase the use of equity-minded curriculum
2.3 Increase resources for faculty professional development
2.4 Sustain and expand faculty learning communities
2.12 Identify and address equity gaps in Program Review
1.4 Create new degrees and certificates
1.6 Create short-term, stackable certificate programs
1.7 Increase degree and certificate programs available in Menlo Park and East Palo
Alto
2.1 Transform college participatory governance processes
2.9 Implement a campus-wide bias incident reporting system
2.11 Develop the College Cultural Center
4.3 Create a hub for evening and weekend students
1.1 Make registration easier
1.14 Strengthen and scale student affinity programs
2.11 Develop the College Cultural Center
2.12 Identify and address equity gaps in Program Review
3.1 Update marketing and outreach to be culturally informed
3.2 Reach new community members in N. Fair Oaks, Belle Haven, and East Palo Alto,
especially BIPOC communities
3.6 Triple the number of high school students on campus during the summer and on Saturdays
during the academic year
4.3 Create a hub for evening and weekend students
4.1 Ensure faculty, staff and students have access to technology to support multiple modalities
3.8 Strengthen transfer support services to increase transfers
3.14 Increase access to housing resources
1.4 Create new degrees and certificates
1.6 Create short-term, stackable certificate programs
1.7 Increase degree and certificate programs available in Menlo Park and East Palo Alto
1.16 Create campus culture that supports completion within 3 years
2.1 Increase support for faculty to provide individualized attention (Umoja practices)
2.2 Increase the use of equity-minded curriculum
2.3 Increase resources for faculty professional development
2.4 Sustain and expand faculty learning communities
2.12 Identify and address equity gaps in Program Review
3.5 Double the size of Middle College in 5 years
3.7 Fulfill the MOU with Sequoia UHSD, SF State and CSU East Bay
4.9 Update and implement sustainability initiatives
4.11 Provide trainings needed to ensure new technology facilitates quality teaching and learning
4.12 Offer key courses in multiple modalities
1.8 Ensure academic program viability
2.1 Transform college participatory governance processes
2.12 Identify and address equity gaps in Program Review
3.9 Implement AB 1111 and 928
4.1 Ensure faculty, staff and students have access to technology to support multiple modalities
4.7 Increase student access to information literacy programming
4.11 Provide trainings needed to ensure new technology facilitates quality teaching and learning
4.3 Create a hub for evening and weekend students
3.11 Create and expand career exploration experiences for students
2.14 Evaluate academic support programs and practices
2.15 Evaluate Guided Pathways practices & dual enrollment
2.8 Provide regular professional development that includes implicit bias and antiracism training every 2 years
3.12 Double the number of alumni connected to Cañada’s Alumni Organization by 2027
4.2 Build student housing and a Childcare Center
4.13 Advocate for more resources from the District
4.14 Invest in equity and antiracism
4.15 Fundraise $1 million
4.1 Improve access to campus via public transit, rideshare
4.5 Improve pedestrian and bicycle access
4.9 Update and implement sustainability initiatives
1.3 Create a student-first course schedule
1.16 Create campus culture that supports completion within 3 years
1.19 Reduce or eliminate the cost of textbooks
1.8 Ensure academic program viability
2.3 Increase resources for faculty professional development
2.5 Increase use of Open Educational Resources
4.10 Ensure faculty, staff and students have access to technology to support multiple
modalities
4.11 provide trainings needed to ensure new technology facilitates quality teaching
and learning
4.12 Offer key courses in multiple modalities
4.3 Create a hub for evening and weekend students
1.14 Strengthen and scale student affinity programs
1.16 Create campus culture that supports completion within 3 years
2.11 Develop the College Cultural Center
3.2 Reach new community members in N. Fair Oaks, Belle Haven, and East Palo Alto, especially BIPOC communities
3.6 Triple the number of high school students on campus during the summer and on Saturdays during the academic year
4.3 Create a hub for evening and weekend students
4.4 Make the campus more visually welcoming
2.9 Implement a campus-wide bias incident reporting system
3.8 Strengthen transfer support services to increase transfers
4.4 Make the campus more visually welcoming
3.4 Increase dual enrollment opportunities for high school students
3.3 Utilize relevant social media and websites to ensure we reach a diverse, inclusive audience
4.1 Improve access to campus via public transit, rideshare
3.1 Update marketing and outreach to be culturally informed
1.11 Complete implementation of Guided Pathways essential practices
1.12 Increase peer mentoring
1.15 Create and scale the First Year Experience Program
4.8 Increase student access to tutoring and other academic supports
2.10 Transform college participatory governance processes
2.5 Increase use of Open Educational Resources
3.5 Double the size of Middle College in 5 years
3.7 Fulfill the MOU with Sequoia UHSD, SF State and CSU East Bay
1.17 Include Financial Literacy in First Year Experience
1.18 Increase % of students who submit financial aid applications
College Councils, Senates, Committees, Work Groups and Operational Groups
To work together effectively to achieve our goals, the College is organized into Councils, Senates, Committees, Work Groups and Operational Groups which are part of our participatory governance decision-making process. These groups, and the person(s) to contact include:
How can I get involved?
For more information about any of the initiatives or participatory governance committees, please email the person identified with it for more information.