Equity and Inclusivity Minutes of October 12, 2020

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Present: Luis Alcazar, Kathryn Bousquet, Chris Farmer, Benjamin Quesada, Francine Turner, Howard Willis, Jeannette McClendon, Robin Darcangelo, Maria Ramos Tamayo, Dr. Robyn Wornall, Jose Hernandez, Maria Guerrero and Martha Navarro Not Present: Sheryl Fernandez, Charo Albarran, Sara Parker, Kyler Thompson and Damien Sandoval Guests: Christa Trujillo, Oscar De Haro, Dr. Alan Dixon and Dr. Alejandro Guerrero, Scott Allen, Brian Lym, Nancy Tamarisk and Jhanine Mizona 1. Welcome and Approval of the minutes

a. Luis moved to approve the minutes of our last meeting and there was consensus. b. Robin welcomed Jose Hernandez, who is joining EIC as a Community Member; he worked for

NVC for over 17 years as Director of STEM/MESA; and sits on MESA/STEM Advisory Board. c. Robin also welcomed two students: Jhanine Mizona, new ASNVC secretary, who also works in

the Office of Student Affairs; also Edward Galarza, Senator at Large who was unable to join the meeting.

d. Robin gave a warm welcome to Dr. Alan Dixon, who is the Interim Sr. Dean of Career Education, Workplace & Academic Pathways. He prefers to be called Alan. For students, it’s Dr. Dixon.

2. Equity Updates (Robin):

a. Updated EIC website with CCEAL report that was requested at our last meeting. b. CCEAL (Community College Assessment Lab) – they will be conducting four focus groups with our

students: LBGT, white foster youth, Latino, Asian/Filipino. Students who participate will get a $50 voucher to use at the Bookstore. Recruitment of students is going well.

3. Update on Calendar:

a. Chris looked into what is out there and decide which way we want to go. b. UC Davis has a comprehensive calendar on their website that you can sign up for, but he it’s a little

overwhelming because it has a lot of events (every single diversity-related/religious holiday). c. He also showed an example from Truckee Meadows CC (tmcc.edu); d. There’s also a commercial version (Excellent Presence). e. Recommendation: let’s not reinvent the wheel; use what’s available. f. We can provide in our EIC website the resources on where faculty can access them to include in

their syllabi. g. Chris was not completely clear on what exactly Paul G. was looking for when he asked for EIC to

look into it, but Chris will follow up with him. h. Robin suggested sharing it with Eileene to get their input to see if what the faculty would think.

4. Basic Needs Proposed Idea

a. Ben Quesada shared he’s been talking to his cohorts in California and students in general regarding Basic Needs (i.e., food insecurities, homelessness, housing, medical access).

b. We have a food basket fully staff and now a CalFresh outreach, but there are other needs that need to be addressed such as homelessness and housing.

c. It’s time to discuss putting together a stakeholders advisory group to discuss these issues as a group and possibly creating a Basic Needs Center.

d. Nancy shared that it is really hard to make students aware of medical services. Students just don’t know where to start.

e. Ben and Nancy will update EIC as things are developed.

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5. Professional Development Committee (PDC) Future a. Christa updated us on what the PDC is doing for Flex Day and with some webinars. b. She is excited to learn about the CCEAL focus group surveys and the follow-up done to keep our

students supported. c. Partnering with the RP Group from Darla Cooper and looking at how we can support initiatives

across the college to implement a more inclusive culture at NVC. d. She is really interested in how we can support our students with accommodations especially

those that are more likely to fall through the cracks. e. Happy to hear from Nancy and Ben on the proposed idea for Basic Needs. f. If there are new PDC activities that need to be recognized, please send that information to her.

PDC is looking forward to collaborating. 6. Update on Umoja Program: Jeannette showed us a PPT presentation on the Umoja Program (PPT

slides attached at end). She welcomed the new EIC members. a. Jeannette’s presentation included slides on the meaning/pronunciation of Umoja (oo-moh-jah)

which means unity; the historical perspective and definition of the program; who are we; when the program started at NVC; the practices infused in their curriculum; the benefits of being part of the Umoja family, the academics, etc.

b. Historical perspective: i. CA CC had diff. programs to address disproportionate access and outcomes but

there was not a state-wide program ii. 2007 CA decided to recognize Umoja throughout the state iii. The program incorporates a holistic approach to learning—body, mind and spirit

c. Who we are at NVC i. 2008, Dr. Tia Madison started Umoja at NVC after attending a few conferences; not

much money to do this, but she had the desire to help students; got together with various faculty in English, Humanities, Speech Communication & Counseling, including Dr. Tejada, and put together the program/curriculum, cohort model

ii. Jeannette hired in 2013 as Coordinator; now in 800 building, the Umoja Village—a place to do homework, work on computers, eat lunch, safe space to relax

iii. Up until 2019, program only required that students to take Counseling & Speech Communication classes

d. Benefits from being part of the Umoja family/18 Practices Infused in the Umoja Program (see page # of PT3)

i. Academics: The Curriculum of Year 1 and Year 2. Have strong networking with the English faculty to provide intervention on the students’ needs.

ii. The Body – physical activity and joint activities with the Puente Program. 1. Mentor ME (Manifestation of Excellence) – led by Dr. Tia Madison. Having someone

who is there for you and allies for our students; students are required to see their mentor twice a semester to stay engaged.

2. Umoja Village – a safe space for students to feel safe; open (Mon-Thur 9-5:20 p.m.). students must attend 2x/week.

3. Porch Talk – Every Thursday 12:30-1:30 p.m. via Zoom. 1. In Jeannette’s culture and family, talking on the porch with grandparents

was treasured as a way to catch up and connect; Jeannette has taken

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that experience and tried to replicate it by offering virtual “porch talks” for students.

2. Recently had a talk (9/10/20) on “The year we may want to forget!” so dialogue interesting and engaging.

3. It’s an opportunity for them to share how they are feeling about current topics such as unemployment, fires, school, etc.

iii. Counseling “the Spirit” - intrusive counseling/ early intervention; we want to know what is going on, so that we know what; students must see Sonya Wright, an adjunct counselor, twice in a semester.

iv. Umoja Team: includes staff (Jeannette, Dr. Madison, Sonya & Ms. V) and two students: TaQuisha and Tyronna.

7. Dr. Alejandro’s Presentation on Transformative Education: It’s about Purpose, Responsiveness, and Relationships. a. Robin introduced Dr. Alejandro Guerrero (AKA Dr. G.) and shared his bio. b. Dr. Guerrero thanked Robin for the invitation and introduction. c. He acknowledge the sacred land of people who had lived here and indigenous people, and asked

permission from them and his ancestors to share this information. d. Presentation important for 2 reasons:

1. urgency for critical conversations around education for transformation, liberation and freedom until we reach equity.

2. this is his life’s work; his research over many years in social work; so exciting to share colleagues

i. Topic: transformative education ii. Went into classrooms, observed, did surveys, talked to students about who was

doing the most impact in their lives e. He talked about instruction vs. education: Are we instructing or educating students? It’s not just

about memorizing facts. Education includes growing, cultivating, fulfilling ones purpose in life; f. Transformative education does not have to happen in a classroom setting; it can happen outside of

the classroom and can be from any folk who inspired you and transforms you. 8. Several EIC members thanked Alex for sharing this information with us as. It’s very important and

they appreciated his empowering words. Link to Dr. Guerrero’s Audio/Video Recording

Note-takers, Maria Ramos Tamayo and Martha Navarro

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UMOJAPRONOUNCED “OOO-MOE-JUH”

(A KISWAHILI WORD MEANING UNITY) ”

Historical PerspectiveCA Community Colleges throughout the state had programs that focused on the disproportionate numbers of African Americans attending and/or completing college, but it wasn’t until 2007 that it was finally recognized. There are now 68 CA community college campuses that have a Umoja Program. There is also one CSU and a community college in Washington.

The Umoja Community incorporates a holistic approach to learning – tapping into the body, mind and spirit.

Definition: Umoja is a statewide program that has helped thousands of educationally disadvantaged students graduate and/or transfer to four-year colleges and universities. This program addresses students’ needs through academic support services and curriculum focused on African American history, literature, and culture. https://umojacommunity.org/our-story

WHO are WE?Umoja is a learning community for African American and other college students

• Designed to ensure the success of all students that are in the learning community.

• Using an integrated approach that combines academic, counseling, and interpersonal skills.

• Program uses a combination of African American and Pan-American literature.

• Encourage students from all ethnic backgrounds to share similar experiences and history.

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At Napa Valley College

• In 2008. Dr. Tia Madison started the program at Napa Valley College.

• Program started with English, Humanities, Counseling and Speech Communication classes in a cohort model and included counseling and mentoring.

• I was hired as Coordinator in 2013, and took over. We revamped the 800 building into the Umoja Village – where studentshave a place to do homework, work on the computers, eat lunch, and just a safe space to relax and have porch talk.

Up until 2019, the program only required students to take Counseling and Speech Communication classes.

• In 2019, the program added a second year cohort which including classes in Math, English, and Sociology and also added MENTIS as part of their program requirements. Why did we do this??

As a part of the Umoja family, you will benefit from:A strong support system and personal attention by counselors and professorsIntegrated instruction from caring facultyPeer tutoring Motivational and cultural workshopsCampus toursSeeing yourself as valuable and worthy of an educationMentorship with campus faculty, staff, and community membersParticipation in the Umoja Community statewide events

18 practices infused in our teaching(detailed info on each found on the campus website)

1. RAISING "INTENTIONAL & DELIBERATE“2. ETHIC OF LOVE- THE AFFECTIVE DOMAIN3. MANIFESTING4. UMOJA COUNSELING: AFFIRMING, INTEGRATED,

INTENTIONAL5. THE PORCH6. LIVE LEARNING7. LANGUAGE AS POWER

8. TAPPING AFRICAN AMERICAN INTELLECTUAL, SPIRITUAL, AND ARTISTIC VOICES

9. AWARENESS OF CONNECTEDNESS TO AFRICAN DIASPORA10. COMMUNITY –BUILDING COMMUNCAL INTELLIGENCE11. ACCELERATION- ENGLISH, MATH, ESL, AND COUNSELING12 .OCCUPY STUDY SPACES ON CAMPUS13. MENTORING14. MATTERING15. UMOJA AS A POWER BASE

16. ENCIRCLING DIVERSITY17. GIFTING18. EVERYBODY’S BUSINESS

ACADEMIC“the mind”

YEAR 1

Fall

COUN 100SPCOM 126HUMA 112MATH 232ENGL 120/95

Spring

COUN 110COUN 105SPCOM 120HUMA 100/101SOCI 150ENG 120/95MATH 232

YEAR 2

Fall

ENGL 125SPCOM classMajor classSOCI 120ELECTIVE

Spring

COUN 110SPCOM 120HUMA 100/101CFS 120

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“The Body”

Joint activity with PUENTE

COUNSELING“the spirit”

MENTOR MEManifestation of Excellence

• Improve student retention and productivity in the classroom.• Provides students with opportunities to see success in action.• Provide opportunity for students to cultivate social interactions with mentors

that are paired based on similar career sets.• Provides student with an ally – someone to talk to• Community leaders and on campus staff/faculty

Outcomes

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Welcome to the Umoja Village

Please give us yourname and ID #.

This is a safe placeto be yourself.

Come in, have a seat and feel free to ask questions.

Please mute your phone if you are not speaking

PORCH TALK

Every Thursday12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

Sponsored by the Umoja Programjmcclendon@napavalley.edu

Zoom ID and passcode required

September 10

Please mute your sound unless you are speaking

Year 2020

The Year we may want to forget!

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NVC Valedictorian’s

FormerUmoja

students

UC Berkeley UC Davis

Umoja Team

Jeannette McClendon,Coordinator, Counselor,Professor

Dr. Tia Madison, Professor,Mentor Me Coordinator

Sonya Wright, Counselor

Verestine Henderson (Ms V)Admin. Assistant

Former Umoja student

www.umojacommunity.orgwww.napavalley.edu/academics/umoja www.napavalley.edu

Two Student worker:sTyRonna Brooks-JackTaQuisha Thomas