BCC to be Featured in a New Book Publishing in June!

Berkeley, CA (March 24, 2022) It’s our pleasure to announce that Berkeley City College will be profiled in a forthcoming book titled The Community College: The Pursuit of Democracy, Economic Development, and Success by Robert L. Pura and Tara L. Parker (Stylus Publishing, AAC&U). The book examines the ways community colleges serve as a catalyst for social and economic mobility, fulfilling the promise to provide educational opportunities for all who seek it. The authors visited Berkeley City College, along with four other community colleges across the nation, to meet with faculty, staff, administrators, and students documenting ways their institutions are fighting for economic and social justice and democracy.
 
Berkeley City College is honored to be highlighted for our work serving our community. “Berkeley City College has a rich history of community engagement, rooted in the fundamental college mission ‘to provide our diverse community with educational opportunities, promote student success, and to transform lives,'” said President Angélica Garcia. “We partner with students as they pursue their career and academic goals in a community environment that values equity, racial justice, and equitable student outcomes. I am honored that BCC was included in this book and recognized for its commitment to serve as the community’s college.”
 
“The participation of the Berkeley City College Community in this work will help to shed light on the important role that community colleges play in helping to build a democracy with a more civically engaged population,” said Berkeley City College Academic Senate President Matthew Freeman. “As a first-generation college graduate, community college alumni, and President of the BCC Academic Senate, I was personally honored to have been included in the work of helping to tell our story.”
 
A recent article published on the AAC&U (American Association of Colleges & Universities) website previews the forthcoming book, which will be published in June 2022. It’s available for preorder through Stylus Publishing and other major booksellers. Check it out to learn more about how Berkeley City College serves its mission to transform lives in our community!
 

Join ASBCC Student Government!

Have you been looking for a way to get involved in your community at Berkeley City College? Do you have amazing ideas for different events that you want to see come to life? Joining Associated Students at Berkeley City College (ASBCC) is the opportunity for you! By joining ASBCC, you are able to plan events that will have a direct impact on the student population, build your leadership and public speaking skills, and give back and support the students at Berkeley City College!

You can find the application by clicking here. The application deadline is Tuesday, February 22nd, 2022 at 5PM

If you have any questions, please email the Director of Student Activities & Campus Life at johnnguyen@peralta.edu

Welcome Week Spring 2022!

Berkeley City College is kicking off the Spring 2022 semester with two weeks of fun and activities! Check out the details below:

 

  • Monday January 24th 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.: Join us for free coffee and pastries all day provided by Paris Baguette.
  • Tuesday, January 25th and Wednesday, January 26th 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 pm.: In-Person Express Registration to address any last minute questions and needs! 
  • Wednesday, January 26th 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.: Take your Photo ID on Picture Day! Update: Student IDs will now be available starting Monday, January 31st.
  • Monday, January 31st 12:20 p.m. to 1:20 p.m.:  BCC Welcome Celebration – Join us as we celebrate the start of Spring semester. The celebration will be kicked-off by BCC President Garcia and followed by a healing circle to honor the impact and those we have lost in the pandemic. This event is in-person and on Zoom.
  • Tuesday, February 1st 12:20 p.m. to 1:20 p.m.: Virtual Campus Resource Fair – Learn how BCC can support YOU! Explore different campus departments and resources like Financial aid, the Learning Resource Center, Campus Life, and more on ZOOM!
  • Wednesday, February 2nd 12:20 p.m. to 1:20 p.m.: Bienvenida a BCC! See our beautiful campus and learn more about BCC resources as we tour and meet people here to support YOU in your journey. This event is in-person and on Zoom.
  • Thursday, February 3rd 12:20 p.m. to 1:20 p.m.: Come party and celebrate the start of the semester! Play games, connect with your BCC fam, and win prizes! Event held on Zoom.

Return to Campus Policies and Procedures

Dear Berkeley City College student,

We hope this message finds you well. While Berkeley City College is excited for the resumption of in-person learning in the Spring, we acknowledge any reservations individuals may have considering the status of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. It has changed nearly every aspect of the way we carry out our lives personally, professionally, and academically and has tragically impacted so many in our community.

We write to inform you of the modifications undertaken by the College and the District to ensure the return to campus is as safe as possible. With the support of the Peralta Community College District Interim Chancellor Dr. Jannette Jackson and the Board of Trustees, we are moving forward with returning to in-person learning on January 24th, 2022. These policies are designed to provide multiple layers of protection to mitigate the transmission of Covid-19. The district hosted a webinar on December 20th, 2021 to provide details of our policies. You may find it here.

Below is a list of policies in place:

  1. Vaccination Requirement: As a condition of, and, for permission to access all properties controlled by the Peralta Community College District (PCCD) all students must provide proof of “full” COVID-19 vaccination (as defined by the U.S. Center for Disease Control) or submit a request for exemption on medical, disability, religious grounds, or a deferral based on pregnancy. Full Covid-19 vaccination at this time is defined as two doses of an mRNA vaccine or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Currently, 94% of faculty and staff have provided proof of vaccination to the district. The remaining 6% were granted exceptions. Students are able to upload their proof of vaccination while registering for classes at Campus Solutions. Instructions are provided in written and video PCCD is accepting vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) in our vaccine policy. You may find a list of WHO-approved vaccines here.
  2. Air purification: PCCD’s Department of General Services in partnership with Network Environmental Services, Inc. addressed all remediation recommendations at Berkeley City College and re-assessed the areas after recommendations were implemented during the Winter Break. We prioritized the placement of air purifiers in identified spaces and all spaces now meet the recommended air exchange rates and industry targets. The final report is available on Safe Peralta.
  3. Daily Health Screening: All Berkeley City College students and employees will undertake mandatory daily health screenings before entering campus. Students must register for Campus Shield and present a screening result Bright Star Care staff before entering campus. Bright Star Care will be on campus everyday beginning at 7:30 a.m. to verify compliance with the vaccination requirement for students and employees, as well as assisting Berkeley City College with other public health matters.
  4. Masking policy: PCCD is following the Cal/OSHA, Alameda County Department of Public Health, City of Berkeley COVID Protocols. Everyone is required to wear masks while indoors. Current information regarding the District’s efforts can be found at Safe Peralta: Peralta Secure.
  5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): In preparation for the beginning of face-to-face instruction, “kits” with appropriate health and safety materials (e.g., masks, sanitizers, wipes, etc.) are in each classroom. If a student does not follow the college policy and process to wear a mask, or if they fail to follow an employee’s directive to wear the mask, they will be asked to leave the premises by Marina Security and will be subject to the Student Code of Conduct process. Each classroom or workspace will have a box of masks if replacement is necessary.
  6. Weekly Covid-19 Testing: PCCD is offering weekly testing at each of the colleges and district office. Weekly Covid-19 testing, administered by Virtual Health Solutions (VHS), is available at Berkeley City College in the atrium every Thursday from 8:00am to 12:00pm. VHS offers rapid tests (results produced within 15 minutes) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests (results produced within 72 to 96 hours). The weekly schedule is:
     

    1. MONDAYs 8:00 am – 12:00 noon at Laney College in the Forum Building
    2. TUESDAYs 8:00 am – 12:00 noon at College of Alameda in Building F (Student Center)
    3. WEDNESDAYs 8:00 am – 12:00 noon at Merritt College in Building R (Huey Newton Student Lounge)
    4. THURSDAYs 8:00 am – 12:00 noon at Berkeley City College in the Open Atrium
    5. FRIDAYs 9:00 am – 11:00 am at the District Office in the Atrium (by the Boardroom)

 

This decision was made with careful consideration by the District with the understanding that a last-minute shift to all-remote learning would be detrimental and counterproductive for our students and staff, who have been preparing to return to campus since November, 2021. We remind our students that PCCD is not an outlier in this decision. Many of our neighboring higher education districts are following their own similar frameworks to return to in-person learning in a safe and secure manner.

We hope these measures provide some peace of mind as we welcome students back to campus. We look forward to seeing you this Spring.

In Community,

Berkeley City College

In-Person Services now offered at Berkeley City College!

We’re gearing up for the start of the Spring 2022 semester and Berkeley City College is providing IN-PERSON services on campus starting this week!

The Admissions and Records, Counseling and Financial Aid offices will be open this week to answer your questions and guide you through the processes leading up to the start of class on January 24th, 2022. 

Hours of operation:

Admission and Records

  • Tuesday & Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Financial Aid

  • Tuesday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Counseling

Make an appointment here.

  • Monday-Thursday 8:30 – 5:00 p.m.
  • Friday- 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m

You will need to show the Campus Shield green screen to enter the building. Students should use the Campus Shield app to answer screening questions for campus access. For help with the Campus Shield app, check the Student FAQ HERE. Instructions for the mobile app are available HERE while instructions for the desktop app are available HERE. The screening questions for daily access are available HERE. This will be good practice for the first day of school to ensure you’re aware of the process to quickly enter the building and get to your class!

 

We’re so excited for the Spring 2022 semester. We look forward to seeing you. 

 

In Community, 

Berkeley City College 

Spring 2022 Registration and Vaccine Policy

Berkeley City College is excited to welcome students back on campus for the Spring 2022 Semester! We recognize how challenging the academic experience has been over the past couple years, so we’ve made some changes to our policy in order to safely welcome back students and staff to campus. Students are required to be vaccinated to attend classes at Peralta on-campus or submit a request for exemption. The deadline to submit proof of vaccination is Monday, January 17, 2022. A reminder that getting vaccinated protects the health and safety of our community and familia.

To ensure a smooth and safe return, students are encouraged to upload proof of vaccination as soon as possible. You will need to provide a scanned copy of a valid CDC card before registration. Students who upload their proof of completed COVID-19 vaccination between December 21, 2021 and January 17, 2022 will receive a $50 GIFT CARD! This is a limited-time offer, so submit today!

Students can access the vaccine tracker by logging on to Campus Solutions and selecting the Student Vaccine Tracker page. Click here for step by step instructions on the process for uploading proof of vaccination. We’ve created a video demonstrating the process. You can also scan the QR code in the image above to upload on your phone. Students who have already submitted proof of vaccination are automatically enrolled to receive a gift card.

Gift cards are limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Recipients will be notified via email of gift card award. Gift cards will be distributed within 30 days of award notification.

For more information on where to get your vaccination or to learn more on the vaccination policy at BCC go here. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to Veronica Montoya. BCC is here to support you through this process and look forward to being in community with you all this Spring despite all the challenges. Thank you for all your help in ensuring we are safe.

2021 – 2022 Emergency Assistance Application Now Available

If you are facing a one-time or short term financial emergency, we may be able to help. Berkeley City College is offering limited grants to assist students who are struggling with an urgent expense that might interfere with attending school or finishing your program. The grant is a college response to address emergency needs for low-income college students, including undocumented students, foster youth, non-credit, and those who are housing insecure.

Update: This application is now closed.

For more information, please visit https://www.berkeleycitycollege.edu/emergency-assistance/

President’s Announcement

As we prepare to return to campus, I want to provide you with some important updates to help guide you in the process. I recognize how challenging the last year and a half have been for all of us. As we continue to work through this situation, I will continue to provide updates and encourage you to continue checking your email in the coming months.

Additionally, I look forward to seeing you at the Student Town Hall Gathering on Friday, October 15th, 2021 at 12:20 pm, Zoom link: https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/94438186202.

In community,

Angélica Garcia, Ed.D.
President