PCC students advocate for zero carbon by 2030

Share: Several PCC Students have joined the grassroots efforts to align Pasadena City College’s policies with Pasadena’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030. On Nov 14, several PCC students attended the Pasadena City Council meeting of the Municipal Services Committee to ensure that the city’s new water and power plan is true to its Zero Carbon by 2030 resolution. This goal puts Pasadena 15 years ahead of the state’s goal of a zero-carbon 2045. Also in attendance were representatives from several local climate organizations, …

Trustees approve PCC Presidential search timeline and committee appointments

Share: At the November Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting the board publicized and approved the PCC presidential search timeline, committee appointments and a document outlining what PCC’s constituency groups, shared governance and on-campus community is looking for in their next permanent Superintendent-President.  The preliminary preparations and creation of the search profile have been going on since late September when the Board hired AGB Search to facilitate the process.  As a part of the undertaking since their hiring, AGB Search has hosted several listening sessions with …

Mental health on campus: Professors need help too

Share: As the United States grapples with a continuing mental health crisis, especially among college aged adults and teens, many professors are feeling the brunt of having to console and act as mental health providers to their students as mental health has worsened and outside care has become more expensive and harder to access. Fear and isolation caused by the pandemic, along with the surfacing of social issues and economic instability, are said to have exacerbated a national struggle with mental health and substance abuse …

Do campus attempts to stifle protest violate the 1st Amendment?

Share: Colleges around the country have been dealing with increasing risks for students due to the ongoing war in the Middle East, while some have banned protesting altogether citing students safety, PCC vowed to protect free speech as it is staying vigilant. “PCC safety personnel are aware of the need for increased awareness during this time of international conflict,” PCC spokesperson Alex Boekelhide said in an email. “There have been no changes to PCC Police policies or procedures, and the college will adapt its approach …

Faculty Association survives ouster from state union

Share: In the second decertification attempt in a year, the Pasadena City College Faculty Association (PCCFA) won a majority over the California Federation of Teachers (CFT) to remain as the on-campus faculty union representative.  The vote to remain with the FA was at approximately 52%, according to Political Science Professor and PCCFA Director Marcus Green. Just above the 50% needed to remain as the on-campus faculty representative. The CFT does not plan to contest the vote at this time or challenge the results.  “I’m hoping …

BLOTTER: Student cited for day drinking in class

Share: Monday, November 06, 2023 8:09 a.m.: Officer advised a transient to leave Lot 4 level 5. 8:57 a.m.: Staff at CEC reported an irate female yelling on the second floor near room 210. Officials were unable to locate.  12:39 p.m.: CDC staff reported a subject made a concerning statement to staff members in their department. Officials took a report. Tuesday, November 07, 2023 8:32 p.m.: Cadet advised a transient was loitering inside the GM building men’s locker room to leave the area. Wednesday November …

Back on the bus: PCC students return to public transportation

Share: With high gas prices holding steady, the prospect of public transportation has never seemed more attractive for locals.  The financial burden of simply filling up a gas tank has become an increasing concern for many Angelenos, leading to a resurgence in interest in public transit.  Students here at PCC have reported a growing reliance on public transportation as a cost-effective alternative to fueling their own vehicles, while commuters find that taking the bus or metro can help them save not only money but also …

Communication overload: Why counseling appointments are so hard to get

Share: PCC is known for providing an extensive list of resources to its students, one of which is the counseling services, however, students’ frustrations regarding counselor availability highlight an underlying issue in the way information is disseminated throughout campus..  As a public college, most of its funding comes from the state, which provides the general fund for the school as well as the various programs and services offered. The counseling services are not currently facing any funding shortfalls, according to dean of counseling Armando Duran …

New college program takes practical learning outside the classroom

Share: Eight California community colleges are preparing to pilot a new competency-based education (CBE)  program to offer select degrees without letter grades or any time in a classroom beginning next fall.  The schools are designing direct assessment associate degree paths in high demand fields like technology and logistics and early childhood education and automotive technology. With completely flexible online schedules, the programs will be geared towards working adults with some experience in the field. “What education needs to do is really prepare learners to be …

BLOTTER: Alleged samurai reported on campus

Share: Monday, October 30th, 2023: 9:46 a.m.: Multiple students reported a male attempting to speak to them as they were entering the L-Building.  11:54 a.m.: CDC staff reported a male was acting erratic near Lot 11 and jumped over a wall into 151 S Hill Ave. Pasadena Police were contacted by PCCPD.  12:29 p.m.: Staff member was transported to the Health Center after falling inside the CC building and injuring their head.  5:01 p.m.: Area check was conducted for a male who approached a female …