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SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

DUE MARCH 16: WLAC Foundation Scholarship Applications
...learn more
DUE MARCH 26: St. Cloud's Scholarship Applications - Must be a WLAC or LACC student with 2.5 GPA or better....learn more | application
DUE MARCH 30: $1,000 AFT Scholarships Applications for students with a grade of "B" or better in Social Science courses...learn more

BECOME AN ASO OFFICER - MARCH 22

Make a difference in student life and enhance your resume. Take a leadership role in the Associated Student Organization. Applications to run for office can be picked up in the ASO Office in A-5. Applications are due March 22 by 5:00pm.

CONDOLENCES

Condolences to Judy Chow, Chair of Library & Learning Resources who lost her father last week. He was 89. Services were held on March 4.

EARN A HIGHER SCORE ON THE
PLACEMENT EXAM

The Learning Center can help you prepare for the Math & English placement test.

A low score on the placement test administered by the WLAC Assessment Office means you must take pre-college level math and English courses. It can also prevent you from enrolling in other classes which have a high assesment score or the completion of college-level math and English classes as a prerequisite...learn more

NEW EDITION OF
ONLINE WEST MAGAZINE NOW AVAILABLE

The writers for "Dan vs." are among the guest artists in the latest edition of Online West. Student and faculty works explore love, living, aspirations and interests. Audio readings and video interviews are also a part of this edition...click to view

STUDENT HEALTH CENTER

Did you know as a West student that you have access to free or low cost health care? The Student Health Center near Admissions in A-9 provides family planning services and contraception, physical exams, first aid, counseling for depression and relationship issues and so much more. ...learn more

WEST WELCOMES THE VISITING ACCREDITATION TEAM

West undergoes an accreditation review every six years. On March 12 - 15, a team of nine professionals from other accredited community colleges will visit our campus....read more

about the team...

Members of the visiting accreditation team come from as far away as Hawaii and as close as Cerritos, CA. They include chancellors, vice-presidents, deans and faculty...read more

Click to learn more about accreditation or to read the college’s comprehensive report, visit

FACULTY / STAFF EDITION

MONDAY

March 5

WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH EVENT
Film Screening: "Sense & Sensibility" | 1:00pm | GC 160

READ THE LASTEST EAP NEWS: Getting Active in Your Community; Facing Difficult Decisions; Celebrate You!; Tired? Get Moving!...view newsletter

TUESDAY

March 6

FACULTY / STAFF:
"Civility in the Workplace" - Personnel Commission Workshop | 1:30pm | HLRC 4th Flr

WEDNESDAY

March 7

THURSDAY

March 8

FACULTY / STAFF WEBINAR
3:00PM ET - "Who loves ya? Becoming your own best friend" | Click to Register (Login: laccd Password:eap)
view the Webinar schedule for 2012

FACULTY / STAFF TECH FAIR:
Understanding Learning Styles of Students of African American Heritage | 3:30pm...view Spring schedule

FRIDAY

March 9

FACULTY/STAFF
WEBINAR: Web-Application Generated Games | 9:00am

SATURDAY

March 10

SUNDAY

March 11

MONDAY

March 12

WEST WELCOMES THE VISITING ACCREDITATION TEAM!

OTHER NEWS

ATHLETIC FIELD & TRACK CLOSURES
updated Dec.7, 2011

The Athletic Field & Track are closed to walker / joggers Sunday 9:00am - 4:00pm (Simon Bolivar Soccer League) and week days from 1:00 - 3:00pm (WLAC Soccer Class). In January, the track is closed week days from 12:00 - 5:00pm (WLAC Track & Feild practice)

College and community organizations using the field may close the gates earlier than the times stated above to prepare for their events. Additionally, the events may run over their time slots.

Please check back regulary for updates to the Athletics Field & Track schedule.

The track opens at 6:30am and closes at dark. Personal trainers who charge their clients must rent time on the track or any other athletic facility. Use of the turf field requires a permit.

NAMED 2011 BEST PLACE TO WALK & JOG (Culver City News)
Walkers and joggers are also welcome to use the perimeter of the campus and College Blvd which connect the campus to Jefferson.
If your dog is with you, please keep him/her on a leash and scoop the poop. Thanks.

WHAT IS ACCREDITATION?

ACCREDITATION is a form of independent, professional certification that focuses on schools and programs in a particular field. Accreditation of community colleges therefore assures you that a school adheres to high standards.
West Los Angeles College is fully accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) through 2012. WASC, a 501(c)(3) organization, is recognized as one of six regional associations that accredit public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the United States.

WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW?
A team of professionals from other accredited community colleges is reviewing a comprehensive report developed by West which details why the college merits renewed accreditation. The team will also conduct an on-campus visit March 12 – 15. As part of their review, the team will visit offices, programs and conduct interviews with both employees and students. Provided their findings are positive, the colleges accreditation will be renewed. The accreditation decision, and any recommendations the team may have to strengthen the college, will be given to West following their visit.

MEET MEMBERS OF THE VISITING ACCREDITATION TEAM

Accreditation Team Chairperson
Douglas Dykstra, Chancellor
Windward Community College
Douglas Dykstra was appointed chancellor of Windward Community College after serving as vice chancellor for academic affairs for Hawaii Community College since 2004. While at Hawaii CC, he established himself as an effective leader with a strong commitment to the faculty, staff, students and the local community. He was recently selected as the recipient of Hawaii Community College Chancellor’s Award for his dedicated and outstanding service to the University. | Dykstra was instrumental in the 2006 accreditation process as well as updating the Hawaii CC program reviews. He worked closely with the Academic Senate and College Council to discuss faculty concerns and to maintain an open dialogue with administration. His previous administrative experience also includes service as acting dean of instruction/vice chancellor for academic affairs at Leeward Community College for four years. | Dykstra earned his master’s degree in secondary education, community college curriculum, and instruction at UH Manoa, and a master’s degree in history—United States diplomatic history from Kent State University. He received his bachelor’s degree in history from Thiel College.

Francie Quaas-Berryman, Ed.D.
Developmental Education and Success Center Coordinator, Cerritos College
Francie Quaas-Berryman is a Professor of English and also serves as the Developmental Education and Success Center Coordinator at Cerritos College in Norwalk. Dr. Quaas-Berryman received a B.A. in Psychology and a M.A. in English from California State University, Fullerton. She also earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of California at Los Angeles.

Virginia R. Burley, Ph.D.
Vice President of Instruction, Mt. San Antonio College
Virginia Burley has been the chief instructional officer for Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, California since 2007. She has been with the college for 25 years where she has also served as a teacher and English Department chairperson. Her primary duties encompass all facets of senior management related to curriculum and instruction and support for educational programs as well as oversight of the related policy and budget development and facilities planning processes.  She serves as the college’s Accreditation Liaison Officer and has provided statewide training in effective program review and planning processes through the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.  

Bonnie Ann Dowd, Ed.D., MBA, CMA
Exec Vice Chancellor, Business Services, San Diego Community College District
Dr. Bonnie Ann Dowd has over twenty years of California Community College experience as a faculty member, faculty leader, and in senior and executive administrative leadership positions.  She currently serves as the Executive Vice Chancellor of the San Diego Community College District and possesses an Ed. D. in Educational Leadership; MBA in Finance; a BBA in Accounting; and, is President-Elect of the Association of Chief Business Officials (ACBO), assuming the presidency in mid-2012.

Dr. Carole Goldsmith
Vice Chancellor of Educational Services and Workforce Development, West Hills Community College District
Dr. Carole Goldsmith has significant experience in the development and implementation of career and technical training programs and grant management. She has extensive expertise in building collaboration among faculty and industry, workforce investment boards and postsecondary educational agencies in order to identify and provide opportunities for students to gain the necessary skills and knowledge for future employment in high demand fields such as healthcare. She has been in education for 17 years and was awarded the Mariann Loniello Award from the California Community College Association of Community and Continuing Education in recognition for her work in education and economic development. She earned her Doctorate of Education from University of California, Davis.

Virginia Rabor Moran
Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness, Victor Valley Community College District
Virginia Rabor Moran provides leadership in planning, organizational development, and knowledge management for the Victor Valley Community College District. She has served as a member of the Board of Examiners for CAPE (California Awards for Performance Excellence) for two years—California’s Baldrige quality program. This will be the fourth time she has participated on an ACCJC site team.

Dr. Lyn Neylon
Professor of English Language & Literature, Cuyamaca College
With a B.A. in Psychology and English from SDSU, an M.A. in teaching English from USIU, an M.A. in Humanities from CSU Dominguez Hills, and a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from UC-Riverside, Dr. Neylon has explored the connections among European arts, languages, literatures, and psychology. As a tenured professor, she has participated in shared governance in the areas of institutional planning, fiscal and physical resources, as well as curriculum development and assessment. Dr. Neylon has also facilitated faculty and student participation in international programs in her role as Study Abroad Coordinator.

Jeff O'Connell
Professor & Faculty Senate President, Ohlone College
Jeff O’Connell is a proud California Community College graduate and has taught mathematics at Ohlone College since 1996.  Along with teaching, he has served on many campus committees and is currently the Ohlone College Faculty Senate President.

Heather Ostash
Vice President of Student Services, Cerro Coso Community College
Heather Ostash began at Cerro Coso Community College as a counselor in 1998. Prior to becoming the Vice President of Student Services in 2010, Heather served in a variety of faculty leadership roles, such as Counseling and Matriculation Coordinator, Transfer Center Director, Online Counselor and Articulation Officer.

Dr. Brian Richardson
Dean of Academic Affairs, Windward Community College
Dr. Brian Richardson is a graduate of the University of Hawaii and is currently a Dean of Academic Affairs at Windward Community College in Kaneohe, Hawaii. He supervises the Mathematics and Business, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences departments, coordinates the college's online learning program, and oversees the college's website. His educational background has focused on the history of political thought. He is the author of Longitude and Empire: How Captain Cook's Voyages Changed the World.

Madelaine R. Wolfe, Ed.D.
Dean of Instruction, Cuyamaca College
Madelaine R. Wolfe has spent the last 14 years as Dean of Instruction at Cuyamaca College where she is responsible for eight instructional departments including both transfer and Career Technical Ed programs. Her college-wide responsibilities include over site of Career and Technical Education projects and Perkins funds, Accreditation Self-Study tri-chair for Standard I, Instructional Program Review & Planning Committee, and Institutional Effectiveness & Resource Council. In addition to teaching, she has been the Curriculum Committee Chair, Staff Development Coordinator, and Tech Prep Project Director.