Servingness in Action: Your Role in Student Success
Presenters: Dr. Christina Ryan Rodriguez and Dr. Gisela Verduzco
Session Description: Drawing from Dr. Gina Garcia’s Becoming Hispanic-Serving Institutions, this session explores the true meaning of Servingness—going beyond enrollment to actively support Latinx and historically underrepresented students through culturally affirming practices. Through discussion and reflection, participants will consider how their daily work contributes to a more inclusive, affirming campus experience.
Group Activity
What to Do in an Emergency? A Guide to Emergency Preparedness on Campus
Presenter: Denice Koen
Location: LASS 101
Session Description: This session will provide employees with an introduction to emergency preparedness at Golden West College. This session will go over such topics as: evacuation procedures, Great ShakeOut, Active Shooter Response, shelter in place and lockdownn information, fire extinguisher use and locations, fire pull station use and locations, AEDD and Stop the Bleed Kit locations, and access control.
Classified Professional Growth Program
Presenters: Dana House and Therese Grande, CFCP Representatives
Location: LASS 102
Session Description: Learn how to take your professional development—and your paycheck—to the next level through the Classified Professional Growth Program, offered by the Coast Federation of Classified Professionals (CFCP). This session will provide an overview of the many opportunities available to support your growth, including tuition, books, and fees reimbursement, released time to attend classes, vocational/technical education cost coverage, reimbursement for professional conferences or workshops, and salary differentials that permanently increase your salary upon completion of approved academic or professional programs. Join this session to learn how to access these valuable resources and invest in your continued growth.
ACT, Mental Health, & Basic Needs: A Holistic Approach to Student Wellbeing
Presenters: Judy Cheng, Carla Martinez, and Andre Manukyan
Location: LASS 103
Session Description: Come learn how the Assessment & Care Team (ACT), Student Health Center Mental Health, and Basic Needs work collaboratively to support student wellbeing on campus. The session will highlight the work of ACT, teaching you when and how to report students of concern. You will also learn about the various mental health resources offered by the Student Health Center. Additionally, you will explore the Basic Needs program, including existing resources as well as exciting new features coming this fall. Lastly, you will have the opportunity to dive into a real student case and try out being a member of the ACT Team. Overall, this session will teach you how to make effective student referrals and foster a culture of care on campus.
Planning for Your Future with SchoolsFirst FCU: Understanding Your Retirement Options
Presenters: Nalleli Macias and Yesenia Reid, SchoolsFirst Representatives
Location: LASS 104
Session Description: Learn about the retirement savings plans available to you, including a basic overview of your CalSTRS or CalPERS pension and why it's important to build additional savings. Representatives from SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union will walk you through your options, including 403(b) and 457(b) plans, and guide you on how to enroll. Take advantage of this opportunity to gain confidence in your financial future and better prepare for retirement—no matter where you are in your career journey.
Best Practices Supporting Autistic Coworkers
Presenter: Denise Bon
Location: LASS 105
Session Description: This presentation explores how embracing neurodiversity in the workplace leads to stronger, more innovative teams. Designed for classified staff, it offers practical strategies to support autistic & neurodivergent colleagues emphasizing how acceptance and inclusive practices can transform work environments and produce exceptional results.
Presenters: President Randall, VP Hicks, VP Kalfsbeek-Goetz, and VP Lee
Session Description: This panel offers Classified Professionals the opportunity to ask questions, gain insight, and receive updates directly from leadership. Questions can be submitted in advance or asked live during the session.
What to Do in an Emergency? A Guide to Emergency Preparedness on Campus
Presenter: Denice Koen
Location: LASS 101
Session Description: This session will provide employees with an introduction to emergency preparedness at Golden West College. This session will go over such topics as: evacuation procedures, Great ShakeOut, Active Shooter Response, shelter in place and lockdownn information, fire extinguisher use and locations, fire pull station use and locations,AEDD and Stop the Bleed Kit locations, and access control.
Combating Burnout: Strategies for Sustained Well-Being
Presenter: Dr. Marcus Dayhoff, REACH Employee Assistance & Work Life Services
Location: LASS 102
Session Description: In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the demands of work, personal life, and everything in between. Over time, constant stress and pressure can lead to burnout—a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that can hinder your ability to function effectively.
The good news is that with the right strategies, burnout can be prevented, and sustainedwellbeingg can be achieved. In this class, a REACH representative will share practical strategies to help you manage stress, set healthy boundaries, and maintain balance in your life. We will explore key techniques for preventing burnout and fostering long-term wellness, including the following topics:
The Importance of Self-Evaluation
Presenter: Alyssa Brown
Location: LASS 103
Session Description: Discover how taking time to reflect on your performance can drive both immediate improvement and long-term career growth. In this session, we'll explore the value of self-evaluation, how it supports continuous learning, and why it’s an essential tool for professional development. Whether you're aiming to grow in your current role or prepare for future opportunities, this is your chance to learn how intentional reflection can move you forward.
Supporting Student Mental Health at GWC
Presenter: Kyle Smith
Location: LASS 104
Session Description: The mental health needs of our students has never been more important. Often, staff are the first people to whom students display or disclose their symptoms. These encounters can be overwhelming especially when our desire to help is greater than our capacity to help. The need to keep things running smoothly for hundreds of other students in our offices and classrooms, unclear expectations from many directions, and our own mental health needs can make it difficult to feel at ease when confronted by a student in crisis. This workshop aims to help you cultivate the knowledge and skills to stand with our students-in-need when they are most vulnerable.
Finding Your Voice: Managing Imposter Syndrome at Work
Presenter: Jeannette Jaramillo Hernandez
Location: LASS 105
Session Description: Do you ever doubt your expertise, hesitate to speak up in meetings, or feel like you don't fully belong in your role? Finding Your Voice: Managing Imposter Syndrome at Work is an empowering session designed for classified professionals looking to build self-assurance, combat self-doubt, and find their voice. Through real-world strategies and insights, the facilitator will guide participants in recognizing imposter syndrome, developing confidence, and engaging in workplace conversations with clarity and conviction. Walk away with practical tools to navigate challenges and advocate for yourself in any professional setting.
AI Roundtable Discussion
Presenters: CJ Bishop and Uyen Tran
Location: LASS 127
Session Description: Curious about AI but not sure where to start? Already using it and want to swap ideas? This small-group, facilitated roundtable discussion is your chance to dive into the world of Artificial Intelligence in a collaborative setting. Talk with colleagues about the AI tools you're exploring, questions you have, and how AI has enhanced your work—plus share what professional development or training you need to grow and move forward. Whether you're just beginning or already integrating AI into your workflow, this is a space to share, learn, and discover new possibilities—together.
