PEBB Medical Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA) and Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)

If you wish to enroll in or continue your Medical FSA and/or DCAP, open enrollment is the time to do it. You must enroll or reenroll no later than November 30 for the January 1, 2016 coverage year.

The Medical FSA allows you to:

• Set aside part of your paycheck, before taxes, to cover qualified medical expenses for you and your family members.
• You may set aside as little as $240 or as much as $2,500 during 2016, which will be deducted from each paycheck in equal installments.

The DCAP allows you to:

• Set aside part of your paycheck, before taxes, for child or elder care expenses.
• You may set aside up to $5,000 per household ($2,500 each if married and filing separate tax returns) which will be deducted in equal amounts from each paycheck.

Want to learn more about the FSA and DCAP? Live presentations on November 9, 2015, from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm in PUB 161

Navia Benefit Solutions (formerly Flex-Plan Services) is offering webinars throughout the month of November. To see the webinar schedule, visit the Navia Benefit Solutions website.

In addition, Navia Benefit Solutions will have representatives available at the benefits fairs.

Shine a light on your medical plan options in 2016

Choose the best plan for you and your family – Choosing a medical plan is important. Many people think first about cost and which doctors and hospitals are in the network. There are other things to consider when choosing the plan that is right for you and your family.

Think about these questions as you review the 2016 plan options:

Providers:

• Are the providers I want to see in the plan’s network?

Coordinated Care:

• Will my provider share information that helps the providers work in partnership to make decisions about my health care?
• Will I receive care by providers who are supported by a system with the goal of keeping me healthy and getting me the care I need?

Nurse line, online resources:

• Does the plan have access to a 24/7 nurse line or medical help line for after-hours support or to help me decide whether I need to see a provider?

All medical and dental plans that are currently available in 2015 remain available in 2016.

The Clark College Band was larger than life when their performance before an Oakland Athletics’ baseball game was projected on the O.co Stadium JumboTron. More than 39,000 spectators heard the band perform the National Anthem. Photo courtesy of the Oakland Athletics.

On June 21, 2015, the Clark College Band demonstrated its excellence to more than 39,000 spectators at the Oakland Athletics Baseball Father’s Day game in O.co Coliseum (formerly Oakland Coliseum) in Oakland, California.

“There was nothing more exhilarating than playing that last note and hearing the roar of 39,000 people cheer throughout the coliseum! It was really quite an unforgettable moment for the students and myself,” says Clark Band Director Rich Inouye. “Clark should be extremely proud of how the band students represented the college that afternoon.”

This exciting performance opportunity started last January when the Clark Band received the invitation from the Athletics. The trip was funded through the Associated Students of Clark College (ASCC). The Office of Communications and Marketing also supported the trip by funding uniform shirts for band members.

As part of the Clark’s focus on diversity and cultural exchange, the students were also treated to a music masterclass by Rebeca Mauleón, an internationally acclaimed musician, bandleader, composer, Grammy-nominated producer, author, and leading pedagogue on Afro-Cuban and salsa music. For music students like Courtney Elsberry, the opportunity to learn from one of the music industry’s leading authorities had an incredible impact. “Getting to listen to Rebeca talk about the rich history and culture behind Afro-Cuban music was incredible,” she says. “It was an honor getting to meet her and gain some very vital knowledge.”

In addition to the stadium performance and music masterclass, the Clark band students also watched the Drum Corps International West competition at Stanford Stadium on the Stanford University campus and toured the infamous Alcatraz Island penitentiary.

“Having opportunities to travel broadens my perspective of my music education, and shows me the importance of being in an ensemble and music family,” says Clark Foundation Fields Scholarship recipient Anna James. “Without these trips that Clark College so generously funds, I would not be prepared to tackle the musical challenges facing me at my upcoming enrollment in a four-year university.”

Inouye adds, “This trip really demonstrates Clark’s community commitment to helping develop the student experience. It was truly a collaborative effort, from coordinating with Athletics and Facilities to use our baseball field to rehearse, to the funding from ASCC and shirts from Communications & Marketing. We all put Clark’s name in lights!”

Article submitted by Richard Inouye

Photo and video courtesy of the Oakland Athletics

Professor Donald Appert conducts the Clark College Orchestra in 2015 at the end of his 25th year of teaching music at the college.

The award-winning Clark College Orchestra concluded its 2014-2015 season with its annual spring concert on June 14—an event that also served to celebrate Clark Orchestra Director and Conductor Donald Appert’s 25th anniversary at the college. The concert was held at the Royal Durst Theatre in the Vancouver School of Arts and Academics.

Dr. Appert receives a “memory box” full of messages from friends, colleagues, and former students at his 25th anniversary of teaching at Clark. The box was presented by Dean Miles Jackson.

Featured on the program was pianist Renato Fabbro performing the U.S. premiere of Maestro Appert’s Piano Concerto in Mi. In addition the orchestra performed “Buckaroo Holiday” from Rodeo by Aaron Copland and Scheherazade by Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov.

Clark College Band Director Richard Inouye, Music Department Program Coordinator Shelly Williams, Orchestra Director Donald Appert, and Vocal Music Program Director April Duvic gather to celebrate Prof. Appert’s 25th anniversary of teaching at Clark.

Dr. Appert was honored by the musicians, music department faculty, and college administration for his quarter-century of work at Clark College. Social Science and Fine Arts Dean Miles Jackson paid tribute to Appert after the concert for building the orchestra into a “fantastic program that keeps getting better and better each season.” He also applauded Appert’s commitment to the students in the classroom and in private instruction.

Clarinetist John Gibson, who played at Prof. Appert’s first Clark concert in 1990, returned to perform with him at his 25th anniversary concert on June 14, 2015.

Following the concert, Dr. Appert was further honored by long-time orchestra supporters and friends, as well as by the orchestra’s musicians, in a reception. Among those congratulating him were Kirsten Hisatomi Norvell and John Gibson, two musicians who played in the Clark Orchestra at Dr. Appert’s first Clark concert, which was held on December 5, 1990. Both Norvell and Gibson have played concerts with Dr. Appert throughout the years and performed in the June 14 concert.

Dr. Appert’s programming, which has won national awards through the years, is one of the artistic strengths that has built his reputation at Clark. In addition to programming standard orchestral repertoire, Appert has introduced Clark musicians to rarely performed works by lesser-known composers; premiered new works by contemporary composers; and performed a number of his own compositions. Dr. Appert also has a long history of bringing local, national, and international soloists and guest conductors to enhance the artistic experience of Clark College musicians. The 2014-2015 season featured baritone soloist David Wakeham (Australia) and guest conductor Paolo Biancalana (Italy) in addition to Fabbro, who teaches at the University of Portland.

Music Department Program Coordinator Shelly Williams contributed this article.

Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley

King Elementary students enjoy their new books, donated through the Clark College Bookstore’s 2015 book drive.

Smiles dominated the scene at King Elementary School on March 2 as volunteers from the Clark College Bookstore read Dr. Seuss’s classic The Cat in The Hat to four kindergarten classes as part of Read Across America Day. Following the book readings by volunteers Kaina Barba and Megaera Jarvis, each student received a new copy of the book to keep for their own, courtesy of the Bookstore’s annual book drive. A total of 100 copies were donated by community members, students, staff, and faculty.

Clark College Bookstore volunteers Megaera Jarvis and Kaina Barba read to King Elementary students during Read Across America Day 2015.

“What better way is there to get a child excited to read than with a Dr. Seuss book?” asked Bookstore buyer Marti Earhart, who helps organize the Book Drive. “When the books were handed out, the kids were so excited to open their books to see what words they recognized.”

“The Clark College Book Drive is a wonderful opportunity for King students to hear another adult read a book to them,” King kindergarten teacher Shari Perea said afterward. “The students treasure the book that they receive from the Clark (volunteer) and it, in some cases, is the only book that they own.”

Over the last seven years, the book drive has provided over 1,100 books to local kindergarteners.

Story submitted by Marti Earhart

Photos: Marti Earhart/Clark College Bookstore

Eleven years–that is how long Clark employees have been generously donating backpacks and supplies to school-aged children of Clark College students through the Annual Backpack Project. This year, employees sponsored 76 backpacks, adding to a cumulative total of well over 600 backpacks collected so far.

Once again, the Office of Planning and Effectiveness oversaw the donation process. Student parents were identified by staff members from Financial Aid, Child & Family Studies, Eligibility Programs, and Veteran Affairs. In August, employees from across the college volunteered to purchase and fill backpacks. Each donor was given a shopping list that included basic information about the child–age, gender, favorite colors and themes–as well as specific items that child would need at school. The backpacks were presented to their recipients before the beginning of the school year.

Through emails and thank-you notes, students expressed their gratitude at receiving the backpacks. One parent’s response expressed the realities faced by many families with both children and parents in school: “I received the backpacks for the kids today and I am overwhelmed with gratitude,” she wrote. “I didn’t realize that supplies would be included. … I appreciate the support. It was a difficult decision to come back and finish my degree. There is a lot of family sacrifice involved, [and] gestures like these make a big difference. Thank you.”

Another student wrote, “As a single working mother, this is a great stress relief.” Yet another card read, “I’m currently homeless, so this helps so much.”

The children also expressed delight as they picked up backpacks stuffed full of supplies. As one child put it: “I really like it, and can’t wait to use it for school.”

Story and photos submitted by Susan Maxwell

Work and closures will take place inside the areas marked by yellow lines.

Sections of Green Lot One will be closed off during the month of July as the college works to improve its fiber optic system. On July 15 and 16, the entire northwest portion of the lot will be closed to cars as workers determine the locations of existing underground utilities. Once those locations have been determined, smaller areas of the lot will be closed off as specific sites are worked on. All work should be done, and the entire lot re-opened, by the end of July.

Article and photo contributed by Facilities Services.

Beginning July 11, the College will be closed to the public at noon on Fridays through August 29.  Below please find information about the availability of College services available during this closure period.

Note: Even when services are available during normal operating hours, staff do take vacation during the summer and not all departments may be at full strength all the time. However, the college will ensure adequate staff coverage in critical areas.

Bookstore

• Open Friday, July 11, 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and Friday, July 18, 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Open Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and closed Fridays, July 21 – August 22
• Open Friday, August 29, 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Business Services

• Will be closed at noon on Fridays July 11 – August 29.

Cashiering

• Will be closed at noon on Fridays July 11 – August 29.

Central Services

• Outgoing mail will be delivered to the Post Office prior to noon on Fridays, July 11 – August 29. There will be no campus mail delivery after noon on those Fridays. Campus mail will be delivered on the following Monday.

Emergency Management

• Will maintain normal operating hours during the summer and will not be closed at noon on Fridays.

Environmental Health and Safety

• Will maintain normal operating hours during the summer and will not be closed at noon on Fridays.

Events Services

• Will be closed at noon on Fridays from July 11 – August 29, unless there is an event scheduled that requires staff to be on site.

Facility Services

• Will maintain normal operating hours during the summer and will not be closed at noon on Fridays.

Financial Aid

• Closed all day on Fridays for processing.

Food Service

• Bakery — open Monday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Bauer Coffee Lounge – open Monday – Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  Closed Fridays.
• Hanna Coffee Lounge – open Monday – Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.  Closed Fridays.
• Chewy’s Really Big Burritos – open Monday – Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.  Closed Fridays.
• College Burger – open Monday – Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.  Closed Fridays.
• Mighty Bowl – open Monday – Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.  Closed Fridays.
• Anderson Grill is no longer in operation. A new vendor, to be selected over the summer, will begin operations fall quarter in that space.

Human Resources

• Will be closed at noon on Fridays July 11 – August 29.

Information Technology Services

• Will maintain normal operating hours during the summer and will not be closed at noon on Fridays.

The iQ Credit Union branch on the main campus

• Open Monday – Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., July 7 – August 28. Open 9:00 a.m. – noon on Fridays from July 11 – August 29.  Resumes regular operating hours the week of September 1.

Library:

• Open Monday – Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.  Closed Friday, Saturday and Sunday (July 5 – August 31).
• eLearning front office (LIB 124) open Monday – Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. – noon on Friday.
• TechHub (Cannell Library) open Monday – Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Phone and email only Friday – Sunday, Fridays 8:00 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Office of the Vice President of Administrative Services

• Will be closed at noon on Fridays July 11 – August 29.

Office of the Vice President of Instruction

• Will be closed at noon on Fridays July 11 – August 29.

President’s Office:

• Will be closed at noon on Fridays July 11 – August 29.

Production Printing

• Will be closed at noon on Fridays July 11 – August 29.

Security

• Lost and Found/ID Cards desk will be closed at noon on Fridays July 11 – August 29.
• Dispatch will be closed at 2 p.m. on Fridays July 11 – August 29.
• Security officers will be available 24/7 for all security-related issues.

Student Affairs

• Will be closed at noon on Fridays July 11 – August 29 (except Financial Aid which is closed all day on Friday for processing).

Tutoring

• Please visit the Tutoring Center’s website for a complete list of summer hours and locations.

Other Clark College locations

The Clark Center at WSU Vancouver, the Columbia Tech Center, and the Continuing Education Center in downtown Vancouver will also be closed to the public at noon on Fridays, although instructional classes–as well as programs offered by Corporate & Continuing Education–will be provided as already scheduled.

This article contributed by Administrative Services.

Photo: Clark College/Jenny Shadley

Before we say goodbye to spring quarter, make sure to put Clark’s 2014 Fall Orientation on your calendar. Opening Day activities will be on Wednesday, September 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in O’Connell Sports Complex, followed by Fall Orientation through September 19 in various locations. Visit the Fall Orientation home page for the full lineup of events.

Opening Day is a time for us to come together as a community. To make that possible–and so that everyone from all of our locations can attend our opening day celebration–the college will be closed on the morning of Wednesday, September 10. Offices will open and services will resume at 1 p.m. that afternoon.

This year’s Orientation Fair will be held Tuesday, September 16, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Gaiser Student Center.

Article contributed by the Fall Orientation Committed.

In the beginning of 2013,  the college asked employees to imagine what Clark would look like in 2020. The college community answered this question with thoughtful responses. That feedback was used to create the Vision 2020 Themes, which in turn were used to focus in on the central theme of the new Strategic Plan: student learning.

On Opening Day fall 2013, the college divided into small groups to discuss student learning and had follow-up meetings on the subjects of Access, Environment, Engagement and Commitment to Learn. Those ideas and feedback were reviewed by Taskforce 2 and reports have been generated to be used as one of the tools Taskforce 3 will use to create the mission, vision and core themes for the next strategic plan.

Taskforce 3 will convene in June and will complete their work in fall 2014. All the individual input and small-group participation gathered since Opening Day 2013 is being used as a tool to create the framework that will determine how the college allocates resources and makes future decisions.

Once the core themes are drafted, we will share the work of Taskforce 3 and solicit feedback. Then, we will seek more volunteers to draft the goals around each of the core themes during fall quarter 2014. During winter quarter 2015, we will revise and finalize the strategic plan based on feedback gathered from the college. The final Clark College 2015-2020 Strategic Plan will be voted on by the Clark College Board of Trustees during spring quarter 2015.

Thank you for all of your hard work and for keeping the college focused on student learning.

This article submitted by the college’s Strategic Plan Taskforce 1

Clark College Independent 2014 winter quarter staff include, left to right Caitlin Calsbeek, Emma Fletcher, Cloe Beck, Aleksi Lepisto, Kyle Souvenir, Tra Friesen, Kenneth Zummach, Tyler Urke, Robert Berman, Ryan Rutledge, Brody Voge, Tyler “Charle” Brown, Evan “Smiles” Jones, Alejandra Magallanes, Ester Manea and Bradley York. Photo: The Independent/Bradley York

Clark College students who publish the print and online editions of The Independent captured two national awards at the Associated Collegiate Press 30th annual National College Journalism Convention, held Feb. 27-March 2 in San Diego.

In addition to attending more than 72 workshops and training sessions while at the convention, The Independent staff won third place in a “Best of Show” competition among more than 30 community colleges from across the country that publish weekly newspapers. The Clark College student staff also captured 10th place among large schools — both community colleges and four-year institutions — that produce news websites.

This was the first award for The Independent‘s online publication, said Clark journalism instructor Dee Anne Finken, who advises the student staff. She said the acknowledgement is evidence the student staff’s digital-first emphasis is working, and noted that the staff’s success in the print category was a step up from last year, when Clark students finished seventh at ACP.

Finken and adjunct instructor Jeff Bunch accompanied the 12 students who attended the three-day conference, which also included workshops on everything from the basics of newswriting to the future of journalism in the digital age, each led by experts in the field. Other workshops featured faculty from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Arizona State University and the Poynter Institute along with New York Times Public Editor Margaret Sullivan.

Editor-in-chief Aleksi Lepisto said Clark students are committed to publishing a high-quality news product and will continue to work hard to do even better next year. “If we do good work, people will see it,” Lepisto said.

Lepisto said the issue the staff submitted in the “Best of Show” judging featured a solid representation of the quality coverage for which The Independent staff has become known. It included a feature story about a Clark anthropology instructor who is also a ghost hunter and archeologist; a look at some of the issues faced by the growing blind student population at Clark; a commentary about a lack of political awareness among students; and an update on the popularity of the food carts on campus.

Finken and Lepisto said they were grateful for support from the Associated Students of Clark College, which helped fund the trip.

Finken noted that student news teams are in a similar situation as professional news outlets when it comes to figuring out best practices for operating in the rapidly evolving news landscape.

“It’s challenging right now,” Finken said. “We have one foot in developing the fundamentals, but we also have to look ahead to develop more ways of storytelling and delivering the news. But we are up for the challenge.”

In addition to Lepisto, Finken and Bunch, the following student staff members represented The Independent at the conference: Esther Manea, Emma Fletcher, Tyler Urke, Tyler “Charlie” Brown, Tra Friesen, Nate Nienaber, Alejandra Magallanes, Kenneth Zummach, Brody Voge, Ryan Rutledge, and Robert Berman.

Other staff members are Caitlin Calsbeek, Evan Jones, Daniel Hampton, Bradley York, Cloe Beck, Killian Bailey, Boyd Lainhart, Kyle Souvenir and Kait Terrel.

Independent staff contributed this article.