Clark College has announced the hiring of Galina Burley in the role of Executive Vice President of Operations. She will begin at the college on July 8.  

Burley was hired through a nationwide search. She will be entering a newly created position which oversees college operations including facilities, business, finance, security and safety, marketing, communications, and auxiliary services. 

“Galina brings a breadth of experience and significant skill in leading complex organizations. Additionally, Galina demonstrated her understanding, appreciation and commitment to social equity and inclusion,” wrote Clark College President Karin Edwards in an email announcing the hire to the college community. “This position serves a crucial role at the college, especially as we recover and plan our post-Covid future.” 

Burley (pronouns: she/her/hers) immigrated to Vancouver, Washington from Sochi, Russia with her parents in 1991. Her history at Clark College began soon afterward, when she began taking English as a Second Language classes and then went on to earn her associate degree. Burley also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Concordia University and a Master of Public Administration from Troy University. In addition, she earned certification in High Performing Organizations from the University of Virginia and is a 2012 alumna of Leadership Clark County. 

Burley’s previous work experience includes leadership roles at the City of Norfolk, Clackamas County, and the City of Portland. Most recently before joining Clark College, she served as Clark County Parks and Lands Manager. She has received an award for leadership from the American Association of Public Administrators of Hampton Roads; the Golden Ivan Award for her work with the Slavic refugee communities in Oregon and Southwest Washington; the President’s Recognition Award from the Crime Prevention Association of Oregon; and nomination as a Woman of Achievement by Washington State University Vancouver. Burley identifies as Armenian-Russian-American. In her free time, she enjoys reading, volunteering, and spending time with her family.  

“It feels very special to return to the Penguin Nation, where I began my educational journey and learned English,” said Burley. “I look forward to sharing my experience and lifelong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion with our college community. I also hope that my journey will inspire others to join Clark College, where we will help you discover your greatest potential.” 

Dear College Community, 

As members of the Board of Trustees, we want to add our voices to the many who are expressing sorrow at the passing of our fellow Trustee, Jane Jacobsen. 

Those who knew Jane will remember her warmth, her kindness, and her seemingly limitless capacity for positive energy. Jane would show up with fresh baked shortbread cookies just because she was thinking of us. Whenever there was a college event, you could count on Jane to be in attendance, joyfully participating in any activity offered. Whenever we had the opportunity to engage with students, Jane was the first to congratulate them on their successes and let them know she believed in their capacity to build better futures for themselves.

She also unwavering when it came to making difficult decisions. When there was critical work to be done, Jane would diligently roll up her sleeves and get to it. 

Whatever your role at the college, you have probably been touched by Jane’s work. During her two terms as a trustee at Clark College, she served in many roles, including Board Chair from 2019 to 2020. She also served on the college’s Presidential Search Advisory Committee, Social Equity Advisory Council, Guided Pathways Committee, and as an alternate Legislative Action Committee Representative to the Washington State Association of College Trustees.   

Perhaps what we will miss most about Jane is her foundational belief in the power of community. She was always there to remind us that whatever decisions we made about Clark College would have profound effects on the entire Southwest Washington region. The Clark College Board of Trustees commits to honoring Jane’s memory by holding her love for our community at the center of all we do.    

It was a true honor and privilege to work with Jane. Her presence will be truly missed.   

With loving memories, 

Clark College Board of Trustees 

• Rekah Strong, Chair
• Jeanne Bennett, Vice Chair
• Cristhian A. Canseco Juarez
• Paul Speer

Today the college community learned that Clark College Trustee Jane Jacobsen had passed away over the weekend.

“Jane became a Clark College trustee in 2016, and throughout her two terms on the Board she was an indefatigable cheerleader for the college,” wrote Clark College President Karin Edwards in an email to the college community announcing the news. “She liked to say that Clark was ‘the community’s college,’ because to her, uplifting and positively impacting the community was the most important and valuable part of our mission.”

A resident of Vancouver for more than 30 years, Jacobsen had profound impact on the region. She served in leadership roles with such organizations and projects as The Columbia Land Trust, the Marshall Lecture Series, the Columbia Gorge Commission, as well as many others.

Of the many achievements in Jacobsen’s life, the one her name is perhaps most closely connected with is Confluence. Jacobsen was the founding executive director of this ambitious nonprofit project to express the history of the Pacific Northwest through art and Indigenous voices. The Vancouver Land Bridge, located within Historic Fort Vancouver, is a Confluence installation.

During her two terms as a trustee at Clark College, Jacobsen served in many roles, including Board Chair from 2019 to 2020. She also served on the college’s Presidential Search Advisory Committee, Social Equity Advisory Council, Guided Pathways Committee, and as an alternate Legislative Action Committee Representative to the Washington State Association of College Trustees.

“I know Jane touched the lives of many people at the college—including my own—and I know she will be missed,” wrote President Edwards in her email.

An email from the Board of Trustees the college community read in part: “Those who knew Jane will remember her warmth, her kindness, and her seemingly limitless capacity for positive energy. Jane would show up with fresh-baked shortbread cookies just because she was thinking of us. Whenever there was a college event, you could count on Jane to be in attendance, joyfully participating in any activity offered. Whenever we had the opportunity to engage with students, Jane was the first to congratulate them on their successes and let them know she believed in their capacity to build better futures for themselves.”

• Read the Board of Trustees’ full letter
• Read an article in Partners Magazine about Jane Jacobsen’s motivations for supporting students
• Listen to an interview with Jane Jacobsen about her work with Confluence
• Read the Columbian‘s obituary of Jane Jacobsen

A public Celebration of Life is scheduled for June 15 at 11:00 a.m. in Esther Short Park. Confluence has also created a tribute page where people can share their memories of Jacobsen and have their condolences forwarded to the family. Survivors include her husband, Paul, her sons, Ben and Gabe, a daughter-in-law, Allison, and two grandsons, Henrik and Emmett Jacobsen. 

Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley

Clark College has announced the hiring of Brad Avakian in the role of Vice President of Human Resources. He will begin at the college on June 10.  

“We are excited to bring someone with Brad’s breadth and depth of knowledge into this crucial leadership position at the college,” said Clark College President Karin Edwards. “His expertise will be crucial as we begin the complex work of returning to campus after more than a year in remote operations.” 

Avakian earned his bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University and his doctorate of law from Lewis & Clark University. For many years he worked as a lawyer specializing in civil rights cases. Later, he served in the Oregon House of Representatives and the Oregon Senate representing parts of northeast Washington County. Avakian also served three terms as Oregon’s Commissioner of Labor and Industries, during which time he was a strong advocate for career and technical education programs, as well as for equity for women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Since leaving public service, Avakian has taught Politics and Public Policy for Managers in Willamette University’s MBA program and worked in private practice as a mediator and arbitrator. 

“Clark College is a historic school with an exciting and bright future,” said Avakian. “I am so grateful for the chance to join the Human Resources team and broader Clark Community. It’s good to be a Penguin.” 

Twelve outstanding educators are the newest members of the tenured faculty at Clark College. Joseph Cavalli (history), Mark Eddinger (mathematics), Amy Ewing Johnson (dental hygiene), Melissa J. Favara (English), Tyler H.J. Frank (career and academic preparation), Doug Harris (music), Christina Howard (biology), Dr. Sarah Kuzera (medical assisting), Dr. Michelle Mayer (mathematics), Kristin Sherwood (College 101), Beth Slovic (journalism), and Christina Smith (English) were all granted tenure during the Clark College Board of Trustees meeting on March 10. They will be honored at a college reception later in the spring. 

Tenure is awarded by the college’s Board of Trustees based on professional excellence and outstanding abilities in their disciplines. The granting of tenure is based on the recommendations of tenure review committees to the vice president of instruction, which are then forwarded to the president, who presents a final recommendation to the Board of Trustees. Recommendations are based on self-evaluations, tenure review committee evaluations, student evaluations, supervisory evaluations, and peer evaluations. The final decision to award or withhold tenure rests with the Board of Trustees. 

About the faculty members 

Joseph Cavalli, history 

Joseph Cavalli holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Portland State University and a Master of Arts in history degree from University of Portland. He has experience teaching in private high schools in Croatia, Italy, the Kingdom of Bahrain, and Portland, Oregon. He has also taught history at University of Maryland College Park and Mt. Hood Community College, in addition to his experience teaching history at Clark College since 2006.  

At Clark College, he has served as program director for the college’s Model United Nations team since 2011. He is also a popular instructor in Clark’s non-credit Mature Learning program and in 2016 received the college’s prestigious Exceptional Faculty Award.  

“My approach to history is best summed up by the American historian John Tracy Ellis: ‘History is the rediscovery of the past in an enlightened manner,’” said Cavalli. “I am always striving to make history applicable to my students’ everyday lives in a way that piques their interest and curiosity.”

Mark Eddinger, mathematics 

Mark Eddinger earned his Bachelor of Science degree in electronics engineering technology from DeVry Institute of Technology and his Master of Science in mathematics from Western Washington University. He began his career as a quality engineer at a manufacturer of lighting control systems before spending a decade teaching English as a foreign language in Japan. In addition to this work experience, he has taught math at the college level for 11 years. 

At Clark College, Eddinger serves on the Math Events Committee, as well as on the team that has developed, improved, and supported a new math pathway for non-STEM majors. He has also designed Canvas courses that promote inclusion and shares them with his colleagues. 

“I am committed to being a fellow journeyer with my students as we nurture our growth mindsets, as we learn how to make a more effective effort, and as we develop a passion for more thorough understanding of both math and the many academic disciplines that connect to math,” he said, adding, “They all connect.” 

Amy Ewing Johnson, dental hygiene 

Amy Ewing Johnson attended Indiana University’s School of Dentistry, where she earned three degrees: an Associate in Science in dental hygiene, a Bachelor of Science in public health dental hygiene, and a Master of Science in education. She has more than 30 years of work experience in dental settings.  

At Clark College, Ewing Johnson serves as lead instructor and coordinator for all clinical and lab operations related to junior-year students. She is involved in dental hygiene study clubs, and continues to improve her own learning by attending state and national conferences. 

“My teaching philosophy is all about making students feel safe to learn through experimentation, question/answer, as well as confident enough to learn via discussions and active learning opportunities,” said Ewing Johnson. “I believe in creating a warm and relaxed classroom community and work to communicate an enthusiasm of support for every student, as they strive to complete their academic goals.” 

Melissa Favara, English 

Melissa Favara earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a creative writing emphasis from Western Michigan University and her Master of Arts degree in English from The Pennsylvania State University.

Favara joined the faculty at Clark College in 2007, first as an adjunct and then as a full-time temporary instructor. She served as the college’s Academic Early Warning liaison from 2009 to 2020. She currently assists in training fellow English faculty members on the college’s new co-requisite teaching model to serve its most at-risk students; she has previously taught in the Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training program and has presented at national conferences on Clark’s work in both practices. 

Favara described her teaching philosophy as follows: “I meet students where they are and engage them in learning opportunities that honor their experience while offering chances to gain and apply knowledge in ways that they can transfer to new school, work, and life challenges.” 

Tyler Frank, career and academic preparation 

Tyler Frank earned his Associate in Arts transfer degree from Grand Rapids Community College; his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the University of Michigan; and his Master of Arts degree in reading and culture from the University of Arizona. He served as a youth development facilitator for the U.S. Peace Corps in Huallanca, Peru, and has previous teaching experience at Pima Community College in Tucson, Arizona. 

Since joining the faculty at Clark College in 2018, Frank has involved himself deeply in the college’s work. He has developed a fully online version of the CAP 42 (Integrated Math and Science) course, developed Open Educational Resources (OER), and led the outcomes assessment for CAP mathematics faculty. He also leads the “Anti-Racists Curriculum and Instruction” subgroup of the college’s White Anti-Racism Education Employee Resource Group. 

“As a teacher, I prioritize creating a safe and welcoming environment for my students, where we all feel comfortable enough to explore new ideas, make mistakes, and share our discoveries and confusions with one another,” said Frank in describing his teaching philosophy. 

Doug Harris, music 

Doug Harris earned his Bachelor of Music in music education degree from the University of Florida, after which he continued his education at the University of Northern Colorado, earning both his master’s and doctoral degrees in music there. He has directed bands at multiple middle and high schools, as well as at Santa Clara University and Western Kentucky University.

Since joining the faculty at Clark College in 2018, he has led the college’s concert band, jazz band, and pep band, as well as directing its annual Jazz Festival. 

“I strive to help each student achieve their potential through positive reinforcement within a rigorous curriculum,” Harris said in describing his teaching philosophy. 

Christina Howard, biology 

Christina Howard  attended Portland State University, where she earned both her Bachelor of Science degree in biology and her Master of Science degree in behavioral neuroendocrinology. She has teaching experience at Portland State University and Portland Community College, and served as Lead Instructor of Human Anatomy and Physiology at the National College of Technical Instruction’s College of Emergency Services. She joined the faculty at Clark College in 2018. 

At Clark, Howard serves as an event runner for the annual Science Olympiad, as well as co-lead advisor for cadaver dissection. 

“My teaching philosophy is to help students find wonder in the biological sciences, specifically the study of the human body,” she said. “I employ an evidence-based and applied-learning approach to engender deep learning and curiosity for the subject matter, so that students can show mastery and better understand how biology applies to them.” 

Dr. Sarah Kuzera, medical assisting 

Dr. Sarah Kuzera earned her Associate in Applied Science in medical assisting from Springfield College; her bachelor’s degree in management from Everest College; her Master of Business Administration degree from Bryan University; and her Doctor of Education degree from Capella University. She holds certifications through the American Association of Medical Assistants and the American Medical Technologists. She has six years of work experience as a certified medical assistant in a variety of practices and clinics. She has nine years of experience teaching in post-secondary environments.  

Since joining the faculty at Clark College in 2017, Dr. Kuzera has served the college in many roles. She developed a Medical Assisting Club at the college and served on a Guided Pathways Pillar One work group. She has served on the Evergreen School District’s Medical Science Advisory Board and participated in Clark College’s Instructional Planning Team and Curriculum committees. 

“I believe that teaching should always be student-centered and I should facilitate the teaching environment,” Dr. Kuzera said. “My role as an instructor is to provide students, through my experiences and expertise, the necessary resources for them to produce learning and foster critical thinking. I have always been flexible in my teaching strategies to adapt to the needs of the adult learner.“ 

Dr. Michelle Mayer, mathematics 

Michelle Mayer earned her Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon. She continued her education at Texas Tech University, where she earned both a master’s and a doctorate degree in mathematics. She has previous teaching experience at Texas Tech University and Pacific University. 

Since joining the Clark College faculty in 2018, Dr. Mayer has become the course co-coordinator for the applied algebra courses MATH 092 and MATH 096. 

“My approach to teaching is to present the material with clarity and accessibility; create an open environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and interacting with me; and to challenge my students to think critically while giving them the support they need to succeed,” said Dr. Mayer. 

Kristin Sherwood, College 101 

Kristin Sherwood earned her bachelor’s degree from Lewis & Clark College and her master’s degree in public administration from Portland State University. She has previous work experience as the Community Service Coordinator at Lewis & Clark College and as the Outreach Coordinator for the City of Vancouver’s Community Services Department. In 2003, she began teaching in the human development department of Clark College; ten years later, she began serving as the coordinator of the College 101 course, which provides guidance to incoming college students.

At Clark College, Sherwood serves on the Foundation Scholarship Selection Committee, the MyPlan Work Group, and the Guided Pathways Advisory Committee. She also regularly presents in the Student Success Workshops presented through Career Services. 

“I aspire to empower, engage, and encourage my students with knowledge and resources to support their academic success,” said Sherwood in describing her teaching philosophy. “I do this by developing rapport, making sincere connections, providing timely and thoughtful feedback, and maintaining a genuine commitment to my classes.” 

Beth Slovic, journalism 

Beth Slovic earned her bachelor’s degree from Amherst College and her master’s degree from Columbia University. She has work experience as an editorial assistant at a nonprofit book publisher and as a print  journalist at the Bozeman Daily Chronicle, Willamette Week, the Oregonian, and the Portland Tribune. For the past 13 years, she has worked as an occasional stringer for the New York Times, and she freelances regularly for Portland Monthly and PDX Parent magazines. She has previous teaching experience at Clackamas Community College, Portland State University, and the University of Portland.  

Since joining the Clark College faculty in 2018, she has become the journalism advisor to the Clark College Independent. She also serves as president of the Pacific Northwest Association of Journalism Educators. 

“I believe journalism is a framework for talking about skills and concepts that serve students in wider pursuits,” Slovic said of her teaching philosophy. “My students seek answers to questions and communicate across multiple platforms, making them the ‘communicorns’ of the future.” 

Christina Smith, English 

Christina Smith earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from McDaniel College and her Master of Arts degree in rhetoric and writing studies from the University of Utah. She has previous teaching experience at the University of Utah.  

Since joining the faculty of Clark College in 2015, Smith has served on several committees and work groups, including the Vice President of Instruction Hiring Committee, the Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Hiring Committee, the Tenure Review Equity Committee, the Women’s Studies Scholarship Review Committee, the Clark College Forms Committee, and the Student Code of Conduct Policy and Training Work Group. Additionally, she has presented at both the Queer Student Luncheon and the “Discovering College Confidence” workshop.

“My approach to teaching is what I would call adaptive, holistic, and rhetorical,” said Smith. “Adaptive teaching means discovering how each student learns and processes information, as this will let me find the appropriate teaching methods and tools to successfully communicate course content. This adaptability also speaks to my holistic approach to instruction. I believe it is important to engage the whole person, not just the student-mind that is present in my course; this means providing supports that address their personal needs while simultaneously challenging them as learners.”

Clark College has taken an exciting new step to expand access to higher education. Beginning with registration for the 2021 spring term, the college is removing its admission application fee, making it free for almost all prospective students to apply. (The one exception is International Students, who use a separate admissions process to apply to the college that requires special handling of their F-1 visa status.) 

Previously the college charged a $25 application fee to most prospective students. While this is significantly less than the application fees for most universities and private colleges, it still could prove to be a barrier for some of the college’s students. Approximately 40 percent of Clark College students qualify as low-income. 

“This has been a complex project that was months in the making, especially given the college’s current budget challenges, but I am so proud of our staff for staying focused on serving our students by removing barriers that discourage students from taking the next step,” said Dr. Michele Cruse, Interim Vice President of Student Affairs. “Clark College is committed to being an open-enrollment institution, and this one more big step toward being truly open to everyone in our community.” 

“We don’t want students to have to choose between gas money and the admissions fee,” said Josiah Joner, Associated Students of Clark College President. “Money’s tight. We need to make it easier for students to get started.” 

The change goes into effect for students applying for spring term, registration for which began on February 9 for most students.

 The Veterans Resource Center at Clark College received a $449,460 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education to establish a Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success (CEVSS) over three years. Clark is one of only two community colleges in the state to receive the grant. Focused on supporting veteran student success, the Center will provide a single point of contact to coordinate comprehensive, individualized support services that address the academic, financial, physical, and social needs of Clark College’s 600 student-veterans.  

Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Michele Cruse said, “We are grateful to receive grant funding from the U.S. Department of Education to support our Veterans Resource Center. This grant comes at a critical time when the needs of our military-connected students continue to outpace our available resources. This grant will allow our Veterans Resource Center to expand its offerings.” 

To better support student veterans, Clark College will establish a cross-departmental team with representatives from every office that works with student veterans, including Admissions, Financial Aid, the Counseling and Health Center, and Career Services—to name just a few. 

Additionally, the grant will pay for a full-time student success coach; half of a full-time program coordinator position; a part-time tutoring position; outreach and recruitment activities; disability accommodations such as Live Scribe pens; and essentials including housing and food supports for student veterans. 

Associate Director of Veterans Services Dave Daly said, “Because of this grant, the Center will now have the ability to help today’s warriors not only to transition from the service, but also to be more successful in staying in school and completing their path in higher education. Our goal is for our student veterans to bring their deeper, world perspective not only to Clark College, but also as graduates who are productive, insightful members of the greater community.”

U.S. Senator Patty Murray announced the grant award from the U.S. Department of Education and called it a vital investment in Washington state’s veterans. 

Senator Murray said, “I’m glad to see this federal award going towards helping veterans in Washington state as they pursue an education and I appreciate Clark College’s efforts to help those who have served our country. As a proud partner of our state’s veterans and educators, I will continue working to ensure they have the resources they need to succeed and thrive.” 

Senator Murray is the incoming chair of the Senate education committee, serves on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and is a steadfast advocate for veterans and their families. 

About Clark College 

Founded in 1933, Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. It is a public community college offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves a wide range of students including high school students, displaced workers, veterans, parents, non-native English speakers, and mature learners. Approximately three-quarters of its students are in the first generation of their families to attend college.  

Governor Jay Inslee has appointed Cristhian A. Canseco Juarez to the Clark College Board of Trustees. Canseco Juarez is a first-generation college graduate, as well as an immigrant and an alumnus of Washington State University Vancouver. He is deeply involved in community service in Vancouver, providing resources for those who have historically been under-represented. 

“I’m honored to join the Clark College Board to support students and our community,” said Canseco Juarez. “I want to give back to this community and do my part to help create a more inclusive, equitable and enriching environment for students and their families.” 

Canseco Juarez currently serves on the Board of Directors for Lighthouse Community Credit Union. He serves as treasurer for the Southwest Washington LULAC Council and he volunteers as a council member at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. He also participated in last year’s Clark College Presidential Search Committee.  

Canseco Juarez earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Washington State University Vancouver and graduated from Hudson’s Bay High School in Vancouver. He and his family have lived in Vancouver for 25 years, having emigrated from Mexico to the United States in 1991. 

He begins his term on January 1, 2021 and is filling the position vacated by outgoing trustee Jada Rupley. Rupley was first appointed to the Board in 2010 and has served two five-year terms. She has served in a variety of roles in Washington’s education system over the past 25 years: as a teacher, psychologist, principal, and associate superintendent. She is currently the Superintendent of the Clackamas Education Service District in Oregon.  

“Jada has provided a depth and breadth of education experience that has been invaluable to Clark College,” said Rekah Strong, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “We are grateful for her work on the board, her expertise, and her passion for helping students succeed.” 

The Board of Trustees consists of five members appointed by the Governor of Washington. Members serve five-year terms and must live in the college’s service district. The Board is responsible for strategic planning; development and approval of college policies; and approval and oversight of the operating budget. 

A permanent ballot drop box has been installed on Clark College’s main campus. The walk-up ballot box is in the Red 3 parking lot, near the flagpole and south of the Penguin Union Building. 

“Clark College has always served as a hub of civic engagement in this community,” said Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards. “We’re excited to be able to continue this tradition by having our campus become a point of access to the democratic process.”

The new ballot box is one of 22 permanent ballot drop boxes in Clark County. These are available 24 hours a day from October 16 through 8 p.m. on Election Day (November 3). Find locations of all ballot drop boxes in Clark County on the county’s website. Use this Google Maps widget to help find directions to the drop box closest to you.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.  

• Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Election Day.  
• Drop-off ballots must be delivered by 8 p.m. Election Day. 

If you wish to return your voted ballot in person on or before Election Day, take it to Clark County Elections Office, 1408 Franklin Street, Vancouver. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. To reduce the spread of COVID-19, masks and social distancing are required for in-person services. 

Today, Clark College announced that its 2021 winter term will be taught online with limited face-to-face labs.

“I realize we just began fall term, but registration for winter term is quickly approaching,” said Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards. “It is time to make the next decision in a series of difficult ones regarding how we will deliver education in such an unpredictable environment as this pandemic.”

Clark has decided to extend remote teaching modalities through the end of the Winter 2021 term.   

Students will have three modality options as they make registration decisions for winter:

• Online – Classes will be fully online and asynchronous.
• Remote – Classes will be taught online with scheduled synchronous instruction components (i.e., live sessions using Zoom or other video-conferencing apps).
• Hybrid – Lecture components will be fully online and lab components will have scheduled face-to-face instruction. Date, time, and campus location information will be included on the schedule. This modality will be reserved for specific career technical programs and labs with hands-on requirements. Strict safety protocols will be maintained to protect the health and safety of students and faculty.

As a large institution with thousands of students and more than 1,000 employees, there remains a significant risk of exposure to COVID-19. Clark College consulted with the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges, public health authorities, other colleges, students, and faculty in making this decision.

“This is a difficult decision because we want to see our students back on campus,” said Edwards. “But we also want to safeguard our students’ health. By making early decisions, we can put into place plans to support students, continue to improve our online processes, and provide students with optimal instruction online.”

Clark College has been in remote operations since Gov. Jay Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” proclamation in March. Already, the college has taken many steps to help support students during this extraordinary time of social distancing. The college has distributed free loaner laptops and wifi hotspots to students, set up an online emergency grant application to support students facing financial crises, and established “virtual office hours” for all its student services.

With respect to winter term and college operations, there are numerous decisions that will need to be made. 

The college’s ability to accommodate on-site activities such as athletics, student club meetings and scheduled events will be dependent on several factors, such as guidance and restrictions placed on campus activities by the State of Washington. 

For the time being, Clark College will continue to operate remotely and limit or prohibit on-campus activities. As restrictions are lifted, Clark will develop procedures and protocols that will allow those activities to occur on campus safely.

Winter Term at Clark College begins January 6, 2021.