Register for intersession, spring semester classes at Grossmont, Cuyamaca colleges

Whether it’s classes you want to take in a hurry over the winter break or a semester-length class, online or traditional courses, daytime or evening offerings – Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges have something for everyone.

Open registration begins Dec. 2 for spring semester classes, which start Jan. 27. The cost is $46 per unit with most classes providing three units of credit. Financial aid, including scholarships, grants and loans, are available with information posted at Grossmont College and Cuyamaca College websites.
Registration continues through Jan. 3, 2020 for short-term spring intersession classes, which run from Jan. 2-Jan. 25.

Governing Board names Lynn Neault chancellor of Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District

Lynn Neault, longtime Vice Chancellor of Student Services at the San Diego Community College District, is the governing board’s pick as the next chancellor of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District.

Neault replaces Cindy L. Miles, who is retiring at the end of the year after a record term of almost 11 years at the district’s helm. Governing Board President Linda Cartwright announced Neault’s selection at the board meeting on Tuesday.   Neault starts her new job in January.

“Dr. Neault brings decades of knowledge and experience in local community college administration and is well-versed in the statewide issues of student outcomes and enrollment and their impact on state funding,” Cartwright said. “She also brings a strong commitment to participatory governance and decision-making that comes after many years of working and consulting with varying constituency groups from a multi-college district.”

Promise for a Lifetime event marks public launch of fundraising campaign

A December 6 celebration at Grossmont College’s new Performing and Visual Arts Center marks the end of an era for Chancellor Cindy L. Miles and the public start of a fundraising campaign to expand on her legacy of helping students succeed at Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges.

 The “Promise for a Lifetime” event will be honoring Miles, who is retiring after serving more than a decade as the district’s chancellor. All of the proceeds raised from the event will go toward Promise Plus, established by the Foundation for Grossmont & Cuyamaca Colleges to ensure that students have the financial support they need to achieve their education goals.

Jonathan Noriega: Keeping his eyes on the prize during uncertain times

Jonathan Noriega Sandoval 

Jonathan Noriega Sandoval doesn’t want the journey to end. A Grossmont College scholar aiming to transfer to San Diego State University next fall, Noriega – brought without proper documentation across the border when he was a toddler – is protected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, a program that could be overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court in June. 

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case on Nov. 12.

“There is a lot of rhetoric going on right now about the DACA program,” Noriega said. “You hear people calling us ‘criminals,’ but you cannot be in DACA if you’re a criminal. We’re just trying to be the best we can, to contribute in a positive way. But I realize this is all out of my hands. You have to just go on about your day. I can’t let it get to my head too much. I can’t control what happens. What I can control is my work, helping my family, and doing well in school.”

Noriega has been doing well in school since he arrived at Grossmont College in spring 2017. His  grade point average is 3.7, including three semesters of nothing but A’s on his transcripts. He’s also a student ambassador to area high schools while helping his parents care for two younger sisters.

His efforts this fall yielded a Griffin Award of Excellence from the Foundation for Grossmont & Cuyamaca Colleges. Noriega will be among the scores of students honored at a scholarship reception in January.

Cuyamaca College educator honored for dedication to economics

Cuyamaca College economics professor emeritus Anthony Zambelli has been honored by the California Council on Economic Education with its Excellence in Teaching Award, the latest in a string of recognitions Zambelli has earned during his more than four decades as an educator.

 The council cited Zambelli’s immeasurable dedication to economic education and innovative leadership through the San Diego Center for Economic Education, which is now based at Cuyamaca College. The Center disseminates programs that promote economic and financial literacy to teachers and students throughout San Diego and Imperial Counties. Under Zambelli’s leadership, the San Diego Center has conducted in-service trainings at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in Otay Mesa to educate prisoners nearing parole on the ins and outs of managing their finances, holds financial literacy workshops for former foster youth, and recently launched the Federal Reserve Institute at the University of San Diego in association with five Federal Reserve Banks.

Cuyamaca College Student Center celebrating grand reopening

Student Center lounge

Dubbed the “Heart of the Campus” at its first opening in 2007, the Cuyamaca College Student Center is beating anew with vigor and fresh energy.

A grand reopening is set for 9-10 a.m. Thursday, Nov 14, to show off the refurbished center that will provide space to better serve students, including expanded services to veterans and career and employment guidance. The public is invited to tour the refurbished center. RSVPs are welcome at community.cuyamaca@gcccd.edu.

Grossmont College has eye on Aspen Prize

The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program today named Grossmont College as one of

150 community colleges eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America's community colleges. Based on strong and improving student outcomes — including in learning, completion rates, employment rates and earnings, and equity — 15 percent of community colleges nationwide have been invited to apply for the Aspen Prize.

“We are gratified to be recognized for the second time in a row as the only community college in San Diego County for our efforts in improving student outcomes irrespective of college size,” said Grossmont College President Nabil Abu-Ghazaleh, Ed.D. “As the major awards program among two-year colleges, the Aspen Institute recognizes the best of the best. We are honored to be in such an esteemed group, and look forward to one day receiving the Aspen Prize as we continue to improve our support for more equitable and higher rates of student success.”

Grossmont College OTA students have designs on helping those with disabilities

What can $25 do to help make life a little easier for the physically challenged?

Maricel Yap's device helps her father grip his pool cue

Students in Grossmont College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program have grappled with this question for the past two months and on Nov. 7, the public is invited to the 12th annual Assistive Technology Show, where dozens of low-cost contraptions designed and built by second-year students will be demonstrated. The free event is from 6:30-9 p.m. in the first- and second-floor lounges of Building 34, the Health Science Center.

Independence Through Innovation is the motto of the 23 students enrolled in instructor Darlene Cook’s class, Assistive Technology in Occupational Therapy, which introduces the OTAs-in-training to a broad range of assistive devices, from low- to high-tech.