Tuesday Talk: GTS Scholarships, CA Great Teachers Seminars

TUESDAY TALK

Dear Colleagues: 

As we approach a well-deserved break, March 23rd through March 30th, we want to offer a few updates, resources, and reminders to help you wind down and recharge. Whether you're taking the time to relax, travel, or catch up on personal projects, we hope spring break provides the opportunity to refresh and reset. 

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UF ANNUAL BENEFITS CONFERENCE 

This conference is open to all faculty (full and part-time) and other employees of the district. Come learn about benefits for active employees and for during retirement, as well as how to prepare for retirement. Schedule coming soon! 

A continental breakfast will begin at 8:30am and lunch will be provided midday. Vendors will be available at tables in the morning and during lunch. 

Conference details: 

Date: Friday, May 2 

Time: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

Location: Diablo Valley College, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill 

Room: Cafeteria- Main Street Bistro, ground floor of HSF building 

Please register via FACCC to attend the conference and via GROW@4CD to receive flex credit 

Registration is free and includes lunch and a continental breakfast. The best place to park is parking lot 8 on Golf Club Road by the PAC building. 

Check-ins and breakfast will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the Main Street Bistro, in the HSF Building. You must be registered via FACCC to attend. 

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UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES FROM FACULTY ASSOCIATION FOR CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY COLLEGES (FACCC) 

Updates:

FACCC Part-Time Faculty Symposium | Virtual Event, Saturday, April 26, 1:00 - 4:00 PM Empower part-time faculty and recognize their vital role in a unified California Community College system. Foster awareness of the critical role part-time faculty play in shaping the future of the California Community Colleges system. 

For agenda and session information, CLICK HERE 

If you are interested in attending this event, REGISTER HERE 

California Great Teachers Seminars (GTS) 

A high energy and powerful summer retreat that brings faculty together in search of the great teacher within themselves. 

GTS Scholarships 

FACCC in collaboration with their sponsor the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office is proud to offer 40 scholarships for new (full-and part-time faculty teaching less than five years) and all part-time faculty currently teaching in California community colleges to attend the California Great Teachers Seminars. The scholarship will cover the following: the cost of seminar registration, program materials, four-night double occupancy accommodations, and all meals. This is an amazing opportunity! 

San Diego, CA | June 8 - 12 [ Scholarship application DUE April 30, 2025] 

Monterey, CA | August 3 - 7 [Scholarship application DUE May 10, 2025] 

If you don't meet the criteria for a scholarship and would like to attend, REGISTER HERE 

What previous attendees had to say about their GTS experiences: 

“GTS was a professional development experience like nothing I've experienced. No daily agenda. No million dollar speaking experts. Just an incredible group of teachers full of knowledge, wisdom, expertise, creativity, and joy that was valued and celebrated. Each day was filled with interactive workshops and activities focused on community building and honing our pedagogy and curriculum. I loved all the reflective work we did each day and gained valuable insights that helped me grow as a teacher and human being.” -Candice Crenshaw Mayo, LMC 

"The Great Teachers Seminar was the best part of my summer! This high-energy retreat brings faculty together to share tips of the trade from across disciplines. GTS is a great opportunity to reflect on your teaching practice in a supportive and exciting environment. I’d strongly recommend it to faculty at all stages of their careers." - Chris Longenecker, DVC 

“I’ve attended GTS more than once and it is truly a transformative experience. Being in community with educators to learn from each other and share our talents with each other was uplifting and encouraging. I highly recommend this experience for all faculty who are needing a refresh or maybe some mentorship.” - Marci Lapriore, LMC 

Opportunity to serve 

Attention FACCC Members: We're Accepting FACCC Committee Applications! The deadline to submit the Committee Interest Form is Wednesday, April 30th 

Are you passionate about shaping the future of California's community colleges? Join a FACCC committee and play a pivotal role in driving positive change. Whether you're a full-time faculty member, contingent faculty member, or retired faculty member, your involvement is crucial. Being on a committee not only enhances your leadership abilities but also expands your professional network. Seize this opportunity to make a difference and elevate your personal and career growth! 

CLICK HERE to learn more about the FACCC committees and to access the 2025 Committee Interest Form. 

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THAT’S A GOOD QUESTION 

Do I need a variance? It depends. UF Variance Guidelines & Policies 

Variance types: 

Evaluation Committee Variance: Serving on an evaluation committee during full-time probationary period (see guidelines) 

Evaluation Committee Timeline Variance: Some changes to the regular schedule of evaluation faculty will need a variance (see guidelines) 

Hiring Committee Variance: Requests considered on a case-by-case basis with some exceptions (see guidelines) 

Overload Variance: Overload variances are processed by District HR. For more information and specifics, see guidelines. 

The variance request application for faculty evaluations and hiring committees must be submitted to the UF Executive Board (E-Board) by either the department chair or program lead. Submit variance application forms to uf@uf4cd.org

UF EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETINGS 

For Part Time issues contact: Doug Dildine 

UF Part-time Advocate 

Our next Executive Board meeting is Thursday, from March 20 , 2:45-5:30.

Upcoming meetings: April 19 , May 1 , May 15 

We welcome public comments from 2:45-2:55 and attendance for the first part of our meeting. Please join us to make a public comment and / or to hear about what is going on during our general session time. To attend remotely, please email Lorena in the UF Office for the meeting zoom link: uf@uf4cd.org. 

And as always, if you have questions, comments or suggestions about anything related to negotiations or working conditions, contact the UF Office at 925-680-1771 or just reply to this email. We value your input! 

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In Solidarity, 

Marci Lapriore 

UF Communications Officer 

BCC ALL Part-time Faculty Districtwide; ALL Full-time Faculty Districtwide 

douglas.unitedfaculty@gmail.com 

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For CCC issues contact: 

Katie Krolikowski 

UF VP CCC 

kkrolikowski@contracosta.edu 

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For LMC issues contact: 

Marci Lapriore 

UF VP LMC 

mlapriore@losmedanos.edu 

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For DVC issues contact: 

Matthew Powell 

UF VP DVC 

mpowell@dvc.edu 

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Marina Crouse 

President, United Faculty of 4CD mcrouse@dvc.edu 

Cell:510-684-4446 

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Jason Mayfield 

Executive Director 

jmayfield@dvc.edu