Message to College of Marin Faculty

Dear College of Marin Faculty:

This is another periodic message with College-related information, updates, and resources. The topics covered are—

1. Racial Justice LibGuide and Article (below)

2. Faculty Remote-Instruction Survey Results

3. LRC Demolition Process Presentation

4. Update on Student Mental Health Support (below)

5. Update on COMCare and Basic Needs Distribution (below)

1. Racial Justice LibGuide and Article
   Thank you to Dave Patterson and Sarah Frye for developing a racial justice lib guide which includes a (growing) number of resources that have been shared over the past few weeks. It includes:

   • Resources to Understand and Support Movements for Black and Racial Justice

   • Resources for Allyship

   • Equity in Mental Health *including healing resources for BIPOC organizers and allies taking action for black lives

   • The LibGuide can be found on the library home page as well as the link below. Please do share with others: https://libguides.marin.edu/rj

     • I also ask you take some time to read this article: https://medium.com/the-faculty/white-academia-do-better-fa96cede1fc5 . While we have made good progress on equity-minded hiring processes, professional development, instruction, support services, policies, and outcomes we have a long way to go to be both an institution that is truly equitable and anti-racist—which is necessary to achieve the outcomes we desire and have committed to in our planning. Thinking critically about our own roles, responsibilities, and what actions we can take to make substantive change is an ongoing process that requires sustained effort. This includes understanding higher education’s place in perpetuating racism and inequities. Once you have read this article, I ask you contact a colleague and discuss at least one of the ten points within it.

2. Faculty Remote-Instruction Survey Results
   I encourage you to review the results of the survey, which are being used to inform the summer online teaching workshops and plans for fall semester. The student survey summary is being prepared and will be shared in a future message. Thank you to everyone who participated in the faculty survey.
    
3. LRC Demolition Process Presentation
   The presentation outlines how the LRC will be demolished this summer and includes a timeline of next steps.
    
4. Mental Health Support
   We understand this is a difficult time for many members of our community and as we begin Summer session, students may be looking for mental health support. Psychological Services is available during the Summer session and students can schedule an appointment by calling and leaving a message at: 415-485-9649.
   Faculty may also find the below resources helpful:
   College of Marin Faculty Mental Health Support 
   Equity in Mental Health resources on the Racial Justice Lib Guide
   Black Survival and Wellness Week: Academia for Black Survival and Wellness – A Space for All Black People to Heal https://www.academics4blacklives.com/for-black-folx
   Academics for Black Wellness and Survival Week Fostering accountability and growth for non-Black people https://www.academics4blacklives.com/
    
5. COM Care and Basic Needs Distribution
   We encourage faculty to use COM Care to submit reports about students of concern, including specific needs students may share with you that impacts their success in your class.  This may include technology needs (laptops and Wi-Fi access) and/or food access. You can access COM Cares through your MyCom portal and a staff member from the CARE team will respond to the report within 24 hours Monday through Friday.  While we cannot guarantee that we will be able to fulfill a student’s request, we will do our absolute best to support them during this unprecedented time.

Please note: The distribution of laptops, food, and supplies will be suspended at the end of summer session on July 23 until the week of August 10. For students who may reach out to you during the distribution break and are in need of food and supplies, please direct them to 211 (by phone) or 211.org.  This resource provides accurate and timely information for food and shelter access.  More information can be found on COM’s Student Support page, which we encourage you to share or put in the signature of your email: http://www1.marin.edu/support-services/students

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to the College and our students. As always, if I can be of assistance in any way, please do let me know.

Jonathan Eldridge
Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Student Learning and Success