Election Support & Resources

Dear Colleagues,

As Election Day approaches, we reflect on the value of freedom of expression and the power each voice holds in shaping our shared future.  With many passionate conversations happening across the country, we encourage all to engage respectfully, seek to understand, and honor the community spirit that makes our college strong.  

Resources

If you are experiencing stress or anxiety, please remember that there are resources to help. 

• The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) has published a wide range of resources to help you navigate what will likely be a lengthy time to wait for final votes to be tallied.
  • Pre-election support — Elections: Pre-election Support Resource Guide (PDF) 
  • For managers/leaders – Elections: How Managers Can Support Employees Resource Guide (PDF) 
  • Post-election support – Elections: Post-election Support Resource Guide (PDF) 
• As always, employees seeking emotional or mental support may access resources through the state Employee Assistance Program (877-313-4455) and students may access services at the Counseling Center (206-546-4594).   

Safety

We also recognize that elections can bring up public safety concerns. We want to assure you that the College takes these concerns very seriously and that we are dedicated to ensuring a safe & secure campus environment through both internal security operations and information sharing with our liaisons at Shoreline Police and the FBI.  

• There is a uniformed campus security presence on campus 24/7 providing safety, security, and courtesy services.
  • For assistance during business hours, please contact the office first at 206-546-4633.  
  • After business hours or if the office doesn’t answer, you can reach the on-duty officer at: 206-235-5860  

Our Values

Given that we are an institution that is focused on equity and improving our practices to serve all of our community, this is a time to acknowledge support for all, while being proactive and reaching out to our most vulnerable community members to see how they are doing and to assess what needs they might have.  State Board (SBCTC) representative William Durden, Director of Basic Education for Adults reminds us in a memo to CBS on November 1st  of Governor Inslee’s Executive Order 17-01 which reaffirms “Washington’s Commitment to Tolerance, Diversity, and Inclusiveness,” (which) directs the state of Washington to remain a welcoming jurisdiction that embraces diversity with compassion and tolerance and recognizes the value of immigrants.  Further, executive and small cabinet agencies are directed to continue to provide assistance and services to Washingtonians, regardless of citizenship or legal status, to the extent allowed by law.”   

Jessica Strickland and the Transitional Studies team have already been very proactive in engaging faculty in these discussions as has our VP of DEIA.   These opportunities to provide support will continue post-election.  I have also reached out to some organizations that provide support to immigrant, international, and diverse communities to see if there are additional resources that can be provided through the President’s Office.  We are dedicated to serving our communities in every capacity we can, and we must work together to support our mission with a particular eye toward our most vulnerable communities.    

Events

Lastly, I would like to share two election related events with you.  I invite you to join me for “Coffee with the President” on Wednesday November 6, 2024, from 10:00-11:00am in the Quiet Dining Room (9208) of the PUB. This is intended as a post-election hangout space for folks who want to just be together regardless of political preferences. I know this is a challenging time right now for our country and I want to provide a comfortable space for all of you, and to help keep our focus on students no matter what the outcome. 

The second event is “Healing through Community” facilitated by the DEIA Office.This event will be held on Thursday November 7, 2024, from 12:00-1:00pm in the 1000 Building Boardroom (1010M) and is designed to allow our community to take a moment to come together post-election and reflect on how we are doing and share how we are taking care of ourselves during this time. This special post-election session is focused on coming together to support each other and finding a pathway towards intentional self & community care.   

Thank you for your commitment to fostering a welcoming, supportive environment at Shoreline. Together, let’s continue to build a community that values each voice, supports one another, and prioritizes the well-being of all. 

Jack