Switch Your Trips – Reminder!

Event flyer featuring photos of people using various forms of transit.

There’s still time to participate in Switch Your Trips! This is a really fun promotion to encourage other methods of transportation (carpooling, public transportation, biking, etc.) during the month of October. You can also enter to win some great prizes!

Minimum of 10 trips is required to qualify for a prize drawing. Rewards include a $1,500 Cash Prize, $500 – plus numerous other gift card prizes.

How do I sign up? Go here: Switch Your Trips WA-Sign Up

Sign up with your Shoreline e-mail. Under ‘Profile’ click on ‘My Networks’ then click ‘+Join Network’. Type in Shoreline Community College, then your work e-mail address. All employees are encouraged to participate! 

Please reach out to Mary Lou Ames with any questions: mames@shoreline.edu

For more info, please visit: Switch Your Trips WA

Campus Updates 10/16/25

Events and News 

Last week, as part of a purposeful effort to help promote and combat the challenges with international education, I went to Dubai and Abu Dhabi with the IE team (Samira and Sarah) to meet with partners, agents, families, and potential students for our international program.  We had a highly productive and engaging visit to the United Arab Emirates to promote Shoreline.  One of the events we attended was the BMI GlobalEd | Times Higher Education Conference. Over the course of the conference, we engaged in networking sessions and one-on-one meetings with education professionals and scholarship organizations. We met with new colleagues from countries including Oman, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Maldives, Jordan, Tunisia, Bahrain, Turkmenistan, Bhutan, South Africa, and of course the UAE. The conference emphasized global collaboration and diversity in student recruitment, aligning well with Shoreline’s international outreach goals. During this time, the need for new partnerships (especially those that will help us avoid visa problems) is crucial to help us bounce back and regrow our international population given the hit we took this fall.  We have already begun reviewing potential new contracts as a result! 

This week I also had the opportunity to meet with the “givers group”- the team of presidents who are in colleges who will be giving funding to the rest of the system over the next six years.  We created some subgroups with the intention of bringing colleges together with similar programs and concerns in hopes of better supporting each other and potential program impacts.  The group will be meeting monthly.   I was also able to meet with one of our local presidents to get his perspective on these (and other) matters as part of my ongoing professional development in my role as “new” president. 

Finally, I was able to attend the Latin(e)x/Heritage month “Cima Cultural” event emceed by our very own Dean Dalila Paredes.  It was such a fun and engaging event – the folklorico dancers were incredible and the kids were just cuteness overload.  Special thanks to the yəhaw̓ Center for Student Empowerment, International Education, Latine Employee Affinity Group, Student Life, LETI, and also our ASG students for coordinating this beautiful and inspiring event. 

Cheers,

Jack

Proclomation signing at yesterday;s event
Partnership work in Dubai

Fall Quarter Updates: 

Executive Team (ET) Open Office Time 
The Executive Team (ET) is now scheduling and holding virtual open office time via Microsoft Bookings:  

Executive Team (ET) Open Office Time.  

Committee Updates:  

Enrollments:   

Fall 2025 enrollments are up overall compared to last year, a 3-year trend. See Census Enrollment Report (aka 10th day enrollment report).  

Technology Support Services (TSS) 

Student Email Migration Project Update 

As originally announced in Spring 2025, we are providing an update on the previously announced initiative to migrate student email accounts from Google’s to Microsoft’s email platform. This transition is part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the technical experience for students and ensure better support and management of student accounts. 

As part of this change, student email addresses will move from @go.shoreline.edu to @shoreline.edu

Why This Migration Is Necessary: 

  • Google has discontinued unlimited, free student accounts 
  • Google has reduced storage capacity on these accounts 
  • Microsoft has improved systems management capabilities compared to Google 
  • Cybersecurity risks posed by compromised, orphaned @go.shoreline.edu Google accounts 

TSS began notifying users with older go.shoreline.edu accounts in Spring 2025 about the upcoming change and providing guidance and resources to help them migrate their data to a personal account of their choice. This process will continue until all non-active accounts have been decommissioned. 

For currently active @go.shoreline.edu accounts, the migration of data from Google to Microsoft will begin on November 1st. This process will be seamless for users, and no immediate action is required at that time. 

The official go-live date, when all users will be required to use their new Microsoft accounts exclusively, is targeted for January 5th, 2026

We appreciate your attention to this important initiative. More information and updates will be shared as the project progresses. 

Facilities and Capital Projects 

Facilities Megamation Work Order Requests: Are you having an issue with room temperatures, lights, custodial, or other facilities issues?  Here’s the link to put in a Facilities work order on the Megamation site.  If you need them, here are the instructions to put in a Megamation work order. 

Foundation: 

The Donor and Scholar Celebration was a a wonderful night! Click here to see a video or here to read all about it in the Ebbtide! 

The Giving Table Luncheon is only 3 weeks away! Last year we raised over $100,000—this year we’re aiming for $120,000! Attendance at the luncheon is free, but please be aware guests will be asked to make a gift that is personally meaningful during the event. You can learn more and/or RSVP by clicking here.  

The Foundation needs help with décor, set-up, and tear-down for the luncheon. Specifically, we are looking for help on:  

  • November 6 from 2:00pm-3:00pm to help set up décor and stuff name tags. 
  • November 7 from 10:30am-11:30am to help with day-of-setup, handing out name badges, and ushering guests to tables.   

Employees interested in helping can do so with supervisor approval if there is no impact on the completion of regular duties. Contact sccfoundation@shoreline.edu once you’ve gained supervisor approval to do so and thank you in advance for your help! 

Advancement: 

Exciting News…Shoreline College Has an Alumni Office! 

The Advancement Office is building a coordinated, collegewide alumni program—and we’d love to collaborate with you. The Alumni Office will support outreach, events, data, and engagement efforts aligned with Shoreline’s Strategic Plan. Our inclusive Alumni Network welcomes anyone who’s taken a class at Shoreline, plus retired faculty, staff, and former employees.  

Help us grow a sustainable, connected alumni community and share how your program engages alumni—or wants to—and we’ll support your efforts and amplify successful models across campus. 

Contact Taisa at twelhasch@shoreline.edu to connect. 

Guided Pathways: 

Shoreline will be represented at the SBCTC Guided Pathways Summit at Sea-Tac Thursday/Friday 10/16 & 10/17 with updates to share. 

Human Resources: 

  • How-To with HR!  

Human Resources invites you to mark your calendar for our new monthly series of virtual drop-in sessions, Your HR team will present information, provide helpful tips, and answer your questions about a timely HR topic – read on for details!  

Quick facts: 

  • 30-minute virtual meetings, which are open to all employees. 
  • No registration required, drop in at any point with questions during a session! 

Next Session: Oct. 21 @ 3pm on BENEFITS OPEN ENROLLMENT 

Click here for the Zoom link. 

  • Operational Leadership Team (OLT 1) meeting is coming up on Thursday, October 23rd. You might be wondering: What is OLT, and why share this campus-wide? 

What is OLT?  

Operational Leadership Team (OLT) is a professional development and collaboration space for supervisors. These sessions focus on leadership training, operational strategy, and peer support – helping build stronger connections and shared understanding across departments. 

There are two OLT groups: 

  • OLT Level 1: Supervisors of individual contributors –  from first-time managers to seasoned team leads –  who oversee front-line operations and day-to-day workflows. 
  • OLT Level 2: Supervisors who lead other supervisors, often managing full departments or units, and responsible for aligning operations with broader strategy. 

Why share this with all employees?  

Even if you’re not a supervisor, it’s helpful to know: 

  • What professional development is available for leaders at Shoreline 
  • How your supervisor may be engaging in ongoing learning to better support your team 
  • What pathways may be available if you’re interested in future leadership roles 

If you’re a supervisor and not yet participating in OLT, or you’re curious about the group, feel free to reach out. Thanks for helping us build a strong leadership culture at Shoreline!00 

Payroll Reminders 

  • LEAVE REQUESTS DUE Tuesday, 10/30/25 at noon (employee) and 5pm (supervisor)  
  • TIMESHEETS DUE Wednesday, 10/31/25 at noon (employee) and 5pm (supervisor)  

New Employees 

Please join us in welcoming the following new employees to Shoreline Community College:     

  • Laura Culberg – Business Instructor Tenure-Track – Business Administration 
  • Alaina Forbes – Chemistry Instructor Tenure-Track – STEM 
  • Rebeca Gomez Rivas – Dental Hygiene Instructor Tenure-Track – Health Occupations 
  • Seth Harp – Ford Instructor Tenure-Track – Automotive 
  • Debra Salas-Haynes – Program Specialist 2 – Nursing 

 New Job Postings! 

Do you know someone who wants to join our team? Visit: Job Opportunities at Shoreline Community College.  

Events and Updates 

  • Six by Six NW – Shorelake Arts
    • Saturday, October 18 3:00 – 7:00 PM, PUB Main Dining Room 
      • This annual event brings together hundreds of artists—from first-timers to seasoned professionals—to showcase their talent in a fun, accessible format. Every artwork measures just 6 inches by 6 inches, and every piece is available for purchase for $36! Sponsored by SCC Humanities & Visual Arts Programs. Stop by, view the art and enjoy a beverage. 

Follow Shoreline Community College on social media! 

Shoreline Community College MISSION – Our Purpose 

Shoreline Community College offers accessible, high-quality education and workforce training that empowers students for success. Rooted in our commitment to diversity, equity, and community engagement, we foster an educational environment that contributes to the enrichment of both our local and global communities. 

Faculty/Staff Handshake Training 12/2/25

Are you Faculty or Staff at Shoreline and want to learn more about Handshake as a platform that can be used to help students and facilitate internships?

  • Date: Tuesday 12/2/25
  • Time: 3:00-4:00pm
  • Location: Hybrid
    • In Person: 9000 Building: Career Center, Rm 9203
    • Online via Zoom
      • Meeting ID: 814 8973 3469

Come to this session at the Career Center or on Zoom to learn more about:

  • What Handshake is and why SCC started using it
  • Student benefits to Handshake
  • How Faculty and Staff can use Handshake to share, create, and track internship/WBL opportunities

I, Anatolia Theatre Production

TAPS Theater’s debut performance, I, Anatolia, is on stage on October 19th at 7 PM at the Theater at Shoreline Community College! We are working hard and are so excited to see you there! Please join us to celebrate this special day and support TAPS with your presence!

I, Anatolia is one of the most acclaimed theatrical plays in modern Turkish theater. Written by Güngör Dilmen and first staged in 1984, this groundbreaking play brings Anatolia’s memory alive on stage. Sometimes tragic, sometimes humorous, always deeply human—reminding us that behind every empire and every legend were people who loved, resisted, mourned, and laughed. I, Anatolia is a poetic and historical journey through the soul of Anatolia, told through the voices of its women, myths, and memories. Goddesses, queens, villagers, wives, kings, barbers—all step forward to speak.

  • Date: Sunday 10/19/25
  • Time: 7:00-9:00pm
  • Location: Shoreline Theatre (1600 Building)
  • Cost: $15, Free for all students
This is an orange and brown flyer with a woman in a toga facing a watery sunset

Alumni Spotlight: From Shoreline to Japan and Back Again: A Life Shaped by Teaching, Travel, and Community

This is an image of Susan in a blue floral shirt

Susan Henderson, Class of 1975

Susan Henderson’s story is one of quiet courage, global adventure, and deep gratitude. A self-described introvert, she never imagined her life would take her across continents, into classrooms, and back to Shoreline. 

Susan’s connection to Shoreline and Shoreline Community College runs deep. In the late 1960s, her mother made the decision to pursue a nursing degree at Shoreline to support her two children. Within two years, her mother had earned her credentials and begun a long and impactful career in healthcare, working as a nurse until her retirement and continuing to volunteer at the same hospital into her seventies. “I think Shoreline, and my mom, of course, gave me wings that I’m not sure I knew I had the confidence to use. And then life just kept happening. My life turned out bigger than I thought it would.” 

Susan’s own academic journey began with a transformative summer abroad program led by Shoreline Professor Amy Mates, a brilliant and witty English literature instructor from England. “Amy had a wonderful vibrancy about her and a magical way of teaching,” Susan recalled. 

That summer trip to Ireland and London changed the trajectory of her life. Among the 20 students was Hiroko, an international student from Japan, who would become a lifelong friend and a key influence in Susan’s life. After a memorable lunch hosted by Professor Mates, Hiroko and Amy sat Susan down and said, “You should be a teacher.” Susan thought that she was too shy but they both said, “You’re meant to do this.” That moment planted the seed. 

After getting her bachelor’s degree, Susan moved to Japan and got a job teaching English, thanks to Hiroko’s connections. She quickly discovered a love for education and cultural exchange. “Japan was a gentle, kind place to begin my teaching career,” she said. “I always learned a lot from my students. I was a baby teacher. There was so much I didn’t know. I always hoped they learned half as much from me as I learned from them, about teaching and about life.” 

Susan returned to the U.S. after a couple of years to earn her master’s degree in teaching. After graduating, she returned to Japan for another year before spending 26 years teaching ESL, primarily at Edmonds College. Her career was marked by dedication, curiosity, and a deep respect for her students from around the world. 

Now retired and living near where Professor Mates once lived, Susan feels a meaningful connection to her past and she continues to volunteer with students. 

After attending Shoreline’s 60th Anniversary Open House, Susan felt energized by reconnecting with the campus and the people. Motivated to give back, she established an endowed scholarship in honor of Professor Amy Mates, whose mentorship and belief in her potential planted the seed for a lifelong career in education. “Of all my higher education experiences, Shoreline had the biggest impact on my life. I will be forever grateful.” 

Susan’s story is a testament to the power of education, mentorship, and the ripple effect of compassion and encouragement. As she puts it: “Shoreline is the epitome of what a community college should be. For me it was eye-opening, heart-opening and life-changing.”