As many of those in our community know, May is the month that celebrates mental health awareness. Psychiatric disabilities are highly stigmatized primarily because they are non-apparent (not visible), and there are often misconceptions about these diagnoses that create fear. Data made available by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) tells us that “Millions of people in the U.S. are affected by mental illness each year.” It is important to recognize that while mental health disorders such as Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and others can significantly affect those diagnosed, it does not mean that they are dangerous or that they cannot lead typical lives. Individuals who live with psychiatric disabilities succeed and flourish in higher education, they have extraordinary careers, and they raise families if those are their chosen paths.

Resources are available for those who have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder, or who may not have been diagnosed but could benefit from the assistance. There are many emergency resources for individuals who are suicidal, even if they just want to talk. Those who are in a crisis may text “NAMI” to 741741, which will put them in immediate contact with the NAMI.

Here at Shoreline, Faculty and Staff are urged to submit a Care Report online if they have any concerns about a student’s welfare; a Care Team member will follow up. Students may also reach out to Counseling Services on campus for confidential assistance as well as help finding an outside therapist, and to Student Accessibility Services (SAS) for assistance with finding accommodations or modifications related to their mental health disorder. Below are a few resources. Please feel free to contribute any others!

• National Alliance on Mental Illness, Phone: 800-950-NAMI (6264)
• Providence-Everett Behavioral Health Urgent Care,  Phone: 425-261-4210
• Shoreline Community College Counseling Services, Phone: 206-546-4594
• Washington State Employee Assistance Program, Phone: 877-313-4455
• Shoreline Community College Student Accessibility Services, Email: sas@shoreline.edu
• Shoreline Community College Care Team
• Inside Higher Ed: Accommodating Mental Health

Waves of Gratitude for Jason Leibert of Technology Support Services for improving access to student services. With waves of gratitude and appreciation, the Faculty Senate Council recognizes Jason Leibert’s timely work to create Formstack forms for key instructional and grading processes like Student Option Grading and Withdrawal. Faculty are thrilled that the new forms require Network ID log in and that they auto-fill with student information. Faculty do not have to verify student email addresses, students do not have to type information into the forms, and everything is FERPA compliant. Bravo, Jason!

Submitted by Amy Kinsel of Social Sciences on behalf of Faculty Senate Council, per vote of Council at its regular meeting on Wednesday, May 11, 2022.

Students, Colleagues, and members of our campus community, 

Over the last few years, our region has seen an increase in property crimes; especially thefts from motor vehicles and thefts of motor vehicle parts. So far this spring, our campus has seen 2 car prowls, forced entry into a building, catalytic converter theft that was interrupted by Campus Security, and an additional incident of car prowl that was stopped by Campus Security. This notice is not meant to scare you, but to inform you and provide some tips on how to best keep yourself and your belongings safe. 

• Lock your car 
• Some prowlers are only opportunists, trying door handles until they find one unlocked. That’s not a lottery you want to ‘win’. 
• Remove valuables from your vehicle 
• For items you can’t take into class or work with you, lock them in your trunk or vehicle lockbox. 
• Keep things out of sight 
• Just because you know your backpack only has dirty gym clothes doesn’t mean a car prowler will. You may not have anything stolen, but you could be paying for a broken window courtesy of a curious thief. 
• Be mindful of where you park 
• Trees blocking streetlights? Tucked away on campus? Doing your best to park in well-lit areas and near others can help keep your vehicle safe. High traffic areas are a good deterrent, most thieves don’t like an audience. 
• Report suspicious activity 
• If you see someone walking in the parking lot and looking through vehicles, contact Campus Security immediately. It may be someone making sure they look good for their crush, or it could be someone about to ruin your classmate’s day. 
• Keep Campus Security’s 24-Hour Phone number close. 206-235-5860 
• We offer escorts on campus, can jumpstart or unlock your car, and respond to medical and security service calls. We have an officer on duty and on campus 24-hours a day, call us if you need us. 

The Department of Safety & Security is increasing and modifying security operations, to include working more closely with the Shoreline Police Department. Campus Security will always be working to improve the safety and security of our campus, the tips listed above are just a few ways that you can help us too. 

Gregory Cranson 

Acting Director of Safety and Security 

International Education Department has been hosting a U.S. Culture Chat series on Zoom to help international students learn the language and culture in different aspects of life here in the U.S.

At our next U.S. Culture Chat, we will offer a special topic on formal meeting language and parliamentary procedure. Although this is not something that is easy to “pick up” from everyday conversation, it is vital for ASG meetings, club meetings, business meetings, etc.

All students around the world are welcome to join us at the U.S. Culture Chat on Thursday, May 19 at 7:00 pm, PT. Anyone who would like to attend can register and receive the Zoom link at https://tinyurl.com/iespring2022zoom.

IMPORTANT – MUST READ

This is a gentle yet important notification. 

Absence requests and approval, Leave Without Pay requests and approval, Shared Leave requests and approval, and time reporting and approval need to be submitted by 5pm – Friday, May 13, 2022.

Timesheets for the 5/1-5/15 pay period will be locked at noon on Monday May 16^th;  this means you will no longer be able to submit a timesheet for this pay period after NOON on May 16^th.

• An email will be sent when timesheets are re-opened for entering your time for the 5/16-5/31 pay period.

• When submitting a Leave Without Pay or Shared Leave request, please also notify the payroll office  Delene Bryant Ext. 4515  or the benefits office Lisa Patterson Ext. 4510
• Working overtime, and the hours need to be reported to a different combo code (budget) than your main job?  Please email dbryant@shoreline.edu.

Compliance with this schedule will assure timely and accurate leave processing and pay for you.

Please remember, pay periods run from the first day of the month through the 15^th day of the month and from the 16^th day of the month through the last day of the month.  The due date for absence reporting and approvals, Leave Without Pay requests and approvals, Shared Leave requests and approvals, and time reporting and approvals is noted above.

Please me know if you have questions.

Delene Bryant
Payroll Manager
HR & Employee Relations

Shoreline Community College
www.shoreline.edu  |  206.546.4515
E-mail:  dbryant@shoreline.edu