Dear Colleague,

The Washington State Legislature has announced that it will not be reconvening for a special summer session. Instead, they will resume their budget discussions in late fall prior to the legislative session in early 2021.

This means that we as a College will not receive any firm numbers about our 2020-21 allocation for a few more months. As a result, the state community and technical colleges are dependent on information shared by the Office of the Governor in June to reduce our budget by 15% in response to the permanent loss of revenue associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Please watch for an email invitation later this summer for the next Zoom Hall meeting for further updates. I hope you can find time to pause and renew this summer.

With care,
 

Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D.
President

Dear Colleague, 

Since sharing my July 10th message about new federal plans to prevent international students taking online courses from remaining in the United States, the College has been in communication with elected officials, professional organizations, and other colleges and universities to advocate on behalf of our students.  

Thankfully today, the Administration rescinded this rule, after facing lawsuits and criticism from a host of states, universities, and organizations. 

Thanks to the support of Vice President Phillip King, Executive Director of International Education Samira Pardanani, and the entire International Education department earlier this week, the College provided information to Washington’s Attorney General Bob Ferguson, in preparation for his filing of a temporary restraining order to stop the rule change. I also signed on to the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration Amicus Brief in support of rescinding the rule change. 

While this cruel rule change should have never been considered, I am so thankful to every voice raised in opposition and every action taken so quickly to dismantle this policy.  

Shoreline Community College will always be a place that stands for inclusion and student support. Throughout this stressful time, our International Education department has continued to communicate with our international students to make sure they are receiving appropriate care and resources, and to make sure they know they are always welcome here at Shoreline. 

In support, 

Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D. 

President