Dear Colleague,

As we all return from a hopefully restful Labor Day, it is time for us to turn our attention to two annual traditions our campus community celebrates with great anticipation and excitement: Fall Convocation (Reimagine Possible) and Opening Week.

This year, how we experience our campus community may feel different as we continue with primarily remote operations. Although most of us have been away from the physical campus for six months, we are grateful for a small group of colleagues who come to campus regularly to support our operations and our students. Students continue to share stories about the excellent learning and quality service they have received from Shoreline during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each one of us is continuing to carry the Shoreline spirit into the interactions we have with colleagues, students, and the public, regardless of where our work is located. And, for that, I am so grateful.

This year’s Opening Week will take place September 17-23 in a way that reflects our new work style and will help us prepare for the year ahead:

• Thursday, September 17 – The week will begin with academic division meetings via Zoom for faculty and staff to reconnect, set the tone, and plan for the upcoming academic year.
• Friday, September 18 – We will come together virtually for Fall Convocation from 8-10 a.m. Based on input from faculty, classified staff, admin/exempt staff, and union leadership, Fall Convocation will be shortened to just two hours but will include many of the familiar pieces we’ve come to cherish: time to gather and connect, employee recognition awards, introductions to our newest employees, and my remarks that will provide context for our academic year together. New this year will be learning opportunities offered during the afternoon.
• Monday, September 21 & Tuesday, September 22 – The week will conclude with professional learning opportunities and time-honored gatherings that anchor us and help us prepare for the first day of the quarter. The week will be filled with the following themes: Online Learning and Support; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; and Campus Essentials.

Opening Week will engage, inspire, and prepare us to serve our students in new ways. I want to thank those who have come alongside this work to create great opportunities for us to gather, learn, and be with one another, even though we will be physically apart.

The Opening Week schedule is now available on SharePoint so you can plan for how you will take part and engage. I look forward to seeing you throughout the week, as we find new ways to keep the Shoreline experience special!

With great appreciation,

Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D.
President