Since my last evaluation, I have collaborated with several colleagues on a variety of campus events intended to foster community and build student success.
Much of this work has occurred through the Social Justice and Democracy Lab, which brings together faculty interested in addressing the current political moment. In particular, we held two teach-in-style events designed to nurture engagement and learning. The flyers I created and descriptions of the events are below.
Held on Zoom, Social Sciences colleagues and I gave short five-minute presentations about the early days of the second Trump presidency. We later opened up the floor for students to "speak out" with their own questions and comments. We gathered a vocal and highly astute group of about thirty-five students.
Professor Tim Welch approached Social Sciences colleagues and me about continuing our teach-in series with an in-person iteration this semester. Counting both live and online participants, on this occasion we had approximately eighty-five students and faculty join us for vigorous discussion of the current political moment as well as ways for students to become more civically and politically engaged.
Professor Lanoix and I created a flyer advertising our division's course offerings. We have begun posting and distributing the flyer to current West students and potential new ones. Professors Dave Smith, Meric Keskinel, and I distributed these flyers at the LAUSD Transfer Fair in September.
I continue to serve as the Social Sciences Representative to the Curriculum Committee and also sit on AFT Local 1521’s Professional Growth Committee. Although both have been rewarding experiences so far, the former has especially afforded a great window into the workings of the College’s curricular development process.
My last self-evaluation stated that a 2024-2025 goal would be developing a new Sociology course offering. In collaboration with Professor Lanoix, I adapted an existing Popular Culture (SOC 086) class found on the District eLumen site. We clarified, edited, and significantly improved on the Course Outline of Record, which was approved by the Curriculum Committee at its final meeting of the 2024-2025 academic year.
I have been fortunate to have other opportunities for learning and growth. I also serve as the Social Sciences chair's designee to the Divisional Council meetings during the fall 2025 semester, during which I have listened to conversations on new enrollment initiatives, curricular development, implementation of Educational Master Plan provisions, and the use of data to inform decisions about enrollment management.