May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month!
For 2026, the Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) has selected the theme "Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together." In alignment with this vision, FAPAC is calling upon local and national government agencies to invest in the AANHPI workforce. By prioritizing professional development and leadership training, institutions can empower community members to refine their expertise and take on influential roles.
The month of May was specifically designated for AANHPI Heritage Month to honor two pivotal milestones in American history:
These dates serve as a reminder of the long-standing history, resilience, and vital contributions of the AANHPI community to the fabric of the nation.
Honoring Our Classified Professionals: The Heart of Siskiyous
As we celebrate Classified Professional Appreciation Week May 17 – 23, 2026, we want to take a moment to recognize the incredible staff who serve as the foundation of the College of the Siskiyous. Across our Weed and Yreka campuses, our classified professionals provide the essential expertise and daily dedication that keep our district moving forward.
From maintaining our beautiful grounds and facilities to providing critical support in student services, business operations, and instructional technology, your contributions are felt in every corner of our institution. While much of your work happens behind the scenes, its impact is seen clearly in the success of our students and the stability of our entire campus community.
In a rural district like ours, the personal commitment you bring to your roles creates a welcoming and supportive environment that our students depend on. You are the first friendly faces students meet, the problem-solvers who navigate complex systems, and the stewards of the resources that make higher education possible in Siskiyou County.
On behalf of the entire administration, thank you for your tireless work, your professionalism, and your ongoing commitment to our mission. Resolution No. 2025-2026-09 Recognizing Classified Professionals Week May 17 – 23, 2026 will be presented to the Board of Trustees at their regular meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
Fall 2026 Convocation and Flex Day
Fall Convocation and Flex Days are scheduled Thursday and Friday, August 13 and 14, 2026. The agendas are now posted on our Flex Committee Webpage - Fall 2026 Convocation and Flex Agendas. The highlight of this fall's convocation is Keynote Speaker Dr. Temple Grandin who will present 'Unwritten Rules of Social Relationships - Decoding Social Mysteries Through the Unique Perspectives of Autism.'
Dr. Temple Grandin obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from Franklin Pierce College and her Master of Science degree in Animal Science at Arizona State University. Dr. Grandin received her doctoral degree in Animal Science from the University of Illinois in 1989. Today she teaches courses on livestock behavior and facility design at Colorado State University and consults with the livestock industry on facility design, livestock handling, and animal welfare. She has appeared on television shows such as 20/20, 48 Hours, CNN Larry King Live, PrimeTime Live, 60 Minutes, the Today Show, and many shows in other countries. She has been featured in People Magazine, the New York Times, Forbes, U.S. News and World Report, Time Magazine, the New York Times book review, and Discover magazine. In 2010, Time Magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people. Her life story has also been made into an HBO movie titled "Temple Grandin," starring Claire Danes, which won seven Emmy awards and a Golden Globe. The movie shows her life as a teenager and how she started her career. In 2017, she was inducted into The Women's Hall of Fame and in 2018 made a fellow by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Graduation 2026
Each year, there is an incredible amount of planning, preparation, and hard work that goes into creating one spectacular evening. While the event itself passes quickly, none of it would be possible without the dedication and support of so many individuals across our entire campus. It truly takes a village to pull off an event of this size.
There are countless moving pieces, and every year we walk away amazed at how everyone comes together to make it all happen — both in the months leading up to the event and on the day itself.
So many wonderful people have contributed to making Graduation 2026 truly "THE EVENT OF THE YEAR." Rather than risk forgetting someone by listing every name, we simply want to say THANK YOU. Your support has come in many forms — facilities, decorating, sound, parking, marketing, setup, cleanup, and so much more. It has been an absolute pleasure working with all of you.
We would also like to recognize our phenomenal speakers and name readers. We know it is not easy to step onto a stage, stand behind a microphone, and speak in front of hundreds of people — not to mention announcing hundreds of names and degrees with grace and professionalism.
A successful event does not happen overnight. In fact, once one event concludes, planning for the next begins almost immediately, months before the big day arrives.
Special thanks to our lead task managers:
Thank you all for your hard work, dedication, and commitment to making Graduation 2026 such a memorable and meaningful celebration.
Visit us at the Fair!
The 2026 Siskiyou Golden Fair will be Wednesday, June 24 through Sunday, June 28.
We need HELP! College of the Siskiyous will have an outreach booth, and we need people to volunteer and help. The Fair offers us a super opportunity to promote the College, our classes, and the many wonderful programs and services we offer students. Sign up to work a shift by yourself and meet someone new or sign up to work with a campus colleague. The shifts are 2.5 hours long. Sign up is first-pick, first-get.
Those who sign up to help will receive two tickets for free admittance to the fair (one to be used on the day you work - or if you volunteer to work more than one day… a ticket for each day, the other(s) to be used as you like). The sign-up sheet is in Building 95. Stop by to sign up, send an email (pio@siskiyous.edu), or call extension 5373.
Can’t help in June… No worries… we will also have a College of the Siskiyous outreach booth later this fall at the Tulelake Fair in September (9/10 – 9/13).
Reminder…Siskiyous Publicity (Creating Flyers, Programs, Digital Ads, and more)
Beginning April 24, 2027, all newly created digital content representing College of the Siskiyous must comply with ADA Title II regulations related to accessibility, specifically for content posted on the college website and social media platforms. In consultation with the California Community Colleges (CCC) Accessibility Center, it is recognized that achieving 100% compliance is an ongoing challenge across all CCCs. However, continuous improvement efforts through the Accessibility Capability Maturity Model (ACMM) remain essential. The Accessibility Center also provides resources related to AB 2821. Please remember that these requirements have been established by the Department of Justice, and the college is required to comply.
To support campus compliance efforts, we are currently meeting with individuals and departments who regularly post on social media to review the new requirements and provide helpful guidance, examples, and best practices. We will also be scheduling "drop-in" Zoom sessions for those who have questions or would like more detailed information about what will be required moving forward under the new regulations.
In addition, all publicity, promotional, and marketing materials must be submitted to the Public Relations Office (pio@siskiyous.edu) prior to being posted, printed, or distributed on campus or within the community. This includes images used in social media posts and other printed publications. This review process helps ensure that all materials meet both college branding and accessibility standards.
To assist the campus community in learning more about the ADA Title II regulations, we have developed an Accessibility webpage for the institution. The webpage includes resources and guidance to help departments move toward compliance with the new accessibility standards.
If you have questions, please send an email, call the office, or stop by for a conversation. We are happy to meet and discuss ways to support your department’s compliance efforts.
Come Join Our Team
We are always looking for new volunteers to join the Eagle's Nest team. Volunteers work as cashiers, screening items as they come in, price merchandise, repair items, research antiques, etc. There is never a dull moment at the Eagles Nest. We are also looking for student workers. If you know of anyone who may be interested in volunteering or working as a paid student worker, have them call (530) 938-4663 or stop by the Eagle’s Nest Shop to speak with Angel Keen, Shop Supervisor.
Upcoming Activities & Events:
Event dates, times, and locations based on information available at the time of publication and are subject to change.
May 2026
June 2026
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Administrative Services would like to congratulate the Class of 2026. We are proud of the hard work, dedication, and perseverance demonstrated by our students throughout the year and wish all graduates continued success in their future endeavors. We also want to recognize our continuing or returning students as they prepare for the upcoming academic year, and we look forward to supporting your continued success at College of the Siskiyous.
We are happy to officially welcome Angela Bell to the Business Office as our New Account Clerk II/Cashier. Angela has been working in the office for several months through Personnel Preference, and we are excited that she will now be staying with us as one of our own! She has been a wonderful addition to our team, always bringing a cheerful spirit, a warm smile, and outstanding customer service to our students and campus community.
Tentative budget development is nearing completion in preparation for the June board meeting. We are eagerly awaiting the Governor's May Revise to determine whether any additional adjustments will need to be incorporated into the budget. Following Board approval in June, the budget model will be rolled into the production environment, and FY 2026-2027 purchase orders will begin processing. Final budget development will continue once the State adopts the official budget in late June.
As we approach fiscal year-end, please remember to submit a travel expense claim for any travel completed during this fiscal year. Even if no reimbursement is owed ($0), a travel expense claim is still required as the final step in the process. This allows the Business Office to formally close the travel claim and ensures all reimbursements are recorded in the correct fiscal year. Your attention to this step helps support accurate and timely year-end closing, and we appreciate your cooperation.
The Business Office team continues to work diligently to support the campus community and ensure a smooth, transparent, and responsible financial process. Thank you to everyone across campus for your continued patience, collaboration, and support.
Food Services is excited to officially welcome Kelly West to the team as our new Cook. Kelly has been working with us for several months through Personnel Preference and recently became an official College employee. She brings extensive prior restaurant experience, a strong work ethic, and a positive attitude to the department. We are excited to have her continue supporting our students and campus community through Food Services.
This past year, Food Services has experienced significant staffing turnover, and the department appreciates the patience, flexibility, and support shown by the campus community during these transitions. The team has worked diligently to provide a consistent service during these periods of change.
With a full team now in place, Food Services looks forward to expanding menu offerings, introducing additional daily specials, and continuing to improve the overall dining experience for students, faculty, and staff. Campus menus are continuing to be developed, and feedback is always welcomed as the department works to provide quality and enjoyable meal options for the campus community.
Following the conclusion of the semester, Food Services staff will transition to a summer 4/10 work schedule along with the rest of the district. During this time, the department will be closed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Friendly tip: Summer is a great time to explore new items on the menu and grab a favorite item. Be sure to share your suggestions with Food Services staff as they continue to develop new ideas for the menu.
Student Housing & McCloud Hall/Theater Arts Construction & Other Campus Projects
Information and updates regarding the project are posted on the Construction Projects webpage as it becomes available.
May is always the fastest month of the academic year, and this last month has been a blur, with so much great work done by our Student Services professionals. A very successful 8th Grade Day was held April 23 in Yreka at the fairgrounds. Kudos and major gratitude for Steph Wroten and Julissa Gonzalez for all their hard work and leadership. I am also grateful for the many volunteers from across campus.
This year our graduating class is the largest since I arrived at College of the Siskiyous. We are anticipating a very large group of students walking and that makes my heart happy. I'm looking forward to my favorite day each year of my professional life. Thank you to all who are contributing and volunteering to make it a wonderful event.
As much as we should acknowledge the hard work that goes into planning and executing a successful graduating ceremony, it is all only made possible because of the hard work and dedication from so many wonderful professionals across campus. Along the way, each person on this campus has contributed to the educational journey of each student. Some did so in very visible and evident ways for students, and then many others contributed quietly, but significantly, behind the scenes. What you do each day in your job matters to the success of our students. You may not hear thank you every from a student but please know that each of you is important to the great work that is accomplished here at College of the Siskiyous. I can't wait to see you all on Friday!
In honor of National Peace Officers Memorial Week, the Siskiyou County Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony was held on May 12, 2026, in Yreka. Members of the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Department, Yreka Police Department, Etna Police Department, Dunsmuir Police Department, Mt. Shasta Police Department, and the California Highway Patrol gathered to honor the officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in Siskiyou County.
College of the Siskiyous was represented by cadets from the current academy class, Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Mark C. Fields, retired CHP officer and POST Academy Director Ray Boutin, retired Yreka PD officer and Academy Coordinator Sgt. Hoyt Bradley, Siskiyou County Sheriff Jeremiah LaRue, and Academy Program Coordinator Madolyn Jackson.
The ceremony included the reading of the names of fallen officers, followed by "Amazing Grace" played on the bagpipes — a time-honored tradition at police memorial services.
National Peace Officers Memorial Week traces its origins to 1962, when President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and designated the calendar week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week. In 2026, the names of 111 officers killed in the line of duty were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington.
Many of you know that prior to my career in higher education, I served with the California Highway Patrol. Several of our colleagues at College of the Siskiyous currently serve — or have previously served — in law enforcement, while others have close friends, spouses, or family members who have dedicated their lives to this noble profession. My oldest daughter serves with the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Department, and my youngest daughter is a 911 Public Safety Dispatcher in the Bay Area.
When officers are sworn in, they take a pledge that includes the words: "…and, if necessary, lay down my life rather than swerve from the path of duty." When an officer makes that ultimate sacrifice, their name, badge number, and End of Watch (EOW) date are inscribed on the California Peace Officers' Memorial, located across from the west steps of the State Capitol in Sacramento. Whenever I visit Sacramento, it is my first stop. I take a moment of silence and offer a prayer, remembering the many names I have known personally.
Please join me in honoring all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities.
Vision Resource Center Training
Staff from the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office Vision Resource Center (VRC) recently visited College of the Siskiyous to provide in-depth training to our Siskiyous team. The VRC is a free resource providing equitable access to professional development opportunities while supporting our efforts to improve efficiency in our processes. Our VRC team is a collaboration which includes faculty and classified senates, Human Resources, Technology Services, Academic Affairs, and others. The VRC allows us to efficiently track and provide a calendar of available professional development, including FLEX activities and Keenan Safe Trainings as well as other mandated trainings. This aligns with our Siskiyous board's objective of creating an "optimal educational and working environment so that students and employees can reach their ultimate potential."
Some members of our VRC team will be completing additional training in Sacramento later this summer in July. The training is offered at no cost to member institutions (registration fees and travel are covered) thanks to support from the Chancellor’s Office Institutional Effectiveness and Partnership Initiative (IEPI) grant.
Recently, Dr. Fields and Dr. Sims attended the California Community Colleges Association for Occupational Education (CCCAOE) Conference in Sacramento as part of Dr. Sims' ongoing work as Dean of Career Technical Education. A core responsibility of this role is building and sustaining relationships, strengthening partnerships, and cultivating networks among the College, regional industry leaders, and broader community. Conferences such as CCCAOE provide valuable opportunities to connect with colleagues from across the state, exchange promising practices, and bring back ideas that can further strengthen our local efforts.
In addition, Dr. Sims serves as a voting member of the North Far North Consortium which requires active participation in regional and statewide convenings such as CCCAOE, where important conversations surrounding workforce development, funding priorities, and student opportunity take place. Engagement in these spaces helps ensure our region maintains a strong voice in statewide discussions and that rural communities remain integral to California's broader vision for education and economic development.
While some of the outlook shared at this year's conference reflected the very real challenges facing California Community Colleges, one message remained consistent and clear: Career Technical Education continues to be one of the strongest pathways to economic mobility for students, families, and communities. The state continues to invest in CTE, recognizing community colleges as essential engines of workforce preparation, opportunity, and upward mobility for Californians. Dr. Sims returned encouraged by the innovation, commitment, and collaborative spirit demonstrated across the state, and energized by what this means for our students and region moving forward.
In the spirit of continued regional connection, Dr. Sims also attended the 2026 UpStateCA Tourism Summit, held April 29 – 30 at the Mount Shasta Resort. This two-day event—hosted outside Shasta County for the first time—brought together tourism professionals from across Northern California, including representatives from Butte, Shasta, Trinity, Plumas, Lassen, and Tehama counties, to support networking, learning, and regional collaboration.
Greetings from the POST Academy and College of the Siskiyous Administration of Justice (ADJ) Program! We had a busy spring semester, and we are set to hold the academy graduation for 19 cadets from Class 16. Cadets successfully completed scenario testing last week, demonstrating key learning outcomes of the past five months of training. Eleven (11) cadets are employed by law enforcement agencies and are poised to begin their field training. Several more cadets are in background currently. We couldn't be prouder of the discipline, professionalism, and commitment of Class 16. We look forward to graduation on May 29, 2026, at 1:00 pm, at the Rain Rock Convention Center, in Yreka, California!
We continue to offer the Juvenile Correctional Officer to Deputy Probation Officer CORE Academy each semester, and we recently graduated a group of officers who are now prepared to work in field supervision for their respective agencies. In California, probation officers engage in a wide array of responsibilities, including law enforcement, court services, and community corrections supervision.
The ADJ Program is nearing completion of its inaugural course offering this spring of Ethics in the Justice System (ADJ 1301). The course offered an in-depth examination of ethical theories, required students to identify their own ethical frameworks, and incorporated those foundations into addressing real-world ethical dilemmas. The learning outcomes in this course provide students with a foundational approach to establish an ethical workplace culture as well as techniques for addressing ethical issues in all areas of the justice system.
We were engaged in community outreach this semester, attending Yreka High School's College and Career Day, as well as Eighth Grade Day at the Siskiyou Golden Fairgrounds. We welcomed many visitors throughout the semester in Building 3, showing them our training facilities and answering questions about the many career paths in law enforcement and criminal justice. We are excited about the next generation of professionals interested in this field!
In closing, we are looking forward to both our POST Academy Graduation and College of the Siskiyous Commencement! Many of our cadets and students will be earning an associate's degree in administration of justice. We could not be prouder as they have committed themselves to the Criminal Justice profession! We look forward to their accomplishments going forward.
The library is wrapping up its second Book Club, reading Tress of the Emerald Sea, by Brandon Sanderson, which has been a huge hit with readers. Current Book Club participants voted to read The Picture of Dorian Gray, by Oscar Wilde in the fall. Many thanks to the College of the Siskiyous Foundation for awarding a mini grant to purchase copies of the books and to Cheyanne Nile for leading the discussions.
We are wrapping up the semester with a new round of displays on oceans and space exploration, and to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, and Pride Month. We also have a lot of new books available, so stop by the library for your next read!
The in-person Fire Technology classes created realistic scenarios to help students observe and understand fire behavior in buildings. The roof prop was designed to demonstrate how lightweight construction—now common throughout the United States—poses significant dangers to firefighters because of its limited ability to withstand fire conditions for extended periods. The "Dollhouse" prop was used to examine flow path dynamics and demonstrate how fire travels through structures.
The Spring semester typically focuses on Rescue courses for Fire Technology students. This semester included several technical rescue courses, including Water Rescue, Rope Rescue Technician, and Tower Rescue. The Rope Rescue Technician course even took learning on the road with a training day at McCloud Falls.
CAL FIRE
CAL Fire conducted its annual "Re-Hire Academy" through College of the Siskiyous, spending the month preparing firefighters for the upcoming fire season. Training included evaluations, skills practice, and live-fire scenarios.
Siskiyous Fire Camp
Siskiyous Fire Camp will return this summer on June 22 – 23, 2026. Please see Summer Camps webpage for additional details.
Noncredit and Community Education continues to grow through opportunities that bolster workforce skills and strengthen the connection between the College and the broader community. The noncredit program is pleased to offer some new classes this fall while starting new conversations this spring to explore new avenues in noncredit and community education.
The new noncredit offerings for fall - Water/Wastewater Treatment courses and Artificial Intelligence classes - will provide students free opportunities to earn certificates of completion. The Water/Wastewater Treatment classes provide entry-level training for California water and wastewater public and private agency operators. The 6-course, 3-certificate program prepares students for State Water Resources Control Board exams. The classes will help students obtain living wage jobs with excellent benefit packages.
The AI Skill Building classes will increase general AI literacy and offer upskilling and reskilling career advancement in any field. The two, 15-hour classes provide short-term courses for students and working professionals with flexible online and hybrid delivery to maximize access. "Introduction to Artificial Intelligence" offers a comprehensive introduction to the foundational concepts, technologies, and applications of AI while "Artificial Intelligence at Work: Skills for Business & Beyond" provides a hands-on approach with practical, job-ready skills to harness AI power.
This summer, staff and community members can reconnect with movement, balance, and stress reduction through a Mat Pilates class that will take place in a supportive campus environment.
This spring has been an opportunity to begin fresh conversations and explore new ideas both in Noncredit and Community Education. In partnership with Fire Technology, we are in the early phases of developing the IFSAC Firefighter Capstone as a CDCP noncredit pathway. The capstone will reduce cost barriers during the final leg of a cadet's journey while creating more accessible pathways into Fire, EMS, and public safety careers. This approach also supports regional partnerships, including our Mendocino partners, by reducing the financial burden associated with IFSAC training, certification, and travel costs.
We are also exploring noncredit pathways into credit CTE programs, dual enrollment, and workforce preparation opportunities in partnership with Scott Valley Unified School District and Adult Education to help students build confidence, skills, and prepare for college. Further enhancing noncredit, we are thrilled to welcome a new OLAD instructor for Fall, which will expand our offerings for older students. Hailing from Adult Education in San Diego, we are excited for the instructor to bring her experience and energy to the College.
Looking for new possibilities in Community Education, we are excited to continue conversations with SORA around developing outdoor programming that encourages students, staff, and community members to enjoy our region's incredible natural resources while supporting physical and mental well-being through recreation, movement, and connection to the outdoors.
Together, all these efforts reflect the continued growth of Noncredit and Community Education, as well as the College's commitment to connection, wellness, workforce opportunity, and community engagement, both on campus and throughout the region.
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