March 21, 2013
Dear Emeritus Community,
Thank you for your ongoing involvement as we attempt to respond to the governor’s budget proposals. We had our first next steps meeting on Wednesday, March 20, 2013. Workgroups have been formed and will be continuing. Chairs have been selected for the workgroups and may be contacted by those interested in being involved in the workgroups. If you are interested in participating, please come up to the 4th floor of the Emeritus College campus and sign up.
Also as a result of the meetings, there have been questions about the best way to communicate with students. We will continue to send out regular mail updates as we are able; however this is more costly than emails. We encourage you to use your SMC student email, which you may access through Corsair Connect. Regular updates will be on the Emeritus website, www.smc.edu/emeritus Look for information on the news and information tab on the left side of the website. Also, while on the campus make a habit of checking our bulletin boards for any updates.
A few questions have been raised from the ongoing meetings. The following is a brief Q&A to address these questions.
Q: Is there going to be a summer 2013 session?
A: Yes. The summer session will be similar to last summer. We offered about 75 classes last summer and will be offering about the same number of classes this summer.
Q: Is there going to be a fall 2013 semester?
A: We are currently working on the fall semester. Our fall semester is planned to be similar in size to spring 2013.
Q: What is the Emeritus College Executive Council (ECEC)?
A: The ECEC is the advisory group for Emeritus College. They make recommendations on new curriculum, policy changes, and recommendations for new programs that will enhance or benefit the Emeritus College Community.
Q: I would like to be considered for the ECEC, how may I become an ECEC member?
A: New ECEC members are appointed by the Superintendent/President of Santa Monica College. To apply for consideration as a member of the ECEC, pick up an application available on any of the floors on the main Emeritus campus or visit our website, download and fill out an application. There are currently five positions that need to be filled; application deadline is Friday, April 12, 2013.
Q: What is the Emeritus Students Union (ESU)?
A: The Emeritus Students Union is a newly forming student organization. Just as we have a Photography Club, the Students Union is a club or student group forming under the rules of the Associated Students of Santa Monica College.
Q: Do I have to join the Students Union to be a student at Emeritus College?
A: You are welcome to join the Students Union, but no, there is not a requirement to join the Students Union. Participation is voluntary.
Q: What is the group that is meeting at Emeritus on Mondays at 3PM in room 309?
A: This is a discussion and support group. It is a small group limited to 12 participants and is led by Laurie Miller, Emeritus Social Work Intern. You may call Laurie at 310-434-3860 for more information. You may drop in anytime there is room available. Attendance is on a space available basis, so if you are interested in attending, you are encouraged to arrive early.
Q: Should we start sending letters to our legislators?
A: No, we don’t recommend sending letters just yet. One of the work groups is creating a draft letter for students to use as a model. Once the draft letter is complete, we will send it out to the students. A work group is working on a draft letter for students to use as a template. Students may turn in their letters to the 4th floor and then we will send them out to the legislators in batches. We will probably start this at the beginning of April.
Thank you for your involvement in the life of Emeritus College. We as a community are joined together as Emeritus College continues to grow and thrive. We appreciate your participation and ideas in addressing the recommendations made by the governor. Stay tuned; check your SMC email, the Emeritus College Website and the bulletin boards for updates.
Best regards,
RhF
Ron Furuyama
SMC Emeritus College Associate Dean