Senate President

Administrative Specialist - Personnel

I have worked for West Valley College since 1998, serving the learning and research needs of students in the library. This will be my fifth year on the Classified Senate, my second as President.

My interest in participatory governance grew from my involvement in SEIU, where I served as West Valley Vice President from 2001-2003 and later as Acting President of the Chapter during the “Furlough Years” 2003/2004. I realized during that time the importance of classified involvement in the decision making process at both the college and the district levels, and began to look for ways to become more actively involved in participatory governance.

As Senate President, I represent the interests, needs and concerns of all West Valley classified staff at the highest levels of participatory governance, in matters that are not negotiated by our unions. I regularly attend College Council, District Council, District Budget Advisory Committee (DBAC) and Board of Trustee meetings. This year I hope to expand representation to include District classified staff who work on our campus. My goal is to ensure that all classified staff have a voice in matters that affect our work, our life, and our well-being.

Vice President

Program Specialist, Center for Advanced Transportation Technology & Energy

I am the Program Specialist for West Valley College's Center for Advanced Transportation Technology & Energy. I have held this position since March of 2001 and really enjoy getting to explore this vast area of emerging technologies. I have my degree in Environmental Studies from UCSC and reside in the Santa Cruz Mountains with my husband Dave and son Brody.

I joined the Classified Senate in order to have the opportunity to become more involved in campus activities. Now that I am here, I realize how important it is to be a part of shared governance and look forward to doing what I can to keep the Classified staff informed about College and District activities. As a Senator-at-Large, I will serve on the Diversity committee and represent the classified of the Community Education department and the Math and Science division at the Senate.

Senator-at-Large

Senior Office Coordinator

I have enjoyed being at community colleges in several capacities: as a student, instructional aide, tutor, volunteer, and now as the Senior Administrative Assistant for the Library and the Dean of Instruction. When I was nominated to be a Classified Senator, I knew very little about the Senate, but I quickly realized what an honor it is to be part of such a dynamic, positive, sincere and focused group of individuals. Over the years, the Senate has become the cohesive force that has unified the classified staff - installing pride and sense of professionalism, raising awareness and giving voice to our ideas and concerns.

Senate Secretary

Senior Office Coordinator- PE

I have worked as the Senior Office Coordinator for the Physical Education Division since 2006 after first returning to West Valley as a full time student in 2003.

Most of my background is in the non-profit and high-tech sectors, so participatory governance is something new to me. I joined the classified senate to learn more about the process and how I can help classified staff stay informed and have a voice in decision making at the College.

Senator-at-Large

Career Programs

I started working for WVMCCD in 2002 in the Advancement Foundation and then moved to the college in 2005. I was a member of the Classified Senate in 2008 and I happy to be serving again.

I am honored to be part of such a dynamic group. I believe in the importance of the Classified Senate and the role it plays in serving the classified staff as a voice in shared governance.

Senator-at-Large

Student Services Technician, Admissions and Records

Senator-at-Large

Graphics and Marketing

I'm Carl Jones and I work in Graphics and Marketing. What I do has an impact on our enrollment and who is drawn to our college.

Being on the Senate provides an opportunity for me to participate in the exchange of information between what's happening across campus - issues and operations - and the experiences of our students. The shared information at the Senate meetings helps me to do my own job better.

Being able to attend the California Community Colleges Classified Senate (4CS) Leadership Conference for the past few years has given me new ideas and insight regarding things we can do here to be a more effective college and staff.

Senator-at-Large

Admission & Records

I started working for West Valley College in 2008 as the Office Coordinator for the Child Studies Department. A major part of my job was recruitment and enrollment of families into the Child Development Center. I really enjoyed working around the beautiful children and assisting our student families in need of child care tuition assistance. Due to recent State budget cuts, I was repositioned to the Admissions and Records Department working as a Student Services Technician. As a member of the Admissions and Records staff, we are the “front line” where first impressions are formed, advice is given and class enrollment problems are fixed.

In 2009, I decided to complete my Bachelor’s degree which I started twenty five years ago and in May, 2012 received a B.S. in Counseling Psychology. I guess that makes me the perfect example of “You are never too old.” As a member of the Classified Senate, I want to learn more about the college shared governance system and help other Classified staff receive the recognition and support they deserve. I have a passion to serve and will continue to be an active volunteer for West Valley committees and other non-profit organizations within Santa Clara County. I’m looking forward to a very productive 2012-2013 school year!

Senator-at-Large

Senior Office Coordinator, Applied Arts and Sciences

Served as Union steward, Benefits committee for SEIU, Hiring committee

My interest for Classified Senate came about when I wanted changes in our campus. I know if I wanted to see changes I had to be part of the process. Also I was encouraged by my fellow workers to be a member of the Senate so their voices could be heard. I take this position seriously and look forward to working closely with other members.

Senator-at-Large

Community Resource Coordinator, Student Health Services

I came to West Valley College as an adult re-entry student in 1997. I began working at Student Health Services and Community Education in various part-time positions in 1998 and became a full-time classified staff member in 2002.

I value very highly the concept of collaboration, and I strive to recognize and utilize our collaborative efforts whenever possible. I also value the sharing and dissemination of information, so one of my goals this year is to bring our Senate information out to our constituents.

On the personal side, I teach and coach cross country skiing and prepare participants for a season of training and fundraising for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, including the completion of a cross country ski marathon.

On the professional side, I completed a Masters program in Counseling Psychology at the University of San Francisco in August 2007. I am presently collecting hours of experience for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist.

Senator-at-Large

Area

Bio from senator

Senator-at-Large

Title

Bio

Senate Treasurer

Senior Executive Assistant, President's Office

I work in the President's Office as Senior Executive Assistant to the President and have worked in this position for 10 years. Other duties include acting as the secretary to College Council and also serving on the Sustainability Plan Implementation Team and the Student Disciplinary Hearing Committee.

On the Senate, I act as the representative for the confidential classified staff. It is part of my job to stay informed so that I can answer the numerous questions that come to my office from students, staff, faculty, administrators and community members. I want to ensure the confidential and general classified staff have a willing ear and a clear voice representing them in participatory governance.

Senator-at-Large

Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Student Life & Veteran's Resource Center

Previously I served as the Office Coordinator for Educational Transition (ET)/Adult Re-entry program since 1999 but last year the Re-entry program ended for lack of funding. I have since been reassigned to work part time for Student Services & the Campus Center. My job duties include maintenance of Student Services websites & Portal updates. For the campus center I serve in the capacity of Marketing & Communications Coordinator as well as support Student Life & the Veteran’s resource Center.
I believe my most outstanding quality is my passion and dedication in helping others and my love to teach and mentor anyone in need. I support the campus goal of facilitating diversity and inclusion through caring support of students who have overwhelming responsibilities and barriers.
I have an AS degree in graphic Design from Mission College and I love sharing this talent with the college community. In my position I am the support and co- editor and graphic designer for the Classified Senate Newsletter. I have designed many Brochures, fliers, charts, posters and other promotional materials as well as a database for the Educational Transition program.
I look forward to working with the other senators and discovering how I can contribute.

District Representative

HR Specialist

District Representative

District Custodial Manager

I first came to West Valley as a student and completed my general education at West Valley before transferring to a state college.

I joined the classified staff as a custodian in 1979.

I spent many years working as a Custodian and then as a Custodial Supervisor.

I'm currently the District Custodial Manager serving both colleges.

I've been honored to work with faculty and staff to contribute to student's success in their educational goals.

This year my goal with the Classified Senate is to represent the needs, concerns and viewpoints of District classified staff at West Valley College.

District Representative

Executive Assistant to the Chancellor

I began working at West Valley College in 1997 in the Career Programs Center.  I moved to the Office of instruction in 2006, and more recently, in January 2013, I became the Executive Assistant to the Chancellor in the District Office.  I have served on the WVC Classified Senate for 15 years and was Classified Senate President from 2000 to 2002.  I strongly believe in the value and importance of the classified perspective.  Participation in our Classified Senate provides an excellent opportunity for classified staff to have their voices heard to influence governance decisions that affect the campus community.
I enjoy keeping my creative side energized through working with clay and making pottery, creating new designs for functional pieces and teaching specialty workshops in throwing techniques and glaze application.

District Representative

Help Desk Admininstrator

I, Luan Szeto, am currently serving as the Information System (IS) department Helpdesk Administrator. I have been serving in this position since 2008. Prior to that, I was committed to working at Mission College from 1988 to 2008 serving as a liaison of the Computer Electronic Technology department under the direction of Roy Goody (Division Chair).

Since then, I have received the Chancellor's Recognition Award as the Finalist at Mission College during the 90's in which I wrote and developed a short certificated vocational course called SMT (Surface Mounted Technology). I then was introduced and invited to join the Vocational Program Advisory Committee which is located at Canada Community College Menlo Park, CA, a year after.

I joined the Classified Senate because I strongly believe in the value and importance of our classified staff's perspective. Now that I am here, I am looking forward to share and keep our classified staff informed about our College and District activities.

District Representative

General Servivces - Purchasing

I have experienced West Valley College as a student, a student worker, and as a classified employee in the library. When I came on board as a library media technician, I was delighted to have the opportunity to serve students at West Valley, and now I am so happy to have the same opportunity to serve classified staff.

I believe the shared governance process is critical to the health and success of an educational institution, and that the perspective of classified staff is invaluable in order to make sound decisions about resource allocation, goal setting, guiding students, and hiring new members of this community. It is important to maintain our strength and be full partners in West Valley's success, and not just advisors, because we ARE part of its success.