Cardinal Community Day

Room: Lewis Hall 225

Facilitator: Mariela Barriga, Associate Dean for Innovation, Transformation and Student Support, Highline College

Description: In Washington, students across all demographics aren’t stopping out because they can’t succeed, they’re stopping out because they can’t afford to stay. Half of all students in Washington experience basic needs security and for Latine/x students, it’s 60%. At Highline College, students who access our Basic Needs Support Center are 25% more likely to persist than their peers. Intentional student basic needs support is a critical lifeline to students. Learn about how basic needs supports can be used as a cross- campus method for servingness and how integrating innovative basic needs programming tailored to the Latine/x student populations can upgrade your culture of servingness, and ultimately your Latine/x students’ completion.

Room: Lewis Hall 227

Facilitator: Dr. Gabriel Mast, Vice President of Planning, Institutional Effectiveness, and Marketing

Description: Learn how to strengthen your ability to collect, interpret, and apply data to improve programs and student outcomes. This session focuses on practical tools and approaches to make data accessible, actionable, and impactful across departments.

Room: Angst Hall 125

Facilitator: Dr. Dave Paul, Faculty and State Representative

Description: Stay informed about recent policy and legislative changes affecting higher education. This session will break down key updates and discuss their implications for your work and students.

Room: Multipurpose Room C-172

Facilitators: Dr. Anneliese Vance-Sherman, Chief Labor Economist and Toby Paterson, Northwest Regional Economist

Description: Join us for an insightful overview of the economic landscape across Skagit, Island, and San Juan counties. This session will explore current and emerging job trends, key industry drivers, and workforce opportunities shaping the region. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of local economic conditions and how businesses, educators, and community leaders can respond to evolving workforce needs within our district.

Room: Angst Hall 129

Facilitator: Jareth Rodriguez, TRIO Director, SVC

Panelists: TRIO Staff and Selected Faculty (Outstanding faculty/staff member as selected by TRIO students)

Description: This interactive workshop highlights successful collaboration between TRIO staff and TRIO-selected faculty to support student success. Together, we will share strategies that have strengthened students’ sense of belonging, increased help-seeking behaviors, and improved connections to campus resources. Participants will explore how intentional partnerships between instruction and student support can better address the complex challenges students face. The session will also focus on practical ways to expand collaboration, improve communication, and create more seamless support for students across the college.

Room: Lewis Hall 225

Facilitators: Catherine Wyman, Faculty and Jessica Hatcher, Director of eLearning

Description: As AI tools become more common in the workplace, college classrooms, and basically every corner of society, educators have an important role in helping students use them wisely. Instead of treating AI as something to ban or fear, this session focuses on how instructors can guide students to use AI as a support for learning while still thinking critically, doing their own work, and building real skills. By setting clear expectations, talking openly about appropriate use, and carefully designing assignments, educators can help students use AI in ways that align with academic values and the SVC's mission.

Room: Lewis Hall 130

Facilitator: Dr. Mike Cogan, Vice President of Administrative Services

Description: This interactive workshop introduces Skagit Valley College staff to practical, responsible uses of artificial intelligence in everyday work. Participants will learn how to craft effective prompts, streamline routine tasks, and improve communication and decision-making. Through real, role-based examples, the session emphasizes using AI as a thought partner while maintaining professional judgment, data privacy, and institutional integrity. Attendees will leave with simple tools and strategies to enhance efficiency, clarity, and impact in their roles.

Room: Angst Hall 125

Facilitator: Justin Smock

Description: This session offers a practical introduction to accessibility and inclusive teaching. While others may be discussing Artificial Intelligence, this session explores the original AI: Accessibility and Inclusion.

We will discuss strategies for building accessibility into courses from the start using Universal Design in Learning (UDL) principles, including some easier to implement practices that benefit all learners. These UDL practices can be put into place before accommodations are ever requested. We’ll also clarify the purpose of disability accommodations, address common questions and misunderstandings about accommodations in higher education, and explore why accommodations are a matter of access and civil rights, not special treatment or an unfair advantage. There will be time dedicated to Q&A so any lingering accommodation questions can be answered.

Room: Lewis Hall 227

Facilitator: Ariana Franklin, Student Services Administrative Specialist

Description: In this interactive workshop, participants will explore how AI can be used to simplify everyday life and support better work-life balance. Through real-world examples and hands-on practice, attendees will learn how to use AI to plan meals, create workout routines, organize their schedules, and break down goals into manageable steps. This session focuses on practical, time-saving strategies that reduce decision fatigue and make daily routines more efficient and sustainable.

Room: Angst Hall 129

Facilitators: Alex Lawless and Joel Carson, Writing Center Consultants

Description: Writing Center consultants Alex Lawless and Joel Carson share their research into generative AI and student writing, with concerns over “the right way” to advise students to use (or not use) AI tools, as well as the vulnerabilities this current landscape creates for students. 

Room: Lewis Hall 225

Facilitators: Veronica Perez, CAP Manager and Alondra Batista, CAP Coach

Description: Hear directly from students about their experiences, challenges, and successes. This session provides an opportunity to listen, reflect, and consider how to better support student needs.

Room: Angst Hall 125

Facilitators: Beth McGuire, Faculty and Jeff Stady, Faculty

Description: Learn how Phi Theta Kappa empowers students through leadership development, academic excellence, and community engagement.

Room: Lewis Hall 227

Facilitator: Brian Murphy, Director of Student Life

Description: Discover how student leaders advocate for their peers and contribute to campus decision-making. This session highlights the role of student government in shaping a vibrant campus community.

Room: Angst Hall 129

Facilitator: Kelly Dyer, Dual Credit Director

Description: Join the SVC Dual Credit team for an engaging conversation with current high school students and counselors about the real impact dual credit has on students’ lives! This panel will explore: How students benefit from SVC’s dual credit programs to achieve their academic and career goals, challenges that dual credit students wish SVC faculty better understood, and what dual credit students face in navigating college expectations and culture when transitioning from high school to SVC.  

Location: Pickleball Courts

Facilitator: Aaron Klesick, Faculty

Description: Come play and learn the basics of pickleball! All are welcome.

Room: Angst Hall 125

Facilitators: Elena Bianco, Faculty and Libby Sullivan, Faculty

Description: Through interactive questions, and fun facts attendees will discover surprising stories about SVC’s timeline, notable alumni, campus traditions, and more. Whether you’re a longtime member of the SVC community or brand new to campus, this workshop offers a welcoming space to learn, connect, and celebrate together.

Join us for an hour of curiosity, laughter, and Centennial spirit!

Room: Angst Hall 129

Facilitators: Daniel Peña, Faculty and Monique McVeigh, Program Support Specialist

Description: Join us for a good time with Kai Dupe, Monique McVeigh, and Daniel Peña as they try their hand at a little stand-up comedy.

Room: Multipurpose Room C-172

Facilitators: Marin Thyrring, Assistant Director of Residence Life and Yisele Rosales-Avila, Student Life Specialist

Description:
Join us in celebrating Skagit Valley College’s 100-year anniversary by helping bring a vibrant community mural to life! This paint-by-numbers style project is designed for all skill levels, just pick a section and start painting. Your contribution will become part of a lasting artwork displayed along the Skagit Valley Playfields Walking Trail.

Location: Sigmar Fields 

Facilitator: Matt Scammell, Faculty

Description: Come and play a soccer game with employees and SVC students. All levels welcome.

Room: Lewis Hall 130

Description: SVC employees are required to complete Vector Solutions Training. If you’d like dedicated time and support from HR, you’re welcome to join us in the computer lab to work on your training in a guided setting.