President's Office
September 29, 2025
1. Deep Thanks for An Inspiring/Aspiring Start to Academic Year 2025–26
Having wrapped up Opening Day and FLEX Day and greeted new and returning students during Welcome Week, my appreciation for this college community only grows stronger. The energy, candor, and investment that each person brought to these events laid the foundation for a promising year. In The Blueprint for Success, four goals and objectives are framed by two ambitious and (wildly) important goals: our commitment to student retention is intentionally paired by a purposeful focus on making sure new ideas, systems, and tools also support and respect our employees. We know that achieving excellence for students requires creating conditions where our deeply valued employees can thrive. Thank you for leaning into this challenge with heart and expertise.
2. Latiné Heritage Month and the Call to Imagine
This year’s Latiné Heritage Month begins during a time of both celebration and challenge, as campuses nationwide confront the defunding and dismantling of Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designations and related minority-serving programs. While we do not have any federal HSI, MSI, or TRIO grants, these vital initiatives have effectively supported generations of learners and the institutional transformation that benefits all.
As a surefooted response to these challenges, the Heritage Month planners are offering a rich and celebratory opening: “Our opening ceremony will feature the thought-provoking outdoor poster installation ‘Imagine a Day Without Us: This is the world without Latino labor, love, and leadership,’ alongside displays highlighting Latiné history and contributions across generations. Experience how deeply Latiné communities shape our world through resilience, creativity, and care. Stay to enjoy delicious desserts from across Latin America as we gather in unity and celebration. Lunch provided.”
To give another dimension to the task of imagining “what a day without a Latino would look like,” consider the findings of the new Latino GDP report. The report highlights that the Latino GDP surpassed $4 trillion in 2023. U.S. Latino GDP growth outpaces both non-Latino and total U.S. GDP by wide margins, driven by exceptional gains in educational attainment, labor force participation, and real income. Despite facing adversity, including the health and economic challenges of the pandemic, Latinos led the nation’s economic recovery—offering lessons in hard work, family, self-sufficiency, and optimism.
3. SB 98: Immigration Enforcement Update
The Governor has signed SB 98, legislation that further formalizes how higher education institutions coordinate and respond to immigration enforcement on campus. At Foothill-De Anza, much of what the bill requires is already woven into our policy, procedures, and Board resolutions. SB 98 will require proactive, campus-wide notification whenever any immigration enforcement activity takes place at our locations. Our longstanding commitment to student safety and confidentiality remains unchanged: we act not just in mere compliance but in solidarity with our students, their families, and our employees.
4. Mission Informed Planning Council (MIPC) First Meeting
The Mission Informed Planning Council will meet for the first time this year on October 3, from 1–3 p.m. in room 1901 or online. The agenda will be available on the MIPC website. All are welcome to observe or participate.
5. Equity Professional Development: Ignite! Foothill Equity Program – Fall 2025
Kickoff: Friday, October 10, 10 a.m.–2:45 p.m. at Neutra House, Mountain View
Facilitator: Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
Foothill College's Office of Equity & Inclusion is launching Ignite!, an in-house equity training series designed to strengthen practice around diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
The program begins with an in-person retreat on October 10 where participants will explore Foothill’s equity-related terminology, role-play real scenarios, and engage with the Cycle of Socialization and Cycle of Liberation in higher education. Two follow-up Zoom sessions on November 7 and November 21 (11 a.m.–12 p.m.) will focus on case study discussions.
Who should join?
All Foothill employees interested in advancing equity and belonging. The program is
designed for participants at any stage of their equity journey. Cohort size is limited
to 14.
What you’ll gain:
- Tools for meaningful equity conversations.
- Practice applying equity terms with intention.
- Awareness of how families, communities, and institutions shape worldviews.
Note: Part-time faculty completing the series receive a stipend. Full-time employees will earn professional development points.
Commitment:
Participation in all three sessions is expected. Completion supports—but is not required
for—Ignite! Part 2 in Winter 2026.
Yours in service,
Kristina
Dr. Kristina Whalen
President, Foothill College