Cybersecurity Awareness Month – Online Safety Tips

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month! This month is a reminder for everyone to prioritize online safety and security. TCC’s Cyber Center understands that knowing how to protect ourselves from cyber threats has never been more crucial.

Throughout this month, take the opportunity to enhance your knowledge about online safety; including: phishing scams, password security, and safe browsing practices. Below are a number of tips to help you stay prepared and safe:

Use Strong Passwords: Create strong, unique passwords for all your accounts. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of protection by enabling MFA on your online accounts, especially email and financial services.
Keep Software Updated: Ensure your operating system, browsers, and applications are up-to-date. Updates often include critical security patches.
Be Wary of Phishing Scams: Think before clicking on links or opening attachments in emails from unknown senders. Phishing is a common method used by cybercriminals to steal information.
Secure Your Mobile Device: Use a password, fingerprint, or face recognition to lock your phone. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks.
Back Up Important Data: Regularly back up your files to the cloud or an external hard drive to protect against data loss from attacks or hardware failure.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Financial Transactions: Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured. Use a virtual private network (VPN) or mobile data for financial transactions or logging into sensitive accounts.
Recognize Suspicious Links: Before clicking on a link, hover your mouse over it to check the actual URL. Phishing scams often disguise harmful links.
Use Antivirus Software: Install reputable antivirus software and keep it updated to protect your devices from malware and other cyber threats.
Be Careful with Social Media Information: Limit what you share on social media. Cybercriminals can use personal details to steal your identity or trick you into scams.
Monitor Your Accounts Regularly: Check your bank, email, and other important accounts regularly for suspicious activity and unauthorized transactions.
Use Secure Password Managers: Store and manage your passwords with a secure password manager to ensure they are strong and unique.
Turn Off Bluetooth When Not in Use: Disable Bluetooth on your devices when not in use to prevent unauthorized connections.
Think Before Downloading: Only download apps and files from trusted sources. Malicious software can be disguised as legitimate downloads.
Review Privacy Settings: Periodically review the privacy settings on your social media and online accounts to control what information is shared.
Lock Your Computer When Away: Always lock your computer or laptop when you step away, especially in public places like libraries or coffee shops.
Use Encrypted Messaging Apps: For sensitive communications, use messaging apps that offer end-to-end encryption, such as Signal or WhatsApp.
Don’t Share Personal Information Over Email: Avoid sharing sensitive information (like your Social Security number) over email. Use encrypted communication if necessary.
Secure Your Home Wi-Fi: Change your default router password and use a strong Wi-Fi password. Enable WPA3 encryption if available.
Log Out of Accounts: Always log out of accounts when you’re done, especially on shared or public computers.
Avoid Clicking on Pop-Ups: Pop-ups often contain malware or phishing attempts. Use a browser that blocks or limits pop-ups, and never click on suspicious ones.
Set Strong Security Questions: Avoid using easy-to-guess security questions (like “What is your pet’s name?”). Use complex or less common answers to strengthen account recovery security.
Stay Cautious of Email Attachments: Do not open attachments from unknown or unexpected sources. Attachments can carry malware or ransomware.
Use a VPN on Public Networks: When using public Wi-Fi, use a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic and protect your data from hackers.
Watch Out for Fake Websites: Cybercriminals often create fake websites to steal your information. Look for “https” in the address bar and verify website URLs carefully.
Disable Unnecessary Browser Extensions: Extensions can pose security risks. Disable or uninstall extensions you don’t use, and only install trusted ones.
Beware of Fake Tech Support: Scammers may call or pop up on your screen claiming to be tech support. Never give remote access to your computer unless you initiated the contact.
Protect Your Online Reputation: Be mindful of what you post online. Once something is shared on the internet, it can be difficult to remove.
Be Cautious of Unsolicited Messages: Whether it’s a text, direct message, or email, be cautious when receiving unsolicited messages asking for personal information.
Review and Delete Old Accounts: Old accounts you no longer use can be a security risk. Review your accounts and delete those you no longer need.
Learn to Recognize Ransomware: Ransomware can lock your files and demand payment. Avoid downloading suspicious attachments or clicking on unfamiliar links, and regularly back up your data.

Skilled Trades Academy expanding to offer more training options for students

TCC President and supporters cut the ribbon at the Skilled Trades Academy Expansion Celebration and Ribbon Cutting

Tidewater Community College celebrated the expansion of TCC’s Skilled Trades Academy (STA) in Portsmouth. The expansion provides an additional 12,000 square feet of space for workforce training.

The STA opened in 2019 and is currently a 20,000-square-foot academy, located at 3303 Airline Blvd. It is one of the largest trade academies run by a community college on the East Coast and the only one of its kind in Virginia. It provides short-term workforce training for in-demand careers in construction, maritime trades and more.

“We are growing because we want to address workforce needs in the community,” said TCC President Marcia Conston. “To be able to meet the demand beyond the skilled trades training currently offered we had to expand and provide students with a space to come with no background in the skilled trades and leave with skills that enable them to provide for their families long term.”

Current trades offered at the academy are carpentry, forklift, logistics, marine coatings, pipefitting, sheet metal, ship fitting and welding. The expansion will increase enrollment capacity in these offerings by 22 percent.

Joined by industry partners that have supported the growth of the STA since its inception including members of all three of TCC’s boards, the College Board, Real Estate Foundation Board, and the Educational Foundation Board. TCC also welcomed The Beazley Foundation and Elizabeth River Crossings OpCo (ERC) who supported the expansion of STA.

“As an infrastructure company, ERC highly values skilled labor. A majority of our workforce is our Operations & Maintenance team. They are on the roadways every day, 24/7, ensuring that our roadways remain safe and open to traffic and are well-maintained. All that training starts with skilled trades,” stated Anna Bonet, ERC Chief Executive Officer. “Through this partnership we reinforce our commitment with the Community, along with community health, environment and toll relief, education, is one of our key pillars in terms of Community engagement.”

In addition, the expansion will increase current program offerings by 56 percent and overall enrollment capacity by 86 percent. New and updated programs will include building maintenance, electrical, heavy equipment operator, HVACR, logistics, machining, marine electrical, pipelaying, plumbing, roofing and wind turbine technology.

“Fred W. Beazley always nourished the idea of creating opportunities to make it possible for any deserving youth, many without financial means, to get an education. Seventy-six years later that mission remains a part of the foundations work today,” stated Stephen Best, President and CEO of the Beazley Foundation. “Today the Beazley foundation is proud to carry on the legacy of Mr. Beazley supporting this expansion with a financial gift that will continue providing opportunities for our youth and those looking to switch careers to learn a much-needed skill trade and ultimately enjoy the success that comes from a good education and benefits, and ability to secure a successful long-term career.”

Located at 3303 Airline Blvd. in Portsmouth, the STA looks to provide opportunities for the citizens of the City of Portsmouth and those of South Hampton Roads.

“The City of Portsmouth and Portsmouth at Work are also proud funding partners of the TCC Skilled Trades Academy, this is all about community and all of us working together,” stated City of Portsmouth Mayor Shannon Glover. “On behalf of the city council, the citizens of Portsmouth, and the businesses of Portsmouth, please accept our deepest gratitude for believing in the potential of our citizens, investing in their success and helping us to expand opportunities for skilled trades. It is through these partnerships that we continue to move Portsmouth forward, ensuring that every person in our city has access to what I like to call a pathway to prosperity.”

To date, 96 percent of students who are certified in training programs through the STA are hired by regional employers. They are career-ready and have the in-demand trade skills, as well as the soft skills needed to succeed on the job.

TCC CELEBRATES 2024 ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS

Tidewater Community College recognizes five faculty and staff members from across the college with special awards during TCC’s College-Wide Fall Convocation. This year’s event was held on August 22, 2024 at the Chesapeake Campus Student Center.

Selected by their peers in the faculty and classified associations at the college, the honorees exhibit the characteristics that make TCC an institution that provides great service and support to our students and community.

Professor of the Year
Dr. Jessica Lynam, Professor of Spanish

Dr. Jessica Lynam is the Professor of the Year, chosen by the Faculty Senate. Lynam has taught Spanish at the college since 2016 and is being honored for her dedication to student success and engagement. Lynam utilizes a variety of innovative teaching strategies, which she evolves each semester to incorporate current best practices and, at the same time, focus on culture and real-world applications of Spanish. She is also recognized for creating engaging, accessible, and motivational course materials through various platforms like Canvas, Prezi and social media.

Lynam, a Portsmouth resident, teaches at the Portsmouth and Chesapeake Campuses in in-class and online formats.

When asked about receiving the Professor of the Year Award, Lynam said that she was “humbled and re-energized!” She added that, “It feels great to be seen and appreciated. I’ve been tinkering and experimenting with my teaching methods, and they have really evolved. I’ve drawn inspiration and ideas from conferences, content creators on social media, and alternative assessments, among others. Student response has been good and it’s nice to know I’m on the right track. I feel humble but validated.”

She adds that she’s most proud to see her students transfer from TCC and continue with Spanish successfully, some of them even studying abroad. She’s also enjoyed “cutting the cord with textbooks and fully adopting Open Educational Resources in all my classes, learning to teach in a wide variety of modalities, and also building a positive relationship with my colleagues in Foreign Languages.”

When she’s not teaching, Lynam serves as an election official in Portsmouth as well as volunteering with American Youth Understanding Diabetes Abroad (AYUDA), a non-profit volunteer-based organization that empowers youth to serve as agents of social change in diabetes communities around the world. AYUDA is a grass-roots organization that provides diabetes-related services for juveniles with type-1 diabetes. The organization is currently focusing efforts in the Dominican Republic and has also been recently active in Haiti.

She also likes to create digital cartoons in her spare time utilizing Canva, Pictochart, and other open-source software. She loves crafts—especially quilting, sewing, and furniture refinishing—and she’s improving her hand at cooking.

Lynam and her family—husband Andrew and two sons, ages 10 and 8—are avid campers and most recently visited Northern Michigan for its unique beauty.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Arts and a Doctor of Arts in Spanish from Western Michigan University.

Special Achievement Faculty Award
Dr. Tiffanye Sledge, Professor of Sociology

Dr. Tiffanye Sledge is receiving the Special Achievement Faculty Award, an honor from the Faculty Senate, for her key role in TCC’s governance and academic community, serving as the representative on the Chancellor’s Faculty Advisory Committee (CFAC) and its Executive Committee, as well as the Portsmouth Campus Faculty Senate Chair. She is also involved in various campus initiatives, including the Portsmouth Campus Leadership Team, the Academic Affairs Council, and the TCC Artificial Intelligence Ad Hoc Committee.

Additionally, Sledge has contributed to the broader academic discourse by presenting on Artificial Intelligence topics, moderating the College-wide Women’s History Month Forum, and supporting the Program Learning Outcomes Team for the Social Science pathway. Sledge, a Hampton resident, teaches at the Portsmouth campus in in-class and virtual formats.

Dr. Sledge notes that she is “deeply honored to receive the Award. I have the privilege of working alongside phenomenal colleagues who are the best at what they do, so I am truly humbled. Receiving this recognition is a significant highlight of my career at TCC. I am grateful for the committee’s recognition of my efforts. This award not only inspires me but also reinforces my commitment to continuing to support and uplift our students and the College.”

She adds that “I am most proud of the accomplishments of my students. Seeing them grow, and achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals is the most rewarding part of my job. I am also proud of the work I have done to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment for my students and empowering them to know and believe that they matter, and they belong. I am always looking for new ways to help my students succeed.”

Dr. Sledge’s time away from the College includes many volunteering initiatives—her church. the Virginia Medical Reserve Corps, domestic violence shelters, homeless initiatives, and food and housing insecurity initiatives. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority, as well as the NAACP and the National Council of Negro Women.

When she has free time to spare, Dr. Sledge likes to spend time with family and friends, travel, cook, exercise, and listen to R&B music from the 1970’s through the early 2000’s. She has been married to her college sweetheart for 28 years and has three grown children—a daughter in medical school, and two sons entering their senior year in college, one of whom is a TCC alumnus.

Dr. Sledge holds Bachelor of Arts from Spelman College, and a Master of Arts and a Ph.D. from Arizona State University.

Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award
Julissa Armstrong

Julissa Armstrong is receiving the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award, an honor from the Faculty Senate, for her remarkable efforts in the teaching of Forensic Sciences.

Armstrong, who has recently relocated to Utah, teaches Forensic Science I and II, and Forensic Pathology at the Norfolk Campus and online.

Since joining TCC in 2017, Professor Armstrong has transformed outdated course materials into engaging, hands-on activities in her classes. She is also known for integrating real-world scenarios into her teaching to make learning relevant and practical. Due to her extensive experience in forensic science—she has been a Forensic Specialist II with the Virginia Beach Police Department since 2011—Professor Armstrong effectively relates classroom experience to real-world applications.

As to her reception of the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award, Professor Armstrong notes that she has tailored her classes and the student experience by listening closely to student feedback. “At the same time, I strive to hold them to the high standards of the forensics field and give them a realistic look into forensic science and what they are ‘signing up for’ and can expect when they go beyond TCC.”

Regarding her teaching online, she notes that “online classes. Particularly in the forensic sciences, pose unique barriers when it comes to a hands-on field such as this one. I am proud that I have found ways for students to experience realistic casework in an online environment, so they have a very similar experience to their face-to-face counterparts.”

When she is not working or teaching, Professor Armstrong volunteers for a few forensic-related organizations and works out at a local CrossFit gym 6 days a week. She is married and she and her husband have two dogs.

Professor Armstrong holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Forensic Sciences from Mercyhurst University and A Master of Science in Forensic Science from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Classified Support Staff Employee of the Year
Kim J. Patrick

Kim Patrick is the Classified Support Staff of the Year. As Administrative Assistant to Dean Paul Silberquit, Kim is the go-to person for students seeking information in the Public and Professional Services and Education Pathway, and for staff requiring assistance with ordering, using classroom equipment, and a multitude of other day-to-day issues.

Patrick, a Virginia Beach resident, has been with the college since 2009 and worked as the Administrative Assistant in the Child Development Lab at the Beach campus from 2009 to 2014, and in the Public and Professional Services division before moving to her current position in 2022.

As a co-worker notes, “From entering orders so that programs can operate with the materials needed, to entering schedules, textbooks, adjunct contracts, overloads—everything she does means that not only our pathway is efficient and effective but that contributes to the overall effectiveness of the college. Our pathway consists of 12 programs, and she meets the needs of each and every one.”

Kim’s personal touch is appreciated by students and staff alike. As a teaching staff notes, Kim “supplies us with much needed audio/visual or fitness equipment and follows each order closely to ensure timely and complete delivery. I frequently have issues with computers or a/v tools in my classrooms. Ms. Patrick is the team member that ensures the equipment is up and ready to go for the next class, scheduling technicians for repair, IT troubleshooting, or maintenance.”

When informed of her reception of the award, Kim says that she is “very surprised, happy and humbled. TCC has so many exceptional employees, and I never expected to receive this award.”

Kim holds an Associate of Applied Science in Accounting and an Associate of Science in Business Administration from TCC. In her time away from the college, she likes to garden, read and spend time with her two children, Gene and Laura, her sister, Tonya and other family members in the area. As Kim says, “They bring joy and purpose to my life.”

Wage Support Staff of the Year
David Abraham, District Mailroom Clerk

David Abraham is the Wage Support Staff of the Year. As the District Mailroom Clerk, David is well-known to everyone who works at TCC’s District offices in downtown Norfolk, as well as everyone at Materiel Management in Suffolk.

Although Abraham, a Norfolk resident, has only been at TCC for two and a half years, his dedication and cheerful demeanor have made him a favorite with co-workers.

“David re-organized the District mailroom, adjusted his hours in order to maximize effectiveness, and even provided support with delivering the mail from campus to campus at various times of the workweek,” says Thomas Hutchins, Director of Materiel Management. “David also improved our efficiency by delivering payroll checks to various business offices as needed. He prioritizes projects to maximize resources.”

“David’s work is a testament to his commitment to excellence in service and performance,” says Novella Briggs, Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Despite having a reduced staff, David consistently delivers parcels and mail accurately and efficiently. He is always willing to lend a helping hand, whether for college-wide events such as Spring and Fall Convocations and Commencements or for transporting college guests.” And Jennifer Wilkinson, Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the TCC Educational Foundation, notes that “not only has David changed the dynamic of the District building with his positive attitude and presence, but his easy demeanor and drive to do more exemplify how someone so caring, engaging, and reliable advances the college’s mission and core values.”

As to his reception of the award, David says that he is “deeply proud and greatly appreciative. It is a wonderful feeling to be honored by one’s peers and I say, Thank You. But while the recognition is individual, I see it more as a recognition of team, of the wonderful people I work with day in and day out, and of the work we do on behalf of this fine institution, Tidewater Community College.”

David holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Old Dominion University and an Associate of Science in General Studies from TCC. He came to TCC after a long and successful career in professional photography and, when he isn’t working at TCC, enjoys the “company of family and friends, college sports, travel, all the art forms—music, literature, theatre, and visual—specifically photography and movies, museums and restaurants. And spending as much time as I can with my dog Sadie.”

TCC Partners with NSU for Passport Program

Tidewater Community College (TCC) President Dr. Marcia Conston and Norfolk State University (NSU) President Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston signed an agreement on Monday to create the Passport Program. A pathway to prepare TCC students for a seamless transition to NSU for the completion of a bachelor’s degree.

The Passport Program offers students who need additional preparation prior to enrolling at NSU, the chance to excel at TCC and guarantee their admission to NSU once they have earned at least 16 credits at TCC with at least a 2.0 GPA

Conston and Adams-Gaston signed the agreement at NSU’s Wilder Center among members of both institutions who worked to make the partnership a reality.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with NSU. The Passport Program is an additional opportunity for students in Hampton Roads to benefit from our shared interest of success in higher education throughout our region,” Conston said.

TCC has campuses in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach. It is the second largest of the 23 Virginia community colleges, enrolling nearly 25,000 students.

“This partnership allows us to provide access, opportunity and a phenomenal education experience to students that is focused on their success and growth,” Adams-Gaston said.

TCC students will receive a number of benefits through the Passport Program:

Co-advising through both TCC and NSU to better support preparation and transition
Join student orientation for TCC and NSU students.
Early access to events and support services while reducing the time to earn their degree.
Early access to NSU’s on-campus events like athletic events, student life events, financial literacy workshops.

“We look forward to welcoming TCC students into the NSU community,” Adams-Gaston said.

CNU Welcomes TCC Students with CNU Ready

Tidewater Community College (TCC) President Dr. Marcia Conston and Christopher Newport University (CNU) President William Kelly signed an agreement Tuesday that creates CNU Ready.

It is a pathway to prepare TCC students for the next step in their educational journey at Christopher Newport University and completion of a bachelor’s degree.

Kelly and Conston put pen and ink to the partnership in a Christopher Newport Hall ceremony attended by leaders of both institutions.

TCC President Marcia Constant and CNU President William Kelly

“This agreement embodies our shared commitment to providing exceptional educational opportunities for the students of Hampton Roads,” Kelly said.

The University has a similar agreement in place with Virginia Peninsula Community College and is seeking additional partnerships to help community college students from across Virginia continue their education.

TCC has campuses in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach. It is the second largest of the 23 Virginia community colleges, enrolling nearly 25,000 students.

“We are pleased and proud to partner with Christopher Newport in providing access and opportunity for our students and, together, building a better community,” Conston said.

Kelly and Conston outlined the benefits TCC students will enjoy through CNU Ready:

Co-advising through both TCC and CNU to better support preparation and transition
Early access to events and support services while reducing the time to earn their degree.
Early access to CNU’s on-campus events and resources such as transfer visits and tours, writing workshops, career workshops, financial literacy workshops, student success workshops, and faculty spotlights with both TCC and CNU faculty.

“We will welcome, encourage and support TCC students as they become Captains,” Kelly said. “We hope they stay right here in Hampton Roads, building their careers and families here and making this an even better place for us all.”

State Budget Agreement Allows Virginia’s Community Colleges to Continue Providing Affordable Access to Higher Education

~ Community Colleges are the Lowest-Funded Higher Education Institutions in Virginia ~

RICHMOND, Va. – Recognizing the additional funding approved by the governor and Virginia General Assembly, the State Board for Community Colleges voted today to limit base tuition increases to three percent for in-state students. A $4.79 per credit hour tuition increase for in-state students (3%) will go into effect in the fall semester for the 2024-2025 academic year.

“We are committed to providing affordable access to high quality programs for Virginians,” said Peggy Layne, chair of the State Board of Virginia’s Community Colleges. “We’re not immune from rising costs, but we are proud that we have been able to maintain tuition rates at about one-third of the average comparable tuition at Virginia’s public four-year universities.”

The new in-state rate is $163.40 per credit hour, or $2,451.00 for a 15 credit-hour semester. The tuition increase only applies to the tuition and education and general (E&G) fee which covers general operating costs. Note that some colleges have tuition differentials and other mandatory fees covering student activities and auxiliary operations and these vary at the community college level. Check with individual colleges for locally relevant information.

Virginia’s Community Colleges remain Virginia’s most affordable and accessible pathway to better jobs. Yet, community colleges remain the lowest-funded higher education institutions in Virginia, receiving less than 57 cents for every one dollar that goes to support a full-time equivalent student at a public Virginia university. Additionally, expenditures per full-time

student at Virginia’s Community Colleges are in the 23rd percentile in the nation, meaning 77% of community colleges across the country spend more per student.

“Many of our learners have limited financial resources, and inflationary pressures only serve to exacerbate their situation,” said Dr. David Doré, chancellor of the Virginia Community College System. “But our colleges can and do provide programs that afford life-changing benefits to our learners, such as FastForward, which incentivizes them to complete short-term credential training programs for Virginia’s most in-demand jobs at a fraction of the cost they might otherwise incur. And our G3 tuition-assistance program has proven quite effective in removing many of the financial challenges that Virginia’s learners routinely encounter.”

Prior to July 2023, Virginia’s Community Colleges had held the same tuition rate for five consecutive years.

“Never doubt your success.” – Chiara Williams, Commencement Student Speaker

Chiara Williams, a graduate of Great Bridge High School in Chesapeake, is graduating from Tidewater Community College with an associate of science in Social Science and will serve as Tidewater Community College’s 78^th Commencement Exercise Student Speaker. This fall, Williams plans to continue her education at Old Dominion University to complete her studies in clinical psychology.

Here at TCC, Williams served as the President of the Student Government Association at the Chesapeake Campus. Williams was a Second Year Leader of the Gear Up To Lead Leadership Program, providing guidance and mentorship to first year students. Gear Up allowed Williams to assist the team that led the Elizabeth River clean-up project.

“Being part of Gear Up taught me how to be a leader. I have said throughout this process that I am most proud of becoming a leader of others as well as myself.”

When the opportunity to become the Commencement Student Speaker came, Williams saw it as a chance for continued growth.

“This moment will allow me to make a positive impact amongst my peers and hopefully inspire those who come after me. I hope to provide a message of self-worth, growth, and commend those who are celebrating an astounding achievement as I know this journey was not an easy one for most,” said Williams.

Williams was also a member of the TCC Student Art League and was able to support the league while sharing her art with the community. She additionally had the opportunity to be a mentee of the GNC Mentor Program.

During her time at TCC, Williams came to the realization that you should never doubt your success. She saw and learned that there is someone else always wondering how you achieved what you did. She encourages the Class of 2024 to push on and be the example.

A Message to Our Veterans

A message from President Conston

Dear TCC Family,

On Sunday, we remembered the one-year anniversary of the mass shooting in Virginia
Beach. While I was not here during that tragic time, I mourned the loss of those 12 individuals
killed in a senseless act of violence.

Just last week, we witnessed another tragedy in our nation, the death of Mr. George Floyd in
Minneapolis. Like many of you, I am horrified by the circumstances surrounding his death. The
outrage of so many spilling into our streets, manifesting into both peaceful protests and violence,
speaks to the hurt, anger and confusion in our communities. Collectively, their voices seem as
one, crying out for solace, calmness and resolution.

Mr. Floyd’s death occurred in the midst of a pandemic, COVID-19, which has claimed the lives
of more than 377,000 worldwide, 104,000 nationwide, and approaching 1,400 in our own state.
Along with the staggering deaths totals, this relentless virus has devastated our social, economic,
political and educational systems. We are truly navigating unprecedented times and treading in
unchartered waters.

Coming to this community a mere five months ago, I was impressed by your willingness to move
this college forward with new leadership and a renewed focus on student success. In mid-March,
I again applauded your tenacity to transition to remote learning and teleworking in response to
COVID-19. I continue to be inspired by your dedication to tirelessly serving our institution and
students. Your resilience is undeniable.

As President of Tidewater Community College – our institution – I encourage each of you to
stand with one another during these difficult days. Know that I support you, and I urge you to
support each other. Reach out to your colleagues, your friends and mentors. We might be
physically distant, but we are together. Talk to one another, and just as important, listen to each
other. For those in need, support services are available to help.

My message to each of you is one of profound compassion, hope and expectation for brighter
days. Change is long overdue and frustratingly slow, but I am confident that circumstances will
improve. As an institution of higher education, we remain committed to dispelling bigotry and
modeling inclusivity.

I stand beside you in solidarity, with an unwavering resolve to foster a learning environment that
is safe, healthy and welcoming for all.

TCC, Norfolk State working to address racial inequality

By Marcia Conston and Javaune Adams-Gaston

As presidents of two public institutions of higher education in our Hampton Roads region, we stand together in solidarity, committed to making a difference for the African American students we serve.

Like you, we are saddened and outraged by the deaths of unarmed Black citizens at the hands of law enforcement. The names Rayshard Brooks and George Floyd join a list of others — Breonna Taylor, Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Tamir Rice, Manuel Ellis to name a few. They are African American men and women robbed of a future by a justice system that disproportionately harms them at far higher levels than their white peers.

As African American college presidents, we offer a unique perspective. We feel especially obligated to serve our student populations, certainly with our prayers but more so with a call to action to help eradicate racial injustice, institutionalized racism and inequalities for all marginalized communities. Norfolk State University, one of two public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the commonwealth, boasts five academic colleges, 49 degree programs and more than 5,600 students. Tidewater Community College, the largest provider of higher education and workforce development in southeastern Virginia, serves nearly 28,000 students. African Americans make up 30% of enrollment.

We feel our students’ pain. Many of our students have either led or embraced the social movement determined to raise the consciousness of this country’s leaders focusing on a system of racial inequity. Their voices of despair resonate from the murals that have been etched during the protests on streets in a movement that has spanned the globe.

We stand with them: Black Lives Matter.

As thought leaders in our community, we share a role in eradicating the discrimination that is a plague for young Black men and women who fear the system that is meant to protect them. Black Lives Matter is a refrain to correct multiple system inequities, higher education included.

More African Americans need access to college so they can work toward a certificate, credential or degree that will be their passport to meaningful employment. Examining the diversity of our faculty in all subject areas and revisiting our curricula to ensure they are relevant and current are additional vital priorities.

We must begin by evaluating our criminal justice programs. Law enforcement agencies throughout Virginia — and across the nation — must diversify their ranks to reflect the communities they serve and protect. TCC and Norfolk State can help by producing more qualified job candidates from our respective criminal justice programs.

TCC provides a foundation in criminal justice with specializations in forensic science, homeland security and public law. Norfolk State’s offerings include a graduate program where students can develop specialized skills and expertise for leadership positions. As proud as we are of these programs, we must constantly be aware of the evolving challenges that these students will face upon entering the field. Recruiting minority students into the criminal justice field is paramount.

The transformative changes we are talking about begin on our campuses before our students ever enter the workplace. It is critical to support students inside and outside of the classroom. Our faculty and staff must be more sensitive to the issues that matter. One of them is safety; another is trust. As higher education educators, we recognize that we should take a leading role in the solution to remove the burden that too many of our students experience.

We embrace inclusion and equity for all members of our campuses. Our commitment to the African American students who entrust us with their education is that we will implement change to make a difference, change sustainable for this generation and the ones that come after.

We know our students are depending on us to do that. We will not disappoint.

Marcia Conston, Ph.D., is the president of Tidewater Community College. Javaune AdamsGaston, Ph.D., is the president of Norfolk State University.

https://www.pilotonline.com/opinion/columns/vp-ed-column-conston-adamsgaston-0712-20200712-qyr3v34cifeftle3mb2s6d5wvy-story.html

TCC Nurse Pinning

President Conston delivered the welcome address at the May 2020 TCC Nurse Pinning, which was held virtually. The pinning ceremony honors and celebrates students of TCC’s Beazley School of Nursing who have completed their Associate of Applied Science in Nursing.

Updates/Organizational Changes

May 8, 2020

Dear TCC Faculty and Staff,

During recent Town Hall meetings, questions were presented about my plans to permanently fill interim positions and potential organizational changes. I responded that plans, with a focus on ensuring a structure to effectively provide consistent services to all students across the College, were forthcoming. Based on a comprehensive examination of organizational and student needs, and to ensure college-wide transparency, the following changes will become effective July 1, 2020.

Dr. Corey McCray will resume his role as Vice President for Workforce Solutions.
Mr. Emanuel Chestnut and Dr. James Edwards will resume their positions as Dean of Students on the Norfolk and Chesapeake campuses respectively.
Dr. Michelle Woodhouse will serve as interim Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer.
Dr. Karen Campbell will serve as interim Vice President for Student Affairs.
Dr. Michael Summers will serve as Special Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer.
Pathway deans will report directly to the Office of Academic Affairs.
Deans of Students will provide administrative oversight of their respective campuses and report directly to the Vice President for Student Affairs. Each dean of students will assume dedicated responsibilities for specified student services functions. Again, this is to align student services to ensure consistency and accountability across the College.
Ms. Heather McCraig will serve as interim Vice President for Finance.

A national search for the above-named interim positions will be conducted in January 2021.

Additionally, a national search will commence immediately to fill the newly reinstated position of Vice President for Institutional Advancement.

I extend a warm and gracious thanks to colleagues who have served in an interim capacity, and I look forward to the continued success of TCC during this critical time and beyond.

Thank you.

Dr. Marcia Conston

OP-ED: Tidewater Community College offers hope in crisis

We are amidst an unsettling time when, every day, headlines remind us of soaring unemployment as more businesses close their doors because of COVID-19. Economists expect there will be a recession, if not a depression.

It is at times like this that community colleges offer hope. Across Virginia, our community colleges are open. Classes are in session in a variety of remote formats, and students are enrolling for the summer and fall terms. With the abrupt conclusion of the high school year, we are welcoming seniors from the class of 2020 who are eager to start their college careers. We welcome anyone of any age who is looking to complete their college education, find a new career or earn a credential.

According to our own Virginia Community College System research, for every 1% increase in the unemployment rate, community college enrollment goes up 2%. During the Great Recession a decade ago, as the American economy collapsed, the share of full-time community college students increased from about 41% to 43% nationwide, according to data from the American Association of Community Colleges.

As with community colleges around the country, Tidewater Community College stepped up by expanding programs and capacity to meet employer demands and students’ needs. We opened the Regional Health Professions Center in Virginia Beach, a state-of-the-art Regional Automotive Center in Chesapeake, and we relocated our Portsmouth campus to a more accessible area to serve residents in that city.

The challenges moving forward more than a decade later in the world of COVID-19 are different. I am confident that community colleges are equipped to handle these new challenges. As one of my colleagues said recently, “We were ready then, and we’re ready now.”

Throughout their 60 years of existence, community colleges have demonstrated that they are nimble and innovative, responding rapidly to regional and local employer needs. We remain committed to student success regardless of the external environment.

Here are some examples from TCC:

Like most colleges, TCC demonstrated flexibility by quickly pivoting from face-to-face to online and remote instruction. We have learned a great deal about the technological demands and have confronted the reality of the digital divide. You cannot learn remotely if you do not have a computer or WI-FI, a challenge faced by many of our students. Our Computers for Student Success program is working to distribute free desktop and laptop computers with WI-FI cards to students without compromising the health and safety of students or staff.

For now, placement testing has been waived because students cannot come to campuses to take the tests. If your high school senior is adrift with schools closed, TCC advisors will work to ensure they are appropriately placed in classes.

Community colleges offer the best hope for adults who have no or some college credits to retrain, retool and re-enter the workforce. Anyone can start at TCC using online or virtual resources, which include the application, advising and financial aid assistance.

Of course, community colleges remain an affordable option, which is an important consideration for many during this critical time. Three out of five students leave TCC without any student debt, in part due to our low tuition costs. In addition to financial aid, TCC has dozens of scholarships available. We anticipate additional federal dollars weighted toward Pell-eligible students thanks to the recent passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Flexibility will be the hallmark of “a new normal” at Virginia’s Community Colleges. This crisis has shown us how to reduce and eliminate barriers to student enrollment, and how to provide a greater range of instructional and service methods. Community colleges are here to serve. I know the present is tough, but I am also confident that the future — your future — is bright.

Marcia Conston is president of Tidewater Community College.

https://www.pilotonline.com/opinion/columns/vp-ed-column-conston-0415-20200415-f5asffyedvbgbk5cunqwkviziy-story.html

Op-Ed: Tuition assistance program a ‘game-changer’

As Tidewater Community College’s new president, I would like to tell you why the “Get Skilled, Get a Job, Give Back” (G3) initiative, which represents a fraction of Gov. Ralph’s Northam’s proposed $135 billion budget, has my full support.

Hampton Roads already feels like home to me after moving here just a few weeks ago. I am encouraged by the students here, the business leaders in this community and our state legislators in Richmond. I see a positivity that’s contagious along with a commitment to moving forward to sustain our economy and our region.

Here’s how the proposal the governor calls G3 can play a significant role.

The G3 initiative builds upon the commonwealth’s investment in the already successful FastForward workforce training program. Hundreds of success stories, including many from here at TCC, stem from the program, which helps Virginians get jobs at competitive salaries through fast-track credential training.

The G3 plan would expand access and enable low- and middle-income Virginians to “get skilled” or receive workforce training in fields where employers have identified a shortage. We are talking about health care, information technology and computer science, manufacturing and skilled trades, early childhood education and public safety.

The need to fill these “new collar” or middle-skill jobs that don’t require a bachelor’s degree is immediate. These careers range from cybersecurity specialists to physician’s assistants, electricians to shipbuilders.

The G3 grant program would be open to any Virginia resident who qualifies for in-state tuition and whose family income falls below an identified threshold. The G3 program would be a “last-dollar” plan, meaning students enrolling in a qualifying certificate or degree program must first be eligible for federal financial aid. G3 funds would cover the difference between what financial aid pays and the cost of tuition, fees and books for the program.

We know that a significant part of our population in Hampton Roads would benefit.

I know firsthand how everyday expenses — food, childcare costs and transportation — prohibit many from even considering college.

Accountability is an important component of Northam’s G3 plan. Enrolled students must maintain a 2.0 GPA and complete a certificate in the first year. Upon graduation, they would “give back” through community service or by working in economically depressed areas of Virginia, for a nonprofit or local or state government.

I’m not overselling the G3 proposal when I call it a game-changer. Access to higher education would be expanded to hundreds if not thousands of students who want a better life for themselves and their families.

I spoke with a young woman during my first week here who lives within walking distance of our Norfolk campus. She wants to go to college but doesn’t have the means. When she learned I was the new TCC president, she asked me if it was possible for someone in her situation to earn a certificate in phlebotomy so that she could qualify for a good job to secure a future for herself.

The G3 plan will help individuals such as her. She’s one student, but we know from our research that thousands of others are eager to make a similar investment in themselves if the pathway existed for them to do it.

The governor’s office estimates that students enrolled in any of the five programs can increase their wages by 60%. Meanwhile, the state benefits by receiving double the amount in state taxes. That’s a win-win. A higher-skilled workforce would make our state more attractive to businesses.

At TCC, we would be better equipped to serve more students who would, in turn, give back to the commonwealth. Half the states around the country have enacted programs to make community college more affordable and accessible, including our neighbors in Delaware, Maryland and West Virginia.

I hope Virginians will have the same opportunity.

Marcia Conston became Tidewater Community College’s sixth president in January.

https://www.pilotonline.com/opinion/columns/vp-ed-column-conston-0209-20200209-nbeczulucfhg7nb22nodhzbvpi-story.html