*Click here to view the President’s welcome video*
Dear College Community,
Laney’s faculty, staff, and administrators are committed to our mission of educating, supporting, and inspiring students to excel in an inclusive and diverse learning environment rooted in social justice. As interim President, I promise that my fellow college leaders and I will do everything in our power to ensure equity for everyone who comes to Laney.
As we embark on the 2020-2021 academic year, I’d like to highlight some of the work we’ve done to cultivate an inclusive and welcoming environment at Laney.
- Following the State Chancellor’s Call to Action in June, our Curriculum Committee and Faculty Senate leadership immediately began work to explore a resolution making student equity its first action of the year. They will consider approval of that resolution at the beginning of the year when they convene.
- On College Professional Development Day in August, our faculty leadership launched a name pledge initiative to demonstrate that we honor all names, pronouns, and identities. In addition to those who teach, other college employees, including myself, signed the pledge.
- In the coming days and weeks, I look forward to reaching out to different community leaders to build partnerships that will allow us to better celebrate our diverse student and employee population.
I would like to take the time to thank all Laney faculty, staff, and administrators for going above and beyond their regular duties to ensure our students can successfully embark upon another semester of virtual learning. I know how challenging everyone’s preparation for the Fall semester has been, and I am confident that students will benefit as they begin the term.
On behalf of the entire team at Laney, I would like to welcome students and our entire Oakland community to the Fall 2020 semester!
In gratitude,
Dr. Rudy Besikof
President, Laney College
