Instruction Matters August 2025
Welcome to the August 2025 edition of Instruction Matters!
As we kick off the Fall semester this month, our campus buzzes with anticipatory energy and the promise of new possibilities. With this newsletter, we are proud to showcase the outstanding work happening across Bakersfield College's academic programs and locations as we close out the summer term. We remain focused on fostering academic success and advancing innovative teaching and learning within our community.
Thank you for reading.
Sincerely, Dr. Jessica Wojtysiak, Ximena Ortega and Yvette Colby
Bridge to BC:
A Strong Start for Incoming Students
Bakersfield College's Bridge to BC program is wrapping up its 11th year as the college's
premier onboarding
experience-and it continues to transform the way first-year students launch their academic journeys. What began in 2014 with just 140 students has grown into a dynamic, campus-wide initiative that now welcomes over 3,000 students each year, with more than 18,000 first-time Renegades successfully onboarded to date.
Held in person from June through August, Bridge to BC is a one-day, interactive course required for incoming freshmen and highly recommended for returning students. Sessions run Monday through Saturday, from 7:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M., and are offered at BC's Panorama, Delano, Southwest, and Arvin campuses.
This first-year experience course goes far beyond traditional orientation. Led by
Faculty Director Dr. Kimberly Bligh, Education Advisor Kris Herrera, and Program Manager
Tim Lafondez, the program brings together dozens of student peer mentors, faculty,
educational advisors, and support staff to deliver an engaging, hands-on learning
environment. Through interactive workshops, campus tours, one-on-one advising, and
classroom activities, students build essential academic and life skills-from setting
SMART goals and navigating BC's online tools, to exploring career pathways and mastering
time management.
Students also gain personalized guidance by meeting individually with educational advisors to review their schedules, discuss majors, and refine their goals. They explore financial aid, scholarships, virtual platforms like Canvas and Starfish, and more-all while forging connections with peers and the broader BC community. And yes, there's some Renegade swag to take home, too.
"The moment students step onto campus, they're met with an intentional and heartfelt invitation that says, 'Welcome to your college,'" said Program Manager Tim Lafondez. "Bridge to BC is more than just a program-it's a joyful and transformational experience. It supports our new learners, empowers our student mentors, and fosters collaboration across instruction, student services, and every BC campus."
The results speak for themselves. According to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness, students who complete Bridge to BC (ACDV B55NC and EDUC B68NC) are:
- Four times more likely to complete the Golden Four courses in their first year.
- Three times more likely to complete a degree in two years.
- Over three times more likely to transfer within two to three years compared to non-participants.
From navigating online portals and learning email etiquette, to finding out where to park or how to access support services, Bridge to BC prepares students not just to attend Bakersfield College-but to thrive. It's more than a day. It's the start of a college experience rooted in community, confidence, and connection.
Bakersfield College Attends ASCCC Curriculum Institute 2025
From July 9-12, 2025, Bakersfield College sent a large team of faculty, staff and administrators to the ASCCC Curriculum Institute at the Ontario Convention Center. With the theme ''Accelerate to Warp Speed," the event focused on curriculum as a driver for equity, inclusion, accessibility, and student success. BC attendees engaged in sessions on Title 5 updates, workforce alignment, and the evolving role of Al in education. The annual institute is also a wonderful bonding experience for participants, and we were happy to invite several participants to attend for the first time.
A key topic Bakersfield College will continue exploring is the shift to standardized
attendance accounting, which uses units instead of contact hours for apportionment.
This change impacts how resources are allocated and requires thoughtful care in implementation.
More information.
Special thanks to our Curriculum Committee leadership: Faculty Co-Chairs Mary "Michelle" Hart and Scott Dameron, and Articulation Officer Erica Menchaca Giblin, for their continued dedication to guiding curriculum development at Bakersfield College. Their expertise and leadership ensure that our practices remain student-focused and forward-thinking. To explore more about curriculum at BC or access helpful tools, visit our Curriculum Resources page.
Health Science Days Inspire Future Healthcare Professionals
On July 8-9, 2025, Bakersfield College's Title V Health Science team partnered with the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) to host Health Science Career Exploration Days-an event introducing incoming high school sophomores to careers in health sciences. More than 100 students from across Kern County took part in the event, touring key campus facilities including Student Life, Career and Technical Education (CTE), Human Biology/Pre-Med, Nursing Skills Labs, Radiologic Technology, the Physical Therapist Assistant Lab, and the newly renovated gym and athletic training facilities.
- Participants engaged in interactive activities such as:
- Simulations using real medical equipment in the Nursing Skills Lab
- Hands-on anatomy and physiology lessons in the Human Biology/Pre Med Lab
- Exposure to diagnostic imaging in the Radiologic Technology Lab
- Demonstrations of rehabilitation techniques in the Physical Therapist Assistant Lab
- Insights into athletic training and sports medicine careers
- Career development resources through CTE
- Student engagement sessions led by Student Life
A highlight of the event was a visit to the EMT training facility at the District
Office, where many students earned their CPR certification, marking an important milestone
for those interested in emergency medical services.
The event was made possible by dedicated presenters and staff, with special thanks to leads Jacqueline Stoner, Vanesa Hernandez, Giovanni Garcia, and Ritik Kumar for their exceptional coordination and leadership.
Bakersfield College and KCSOS continue to strengthen their partnership, sharing a commitment to providing meaningful opportunities that encourage students to pursue careers in health sciences.
BC Agriculture Presents Microgreens at Teacher's Ag Seminar
In July 2025, Bakersfield College was represented at the Teacher's Ag Seminar held
at the Kern Ag Pavilion. Agriculture Technician Stacy Jischke guided approximately
50 educators through how to grow, harvest, and plant microgreens.
Stacy was joined by two BC Agriculture students: Alex Rojas, a member of the Ag Ambassadors, and Rachael Ramey, the who was recently named as the 2025 Dairy Princess for District 6, which includes Kern, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara counties.
Teachers received ANCA pathways materials and brochures for BC's free gardening classes,
which sparked strong interest. The event also offered a chance to promote the BC Ag
Career Expo, which many attendees had not heard of before. It was a valuable opportunity
to connect with local educators and highlight BC's agricultural programs and student
opportunities.
Bakersfield City, State of the City Luncheon
On Wednesday, July 16, our leadership team joined local business and civic leaders at the 2025 State of the City Luncheon, hosted by the Greater Bakersfield Chamber and presented by Adventist Health.
Mayor Karen Goh highlighted public safety, infrastructure, economic growth, and education. Bakersfield College and KCCD proudly represented the vital role of education in workforce development and community partnerships.
A standout moment was the spotlight on the BC Launchpad, led by Executive Director
NaTesha "T" Johnson, which supports local entrepreneurs through resources, workshops,
and collaboration with Kern County business leaders driving innovation and inclusive
growth.
Bright Futures Begin: Pre-K Graduation at Bakersfield College
The Bakersfield College Child Development Center recently hosted a heartwarming milestone
celebration, honoring children transitioning from Pre-K to elementary school. Families
gathered to celebrate this important step with songs, caps, and proud smiles, marking
a joyful moment of growth and accomplishment.
The graduation ceremony celebrated the incredible progress the children have made throughout the year while their parents pursued their education as Bakersfield College students.
Project HireUp Celebrates 15th Cohort and Surpasses 300 Graduates
Last month's Instruction Matters newsletter featured an article on the 15th cohort of Project HireUp. We're excited to follow up and share this photo from the July 17 graduation ceremony, held at CityServe's downtown headquarters.
The event celebrated 30 graduates who completed the intensive 8-week summer program. This milestone marks the 15th graduating class since the program launched in Spring 2020 and brings the total number of graduates to over 300.
With three cohorts offered each year, Project HireUp continues to provide a life-changing path from housing insecurity to employment and self sufficiency. Program participants earn a Basic Office Skills Certificate from Bakersfield College.
A heartfelt thank you to all the BC Adult Education Team, faculty, and community partners whose dedication makes this work possible. Your commitment is transforming lives and building a stronger future for our community.
BC's Summer Musical a Hit with Audiences
The Performing Arts department wowed audiences with this year's summer musical, The Scarlet Pimpernel-a lively collaboration between the Music and Theatre programs. Theatre major Nathan Armendariz charmed as the witty Pimpernel, with Music major Elena Baker-Hart shining as Marguerite St. Just. A talented cast, skilled crew, and orchestra of students and faculty brought the show to life.
Upcoming Events
August 18 — Fall 2025 Professional Development Week.
There is still time to get registered for any of the 88 sessions being offered.
August 19 — New Student Convocation: RSVP for New Student Convocation
August 20 — FCDC Academy
August 21 — All college offices will close to celebrate our Fall 2025 Opening Day
August 23 — Fall Instruction Begins
The 2025-2026 academic year officially kicks off. Welcome, new and returning Renegades!
September 1 — Campuses will be closed for Labor Day.
November 11 — Veterans Day Holiday, all campuses will be closed, classes will not meet, and service offices will be closed.
November 27 & 28 — Thanksgiving Holiday; there are no classes and campuses are closed Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (Nov. 27-29). Classes and regular office hours will resume on Monday, 12/1.
December 6-13 — Final Exams
December 22 through January 2 — Winter Closure
This is a publication from the Bakersfield College Office of Instruction. Have a story idea, highlight, or announcement to share? Email us at jessica.wojtysiak@bakersfieldcollege.edu, yvette.colby@bakersfieldcollege.edu, and ximena.ortega@bakersfieldcollege.edu.
Together, we elevate learning at Bakersfield College.
