Yoga, Teamwork, and Lots of Info Offered at Well-Rounded Flex Day

(PHOTOS BELOW) The desktop yoga class led by Coach Brock Drazen lent a calming effect to an energetic, creative, and informational Flex Day on October 26 planned by Merritt’s  hard-working Professional Development Committee. Starting off with a test of Merritt knowledge that was aced by the majority of the large crowd of faculty, staff, and administrators, the morning continued with greetings from President Burns and her comprehensive PowerPoint that showed off the college’s many activities and successes from the first-ever Community Day to the enrollment increase in Veterans Services to the upcoming second annual Thanksgiving luncheon for faculty and staff.

Merritt’s PFT team presented the dire issues facing full- and part-time instructors and handed out applications for faculty members who are not union members to sign up on the spot, followed by SEIU rep Molly Sealund with Classified concerns. New facilities director Enrique Villasana talked about campus safety procedures which brought lots of audience participation, and next up was Heather Casale, SLOAC’s head cheerleader, who is looking for the college to give 100 percent! The morning ended with an “interconnectedness” exercise organized by Maria Spencer involving balls of yarn and an inspirational, hands-on lesson on the importance of being part of a great team.

After a hearty Mexican lunch, Flex Day continued in the afternoon with in-depth workshops on nutrition, Canvas, ILOs, business, non-credit classes, OER, emotional intelligence, CurricUNET, supporting yourself so you can support others, and a sabbatical orientation. Thanks to PDC Chair Tom Renbarger and his team of Jason Holloway, Margie Rubio, Samantha Kessler, Regan Pruitt, Maria Suarez Rodriguez, Jose Salceda, and Dr. Lilia Chavez for an educational and enlightening day.

(BELOW: CLICK ON FIRST PHOTO TO START SLIDE SHOW)