As part of its commitment to student success, the COS Foundation annually awards scholarships to students who have a need for financial assistance. While each student’s background is indeed different, they share the common theme of having a desire to begin, or continue, their education. Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors planning to enter COS in the fall following high school graduation, single parents striving for self-efficiency, young students supporting themselves while continuing their education, and continuing COS students. Scholarships range from $100 to $3,000.

All students are encouraged to apply. Students interested in applying for a scholarship may download an application from the College Foundation’s website at www.siskiyous.edu/publicrelations/foundation/scholarships.htm. Applications must be completed and returned with required school transcripts and letters of recommendation to the Foundation Office by 4:00 pm, Thursday, March 15. For more information contact the Foundation Office at (530) 938-5373.

The College of the Siskiyous Performing Arts Series tickets are on sale for the Let’s Go Science Show to be held on Sunday, March 4 in the Weed Campus Kenneth W. Ford Theater. The wacky and talented Professor Smart and Dr. Know-it-all join forces for an educational, entertaining, exciting and experiential extravaganza. Professor Smart shrinks his head, has toilet paper flying, juggles and has peoples’ hair standing on end all while demonstrating principals of physics. Researcher and comedic sidekick Dr. Know-it-all keeps the facts straight. During the Let’s Go Science Show children of all ages (young, old, and somewhere in between) will learn science concepts through impressive and memorable demonstrations.

It is the mission of the College of the Siskiyous Performing Arts Series to annually deliver a Performing Arts Series of exceptional quality which will enrich the cultural lives of students and the community by expanding the appreciation of the performing arts in Siskiyou County while also providing exceptional family entertainment. Tickets are available from Nature’s Kitchen in Yreka, Village Books in Mt. Shasta, and the College of the Siskiyous Office of Institutional Advancement (Weed Campus). Cost to attend is $12 for children 12 and under, $19 for seniors, and $20 general admission.

For additional information or group rates, call the Weed Campus Office of Institutional Advancement at (530) 938-5373.

This new course will provide comprehensive training that utilizes hands-on applications and evaluations that will assist the student in developing the knowledge and skills that are required in today’s changing and emerging office occupations. Workplace skills consisting of business-related problems and scenarios that incorporate the use of technology, written and verbal communications, job search applications, electronic calculators, and using electronic filing systems along with human relations, teamwork, time and resource management and customer service projects will be taught.

For more information, contact Instructor Dillon by email at sandeedillon@cot.net. To register for this class, visit the Weed or Yreka campus, or visit us online at www.siskiyous.edu and click on the Navigator logo.

This is a short-term, sixteen-week course. Theory classes will be held from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm and clinical classes will be held from 6:00 am to 2:30 pm (students will receive a class schedule of theory and clinical days).

Students interested in registering for this class should complete the COMPASS assessment test (contact the Counseling and Advising Office at the Weed Campus by calling 938-5353) and will need to successfully complete a background clearance and drug screening. Information about both these processes will be given at the orientation. The Department of Health Services requires that students show English comprehension at the sixth grade level by the time they complete the CNA class. This can be done by receiving a COMPASS writing score of 35 or higher, or successful completion of ENGL 96; receiving a COMPASS reading score of 71 or higher, or successful completion of READ 62.

For more information contact the COS Nursing Department at the Yreka Campus at (530) 842-5212. Students who would like to register online may do so by visiting the COS website, www.siskiyous.edu and clicking on the Navigator logo.

A CalFire employee learns defensive tactics as part of the ADJ program

In just three years, with the program coordination of Tad White, the College of the Siskiyous Administration of Justice (ADJ) Program has quadrupled its enrollment, moved into a new 10,000 square foot training space, and raised over $700,000 in support for the program through grant writing and generous donations from the community.

“No one does this alone,” says White, “the Program success to date has come about collaboratively by carefully researching funding and equipment opportunities, listening to student needs, having committed and skilled instructors, staff, and a local Advisory Committee made up of the administrative teams of the majority of the Law enforcement departments within our region, along with focused college leadership and strong community support.”

COS has offered the Administration of Justice Program for the past twenty years and has served thousands of students. Successful students of the Program have included those recently graduating from high school who wanted an AA degree, (or those who just wanted to gain a hiring edge on related jobs), students who prepared successfully for four-year universities and specific law enforcement academies, and individuals who were already professionally employed and wanted additional skills and knowledge to improve their job status, pay scale, and effectiveness in their existing job.

In addition to program coordination, White is one of thirty-five COS adjunct instructors who are specialists and professionals in their fields ready to share their knowledge and interest. After working in law enforcement for twelve years and as an educator for twenty-five years (teaching all grade levels), White decided to combine his passion for law enforcement and work as an instructor for the College of the Siskiyous in collaboration with the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Department. White’s family law enforcement roots run deep in Siskiyou County and beyond. White is a third generation officer, and proud father of Ethan White, who followed in the family footsteps and is a now a fourth generation police officer.

“What excites me most,” says White, “is watching the growth of our students. Watching and helping them understand, gain new skills, and feel more confident. It is motivating to all of us that our program is truly unique among other community colleges. We have an amazing 90% of our instructional staff and Advisory Committee being made up of currently active, highly regarded and experienced professionals. We have Chiefs of Police and Officers from most of the Police Departments in Siskiyou County, highly experienced personnel from the Sheriff Department, Highway Patrol, Cal Fire, and the USFS, all working to educate our students to insure their success.”

Law enforcement jobs and related careers achieved through the program include: Police Officers, Sheriff Deputies, California Highway Patrol officers, employees for the California Department of Fish and Game, the US Forest Service, CalFire, other state law enforcement and regulatory agencies, along with work found in the areas of forensics, investigation, probation, parole, and more.

The ADJ Program’s unique emphasis is on hands-on exposure to: crime scene investigation, evidence collection, criminal investigations, managing community relations, firearms training, defensive tactics, traffic enforcement, patrol procedures and more. In addition, up-to-date computer literacy and technological advances in the fields of crime prevention and detection are integral parts of the academic program. Force option simulators and high-speed pursuit driving simulators are also utilized.

Perhaps future ADJ student Clancy Hammond described it best when commenting on his plans to become a police officer, “I am interested because I want to help people who need it and it is a secure job. I am interested in learning about the different laws and how criminal justice is really done. It sounds like a fun and exciting job for me.”

Hammond is just the kind of young and committed student that White looks forward to helping and “watching grow.” The COS ADJ Program includes Police Academies II and III, Advanced Officers Training, and an AA or AS Degree in Administration of Justice. Registration is currently open and the spring semester begins January 17, 2012.

For more information on any of the Administration of Justice course offerings, or to find out if this Program is a good fit for your educational needs and to learn how best to register, contact the COS Career and Technical Education Office at the Weed Campus (530) 938‐5512.  Students may review program and classes online at http://www.siskiyous.edu/cte/adj/. Contact White direct to discuss program details and classes at (530) 841-5599 or email whiteg@siskiyous.edu.

Pikas are small, rabbit-like creatures that live in rock slides. They were discovered on Mount Shasta in 1898 by the C. Hart Merriam Biological Expedition. About ten years ago Ken Goehring, a retired College of the Siskiyous biologist, decided to try to find the original populations described a hundred years earlier. During this time, pikas were found to be very sensitive to high temperatures and several studies indicated that populations in the Great Basin were going extinct. Their extinction has been correlated with global warming in this region. The distribution of pikas on the mountain was mapped and recorded and their habitat described.

In this third presentation of the COS Speakers Series this fall, the results of Goehrings’ study will be described and discussed. Are the original populations still there? The answer to this is mostly “yes!” Are there other populations of pika on the mountain? Where do they live? How do they live? What is the easiest way to observe them? What effect is global warming having on the local population? These questions as well as others will be posed and answered during the presentation. Anyone interested in the mountain and the creatures that live on it or in the global warming discussion should find this talk both interesting and informative.

Other talks scheduled in this series for spring 2012 include: “The Baby and the Bathwater—Image-making in the 21st Century” by Jim Gilmore on February 23 where digital and film photography will be compared, contrasted and the interaction explored. “The Weird World of Quantum Mechanics” by David Carico on March 22, where the world of quantum mechanics will be explored and discussed and “Megathrust Earthquakes in the Pacific Northwest” by Dr. Bill Hirt on April 12.

For more information about this free presentation, contact Goehring at the College of the Siskiyous by email goehringk@siskiyous.edu or call the Weed Campus Public Relations Office at (530) 938-5373.

COS provides transfer classes to four-year colleges, associate degrees, vocational certificate programs, job skills classes, and courses for personal enrichment and recreation. The College offers many services to students including advising and counseling, two residential lodges, tutoring, financial aid, and an on-site Campus Gift and Book Shop where students may also purchase their books and supplies.

There are many courses to choose from, however, popular classes and transfer classes quickly fill. Be sure to register early to get the classes you need and want. For more information about attending COS, call the Counseling and Services Department at (530) 938-5353. Counseling and Support Services will provide you with the help you may need to clarify and successfully complete your academic and career goals. Advisers & Counselors are generally available from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. To schedule an appointment, call (530) 938-5353 or email your request to counselingservices@siskiyous.edu.

Vancil has been a member of the COS faculty since 2007 and earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in history from Hays State University. He has also completed advanced studies in history at Kansas State University.

The Cold War and its struggle against domestic and international communism, both real and perceived, created a tense and volatile cultural environment in America. Between the 1920s and the 1980s the Cold War invaded the popular culture of Americans and influenced the ways in which they perceived their historical narrative. By pulling together previously written histories, such as Homeward Bound, All that is Solid Melts into Air, With God On Our Side, and original research, Vancils presentation will explore the ways in which the Cold War was expressed culturally and politically in America. Time will also be spent exploring cultural representations in film and television and then attention will turn to discussing the rise of modern conservatism in a Cold War context.

For more information about this free presentation, contact Vancil at the College of the Siskiyous by email: vancil@siskiyous.edu or call (530) 938-5564.

For more information contact Instructor Lanier by email: slanier@siskiyous.edu or call the Career and Technical Education Office at (530) 938-5512. Students interested in registering for classes may do so at the Weed or Yreka Campuses or online by visiting www.siskiyous.edu and clicking the Navigator Logo. The Weed Campus may also be reached by calling (530) 938-5555 or toll-free, (888) 397-4339.

* Building Construction for Fire Protection (FIRE 10041 / #7528 / 3 units) – This course is the study of the components of building construction that relate to fire safety. The elements of construction and design of structures are shown to be key factors when inspecting buildings, preplanning fire operations, and operating at fires. The development and evolution of building and fire codes will be studied in relationship to past fires in residential, commercial, and industrial occupancies. This course is certified by the State Chancellor and the California State Fire Marshals.

* Fire Behavior & Combustion (FIRE 1005 / 7529 / 3 units) – Theory and fundamentals of how and why fires start, spread, and are controlled; an in-depth study of fire chemistry and physics, fire characteristics of materials, extinguishing agents, and fire control techniques. This course is certified by the State Chancellor and the California State Fire Marshal’s Office. (AA, CSU) (Formerly FIRE 5)

* Principles of Emergency Services Safety & Survival (FIRE 1006 / 7530 / 3 units) – This course introduces the basic principles and history related to the national firefighter life safety initiatives, focusing on the need for cultural and behavior change throughout the emergency services. This course is certified by the State Chancellor and the California State Fire Marshal’s Office. (AA, CSU) (Formerly FIRE 6).

Weed: (locations vary)
Foxtrot & Tango (XW 0310-01 / #7462):

Mondays, September 12, 19, 26, and October 3 (225 Main Street in Weed)
Rumba & Cha-cha (XFW 0317-01 / #7463):

Mondays, October 24, 31, and November 7 (Location TBA)
Waltz & Quickstep (XFW 0318-01 / #7464):

Mondays, November 14, 21, 28 and December 5 (Location TBA)
Salsa & Zydeco (XFW 0319-01 / #7465):

Fridays, November 18, December 2, 9, and 16 (360 College Avenue in Weed)

Yreka (at the Siskiyou Family YMCA)

Ballroom I – Foxtrot, Rumba, Tango, and Cha-cha (XFW 0310-01 / #7460):

Fridays, September 9, 16, 23, and 30
Ballroom II – Waltz, Samba, Swing, and Salsa (XFW 0311-01 / #7461):

Fridays, October 7, 14, 21, and 28

Whether you are a theater major interested in gaining a greater control over your body for the purpose of character development and performing in musicals, a PE major looking for a deeper understanding of movement principles and how to apply them to athletic performance or anyone else who simply wants to improve flexibility, balance, coordination, posture and control for the purpose of better health and general well-being, this class is for you. No previous dance experience is required.

For specific class information, contact the instructors at (415) 215-2652 or send an email to davisnixon@msn.com. To register, visit either the Weed or Yreka Campuses. Students who wish to save on gas and time may also register online at www.siskiyous.edu and click on the Navigator Logo.