Starting college can be difficult – figuring out where to go, who to ask for help, or how to shape your college experience. At Chabot College, the First Year Experience (FYE) program makes everything easier.

FYE was created to help students transition to college, whether from high school or for first-time college attendees.

The program’s coordinator, Patrick Mwamba, said that “our main mission is to provide support holistically for students in their first year, in terms of like their transferring goals.” He added that they aim to remove structural barriers so that students can focus on their vision for life and future career.

Although students will have the core classes they need for their major, FYE also provides classes. Specifically PSCN, English, Math, and Ethnic Studies, allowing students to learn alongside peers in the same position as them.

What makes FYE unique is that students are split up into cohorts. The cohorts are divided by majors, allowing students to connect with like-minded people.

Even with the cohort structure, FYE emphasizes community building. “We have peer guides who are students that were apart of the program and will provide workshops [for all cohorts],” Patrick started. They also have events that students from the different cohorts can attend, such as movie nights or weekly hikes.

Patrick emphasized that this learning community offers a chance to help others navigate their college journey. Even if you aren’t a first year student, they encourage anyone who wants to provide support and be of guidance to join. To find out more information, visit the FYE page on the Chabot website: https://www.chabotcollege.edu/academics/fye/.

Are you interested in fighting for justice as a college student but aren’t sure of where to start? Chabot College has the perfect place-Change It Now (CIN), a social justice learning community.

What makes CIN stand out is that it’s multicultural, allowing students to learn from different perspectives while building community. The program coordinator, Carmen Johnston, said that because of the diversity “it’s important to us that students see themselves part of a community, but are also connected to their own and wanting to make a change in it.”

Carmen also stated how leadership is student-driven in its own way. If someone needs a ride to an event, needs somewhere to stay temporarily or even needs help with an assignment, someone is always ready to help.

CIN offers classes, such as English and Psychology that are taught from a social justice perspective. This is the way into the CIN as students begin getting exposure to to the topics and can connect with students already in the community.

Joymara Coleman, CIN’s part-time counselor, mentioned how alumni have expressed that it was nice finding people with common interest or having the same class as others.

She went on to say “they’ve [alumni] told me that they had a chance to flesh out what they were already interested in in a more dedicated space. They were able to further deepen what they were already called towards.”

If you’re interested in social justice or are looking for a community that shares your values, CIN is the space for you. With a community of like-minded individuals, you can learn to make a difference now and in your career. To learn more, visit the CIN page on the Chabot website: https://www.chabotcollege.edu/academics/cin/index.php.

While sound-absorbing panels installed in Chabot’s batting cage have lowered average noise levels, instantaneous readings still surpass city code.

The Chabot College Baseball Stadium’s recent noise mitigation efforts have yielded mixed results, according to a presentation given to the Board of Trustees meeting on Sept. 10. Vice Chancellor Owen Letcher and consultant David Brinkerhoff from Forensic Analytic Consultants shared noise study findings from before and after installing sound-absorbing panels on the stadium’s batting cages.

The study, prompted by concerns of residents residents, evaluated noise levels at the fence line between the batting cages and nearby homes.s. Brinkerhoff explained that Hayward’s municipal code limits noise to 70 decibels during the day and 60 at night for commercial and industrial properties.

The initial assessment recorded an average of 60.1 decibels over a 24-hour period at the fence line before the sound-deadening materials were installed. A follow-up study after the installation showed a reduction to 53.4 decibels.

Brinkerhoff emphasized the complexity of noise measurement, noting that the decibel scale is logarithmic rather than linear. “If I have an increase of three decibels, that converts to a sound pressure increase of twice as much sound pressure,” he explained.

The study used different measurement methods, including the community noise equivalent level (CNEL), which puts more emphasis on nighttime noise more. Using this metric, the pre-mitigation level was 61.2 decibels, dropping to 56.7 decibels after the sound-absorbing panels were installed.

“When we look at sort of our instantaneous readings, they exceed the code, the 60 or 70, all the time,” Brinkerhoff said. “During the daytime, during the nighttime, whether they’re in the batting cage or whether they’re not.”

The consultant argued that some form of averaging is necessary to interpret the data meaningfully, as common environmental noises often exceed the city’s limits. For example, Brinkerhoff noted that the board chair’s gavel measured 77 decibels during the meeting.

When averaged over 30-minute periods, the noise levels consistently fell below the city’s thresholds, both before and after the sound mitigation efforts. “The code doesn’t tell us how to do that averaging,” Brinkerhoff acknolwedged. “We need to use a little bit of common sense.”

Vice Chancellor Letcher explained that most of the baseball field components remained in their original locations after a 2020 construction project. The primary change was the installation of sound-absorbing panels on the batting cages, extending from ground level to 16 feet high.

As the college continues to balance its athletic program needs with community concerns, the noise study results present a nuanced picture. Although average noise levels have decreased, persistent high readings suggest that further discussion and more mitigation efforts may be needed to address neighborhood concerns.

After 18 months of construction, Chabot College students can finally explore the brand new library located in Building 600.

At the start of the Fall 2024 semester, the building is already a popular spot for studying, hanging out, or waiting between classes. As the semester progresses, Building 600 is expected to remain a top destination for Chabot students. The new library promises to be more than just a place for study; it’s a center for connection, community, and creativity.

The new library was recognized with the 2020 Project in Design Award of Excellence by the Community College Facility Coalition (CCFC). Key features include a family room for students with children, a recording room for media projects, and group study rooms all available for reservation.

The library also has a lactation and prayer room. Pedro Reynoso, Outreach & Instruction Librarian, shared how a main goal for Building 600 was to be more inclusive and to fit student needs, “we have a large number of Muslim students who were looking for spaces for prayer during Ramadan”

The goal is to give students a modern, comfortable place to learn and work. Jenny Nguyen, a Chabot student, shared her excitement about the new space saying, “It’s much more spacious than the previous library.”

For students looking for a quiet place to focus, Jenny recommends the third floor. “There’s a computer lab up there, so if anyone needs a computer to do their homework, it’s very useful.” Each floor of the library has a different noise level marked by paintings on the wall by the elevators. The first floor is the loudest, and it gets quieter as you go up, with the third floor being the quietest.

Another student, Guadalupe Gonzalez, said she appreciated how more resources are offered. Students have easier access to the materials and tools they need. They can borrow laptops, mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, DVDs, magazines, and more. The library also has new charging stations for phones, laptops, and tablets.

Chabot College’s new library is already a key part of campus life. With its wide range of resources and special features, it’s designed to meet student needs. On Oct.15 the school will be holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new building.

Imagine if your college experience was more than just classes and assignments. What if you had a built-in support system, priority registration, and personalized mentorship? For students in Movement, this is their reality.

Movement was created to provide a safe space for Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) students and staff, with student success at the core. Michael Lai, the program’s coordinator, shared that “in addition to building community and providing counseling, curriculum, and classes, we connect with past Asian American Pacific Islander social movements.”

This learning community utilizes the “three C’s”: Community, Counselor, and Classes. The focus on community helps to bring people together while each student is assigned a counselor to discuss academic goals. Movement also offers specialized classes, such as Asian American History, Pacific Islander Studies, and English, tailored specifically for its students.

Additionally, students benefit from priority registration, allowing them to sign up for classes earlier than others.

One of Movement’s standout features is its mentorship program. Developed with the help of Striving Black Brothers Coalition and Puente, the program was solidified two to three years ago, after many students requested it in 2016. 

“Our continuing students are paired with incoming students, serving as mentors,” Michael explains. “In addition to the mentor and mentee peer, we connect them with a staff member, so they work as a trio.”

The program not only helps new students to settle in, but also allows returning to give back.

If you’re interested in joining Movement, there are many ways to get involved. After completing the online application, you can join the Movement Club. This is the student leadership group, perfect for those who enjoy interacting with others and planning events.

However, if you want a lighter commitment, you can simply take the classes, follow their social media, or use the counseling services. Whether you participate a lot or just a little, every bit of involvement helps the community.

Michael emphasized that Movement welcomes all students, despite different backgrounds. “We serve students across the world. We have non-Asian-American, non-Pacific Islander students, and it creates a rich learning environment.”

Whether you’re an AAPI student or simply interested in the culture, check out Movement in Building 2300, Room 2301. It’s a chance to connect with like-minded students and grow together. For more information, visit Movement’s page on the Chabot College website: https://www.chabotcollege.edu/aapi/movement/.

On Oct. 1, clubs gathered in Chabot College’s Building 2300 to showcase themselves to the student body. 

Representatives had tables with fliers about their clubs and three-panel boards to present their club activities. Some clubs also offered items for sale, such as iron-on patches, key chains, and bracelets.

Among the many clubs that were showcased was the Biology Club. The club’s secretary, TingTing Ma, explained that their goal is to bring together like-minded people, specifically Biology majors. She added, “We can share more information about biology and even form study groups to help each other out.”

One new thing that they started this year is gardening in the school’s greenhouse by planting flowers, fruits and vegetables. They also began germinating, the process in which an organism grows from a seed. Additionally, they hope to collaborate with a nonprofit organization that is focused on preserving wild bees.

To learn more about what the club offers, visit their Instagram page @chabot_bioclub for more information.

Another club that was present was the Architecture Club. Sean Lee, the club’s event coordinator, shared that their mission is to teach their members about architecture and interior design. This is mainly done through trips to schools to explore their programs and firms to learn about the field.

When asked what has been different about the club this year, Sean said, “The amount of trips that we’ve been able to go on. I think our team this year has been doing really well with contacting places to go to, organizing, and getting the money.”

To learn more about what the club offers, visit their website Design | Chabot Architecture for more information.

Other clubs that were present include the Vietnamese Student Association (VSA), Digital Designer’s Studio, and Puente.

The Club Showcase at Chabot College allowed students to connect with groups that share their interests. With many clubs to choose from, they can make their college experience more than just about academics. For the full list of clubs, visit the club page on Chabot’s website: Student Clubs List – Chabot College.

Chabot College has a hard-working group of peer guides who offer relatable support and quick solutions, ensuring that no student feels lost.

Located in Buidling 700 at the Welcome Center, peer guides are student employees who help returning and new students with campus-related needs. From finding buildings to registering for classes, these trained students are here to guide you every step of the way.

Nica Felix, a first-year peer guide, applied for this position as a way to interact with fellow students. Passionate about aiding others, she sees the peer guide program as a way to do so. “I’ve [either] gone through what they’re experiencing or know someone who has, so [I} can speak from a student’s perspective,” she shared in an interview.

Nica’s view highlights the perk of peer guides: they understand the challenges of students and can offer practical support.

Chris Tam, a peer guide for over a year, echoes this thought. “Don’t hesitate to ask for help,” he would say to a student who’s unsure about talking to a peer guide.

“Whether it’s navigating a website like Canvas, the school site, or DegreeWorks, we’re here and more than happy to assist.”

What Chris said is true as there are students who have benefited from the peer guides.

Cole Wagner, a Chabot student, asked a peer guide about classes and certificate programs for students majoring in biology. He praised them for being chill and friendly, noting that his view on the peer guide program changed.

“At first, I wondered why I couldn’t just go to a counselor,” he started. “But seeing how quickly the peer guides solved my problem, it makes sense. It frees up counselors from handling things that are quick and easy to fix.”

Allan Samson, another Chabot student assisted at the same time, had questions about the library. He shared that “[The peer guide] was friendly and gave me over information and I felt good because he answered my question.”

For student’s needing help with anything Chabot related, peer guides are a supportive, student-to-student resource. Whenever you need guidance, stop by the Welcome Center in Building 700 to connect with a peer guide.

On Sept. 23, members of Chabot College’s Student Senate hosted a meet-and-greet in Building 2300 to introduce themselves and hear students’ concerns about the college.

Near the building’s entrance, two tables were set up with free goodies. One with items such as stickers and notebooks, and the other with donuts and tea.

Students engaged with the senate members, picking up free items and discussing concerns. One student, Kyle Robinson, highlighted an issue, saying, “One of my mains concerns about school and campus life is the lack of the bookstore.”

Chabot’s old bookstore became the Gladiator Hub in Spring 2024, leaving the campus without a physical store for supplies and merchandise . This has been a growing concern for Chabot students. When asked how he felt about speaking to the senate members, Kyle said, “It felt good,” hoping that the senate can help solve this problem.

Dawit Tesfa, another Chabot student, asked about extending the library’s closing time from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. to support night class students. “-if it’s more of a welcome environment here to stay longer, I think in the long run it would make the school more credible.”

Student Senate Finance Coordinator Julian Duong stated that “we are representing you.” and that the Student Senate aims to improve student life at Chabot.

If you or anyone you know has concerns or ideas about improving student life at Chabot, let the Student Senate know in Building 2300, Room 2311. They also hold meetings every first, second, and sometimes third Monday of the month from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Building 200. Let your voice be heard and help make a better campus experience for everyone.

Chabot College is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. through Oct. with various events to acknowledge the culture.

Hispanic Heritage Month starts Sept. 15 and ends Oct. 15. Sept. 15 is important as it marks the anniversary of independence for Hispanic countries like Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Following this, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence on Sept. 16. and 18. To honor key Latinx figures and their history, there will be a bulletin board in the cafeteria during the month-long period.

Chabot’s Chicano Latino Education Association (CLEA) will host “La Bienvenida” on Sep. 18 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Event Center in Building 700, inviting students to “build comunidad over burritos and activities.” CLEA will also organize “Loteria y Mas” on Sept. 26 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. with games and snacks for everyone. Then, alongside Puente, CLEA will have a Latinx Voter Registration event on Sept. 30 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. in the Event Center.

Additionally, El Centro has scheduled “Azucar! Celia Cruz Paint Night” in the Event Center on Oct. 10 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Registration will be required to attend, which can be done through the following link: https://bit.ly/AzucarPaint24. After the cultural celebration, Chabot will continue the recognition with events like “The Dia De Los Muertos Altar Walk” on Oct. 28 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Students will be able to stop by the Event Center for pan dulce and then visit the altars around campus.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by joining one or more of these events to immerse yourself in the culture. For more Information visit the Latinx Events page on Chabot’s website: https://www.chabotcollege.edu/latinx/events.php.

There’s no need to panic if you run out of or forget supplies, thanks to the new school supplies vending machine at Chabot College in building 2300.

Located near the cafeteria’s back entrance, this new vending machine offers a variety of school supplies. With items priced between $2.50 and $5, you can buy affordable supplies when needed. You also can pay with cash or card, making it accessible for everyone to use.

However, there is some concern among students about the machine’s location.

One student, Gloria Rodriguez, stated, “Visibility is important. I think a lot of students would use it, and even teachers, but it’s all the way in the back of the cafeteria.”

Another student, Sarah Vieria, added, “How many people are going to go there? I mean, it’s in an awkward place and now you can get things on Amazon.”

For those wondering about its contents, the machine is stocked with pencils and pen packs, sticky notes, notebooks, index cards, and even glue. Highlighters and markers are also available for all of your basic notetaking and studying needs. This machine offers a way to get supplies quickly without leaving campus, helping you to stay prepared between classes.

When asked if placing school supply vending machines in class buildings would be more helpful, they both said “yes.” The possible solution could solve the location issue and make it more convenient for students and faculty alike.

Nevertheless, the school supplies vending machine aims to be a resource for students in need. So, the next time you find yourself in or near the cafeteria, look out for this useful vending machine. Remember its location in building 2300 for those last-minute pinches – it could be your lifesaver when you need supplies in a hurry.