The Yosemite Community College District is seeking six members of the community to serve on its newly formed Public Safety Advisory Committee. Applications are due by Friday, Nov. 8.

The YCCD includes Modesto Junior College’s East and West campuses as well as Columbia College. The Public Safety Advisory Committee makes recommendations to YCCD Chancellor Dr. Henry Yong about all three sites. Its responsibility is to:

Ensure effective constituent participation in the governance of public safety services;

Recommend policies adhering to community-based campus safety principles and evidence-based campus safety practices;

Incorporate input from campus stakeholders, neighborhoods surrounding the colleges, and historically underserved communities;

Develop a “Public Safety Compact” with stakeholders to establish the district’s requirements for delivery of services, including roles for mental health, social workers, and police agencies.

The 24 members of the Public Safety Advisory Committee represent the administrative, faculty and student populations as well as the public. The six public members of the panel must include:

One person who lives in the neighborhood near the MJC East Campus;

One person who lives in the neighborhood near the MJC West Campus;

One from the Columbia College area;

One person representing the MJC African-American community;

One person representing the MJC Hispanic community;

One person representing the Columbia College Native American community.

The committee meets four times a year – twice in the fall semester and twice in the spring semester. The upcoming meeting dates are Friday, Dec. 6, 2024; Friday, Feb. 7, 2025; and Friday, April 4, 2025. All meetings are held on Zoom from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Anyone interested in joining the Public Advisory Safety Committee should send a letter to the Chancellor explaining why they feel their perspective, experience and insight would contribute to the panel. Letters may be submitted in the following ways: Email to chancelloryong@yosemite.edu; send via regular mail to Yosemite Community College District, Office of the Chancellor, P.O. Box 4065, Modesto, CA 95352; or hand deliver to the Chancellor’s office at 2201 Blue Gum Ave., Modesto.

For more information, contact the Chancellor’s office at (209) 575-6509.