Palau Community College

MESEKIU'S

NEWS

Friday, May 16, 2008                                    Weekly Newsletter                                       Volume 10, Issue 20

45th Commencement Exercises Next Friday
Array of Degrees and Certificates to be Awarded

Master of Arts-Educational Leadership; Associate of Science-Early Childhood Education; Associate of Arts-Liberal Arts; Diploma-Adult High School; Certificate-Substance Abuse and Addiction Treatment Counseling, MOH; these are just some of the degrees and certificates which will be awarded to over one hundred graduates who will participate in the 45th Palau Community College Commencement Exercises.

According to organizers, the graduation ceremony which is scheduled to be held next Friday, May 23rd at the College Cafetorium will be somewhat different

as it will not be exclusive to PCC and Adult High School degree and diploma recipients. In fact, candidates in the San Diego State University (SDSU) Masters cohort and the Ministry of Health Substance Abuse and Addiction Treatment Counseling program will also be marching alongside PCC and Adult High students. "You can say that for a two-year community college, this is a big event- with three different institutions-Palau Community College, SDSU and the Republic of Palau's Ministry of Health celebrating as one," remarked a member of the organizing committee. Vernice Rechebei who spearheads the

Graduation Committee members meeting at the Continuing Education (CE) office earlier this week.

College's preparation effort for the graduation event said she is coordinating with officials from the Palau's Ministry of Health, SDSU, and the State of Yap to ensure the occasion will be successful.

Joining the PCC and Adult High graduates will be the MA candidates in the SDSU Masters cohort program who will receive their advanced degrees in the field of Educational Leadership. PCC staff, teachers and administrators from Palau's Ministry of Education, teachers from Maris Stella School and Mindszenty High, including others in the private sectors are among those to receive degrees. In addition, the Ministry of
                     (Continued on Page 2)

The Palau Community College Board of Trustees, President, Faculty, and the Graduating Class of 2008 cordially request the honor of your presence at the 45th Commencement Exercises
Friday, May 23, 2008
10:00 O'clock
PCC Cafetorium

GAO Officials Visit Campus

Emil Friberg Jr. and David B. Gootnick, both members of the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) were on island to conduct a follow-up meeting with Palau officials. While here, the two took the time from their busy schedule to pay a visit to Palau Community College. They were on campus earlier this week and met with President Tellei and the senior management team of the College. During the briefing, discussion touched on issues relating to higher education under the Compact of Free Association between Palau and United States of America. After the meeting, Friberg and Gootnick toured the campus with Haruo Wilter of the Department of Interior (DOI) -Palau office and President Tellei.

PCC Wraps-Up High School Survey

College Welcomes New Staff

To ensure that Palau Community College (PCC) continues to provide quality service in all areas to the students, three new staff have been hired to help the College continue to do so. Peter Tadao, was hired by the College mid-April as a Cook for the Cafeteria. In fact, Tadao received his certificate in culinary arts at Hawaii in 2004. Sheree Sengebau, a former employee of Palau Small Business Development Center, is now the cafeteria Supply Clerk. Another new addition to the College staff is Jackline Immanuel, the new Business Office Accounting Technician. Immanuel worked as a Loan Packager for Ngarchelong State Housing before transferring to PCC. Both Sengebau and Immanuel began working on Monday, May 12^th. Congratulations and welcome to PCC!
           
    New cafeteria staff, Sheree Sengebau (l) and
                              Peter Tadao.
                 
         Jackline Immanuel, new Business Office                      Accounting Technician.

(Continued from front page)

Health will award certificates to candidates in the Substance Abuse and Addiction Treatment Counseling program.

Also confirmed to join in the ceremonies are the first graduates of the Early Childhood Education cohort out of Yap State who are slated to arrive in Palau next week in time for the grand college occasion. The group will be accompanied by Yap State Senator Henry Falan and a representative from the Yap State Department of Education Dominic Fanasog.

Bethania High School (BHS) students participating in the survey conducted last week Friday at BHS campus.

The Institutional Research-Development office of Palau Community College (PCC) concluded its survey to all High School junior and senior students in Palau. About 328 students participated in the survey. PCC administers the survey every other year to all juniors and seniors to determine the educational goals of the students in order to develop programs and services at PCC that will meet their needs and expectations. PCC will be using the results of the survey to further improve and enhance its programs and services to current and future students. Such relevant information and factors will play a role in the student's

decision in terms of his/her educational career.

The Development office would like to thank Palau High School Principal Theodore Borja, Palau Mission Academy Principal Jeri Martin, Emmaus High School Principal Theodosia Kuartei, Bethania High School Principal Daisy Ulitech, Belau Modekngei High School Principal Bedebii Chiokai, Mindszenty High School Principal Basilio Deltang, teachers, and especially the students who participated in the survey. Special appreciation to the Development office staff who helped to administer the high school survey.

Leona Blaluk of PCC Continuing Education (CE) office administering the 2008 High School Survey to Palau High School juniors and seniors.

Faculty 2 Office Recognizes Sidoi for
Her Devotion

Bernice Sidoi (2nd from right) with the instructors at the Faculty 2 office.

Bernice Sidoi, a PCC student majoring in Agricultural Science, received a special recognition for her commitment, enthusiasm, and devotion to the Academic Affairs- Faculty 2 office on Wednesday. The instructors at the Faculty 2 office were so pleased with her performance that they wanted to show their appreciation to Sidoi for all her contributions. Sidoi began working at the Faculty 2 office as a work-study student at the start of this spring semester and completed her working hours by March.

But being as loyal as she is, Sidoi continued to work, volunteering all her free time. "Every Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., she's at the office, including her time off from classes", says instructor Uroi Salii. Instructor Keiden Skilang adds on by saying that she even calls-in to notify them that she's not coming to work. Another instructor, Rennetta Meyar says, "She assists all of us here and she doesn't complain. She's a good example for all students." Sidoi's Agriculture instructor, Alex Gachalian even commented, "She's very helpful. She takes the initiative to work and is always trying her best to do well in the classroom."

Sidoi helps the instructors at Faculty 2 office by doing a variety of work such as running errands, answering telephones, inputting data, making bulletin boards for the instructors, and other miscellaneous tasks.

BITS AND PIECES...

To All PCC Graduating Students...

In line with the Graduating Student Exit Survey Report, we would like to request the academic year 2007-2008 graduating students to fill up the assessment form on May 20^th-22^nd after the graduation practice. Institutional Research Analyst and Assessment Consultant Nino "ONZ" Pate will meet you at the cafeteria.

As a recent graduate, your evaluation is very important to PCC. Your prompt support on this survey is much appreciated.

CE Offers New Course...

Palau Community College, in collaboration with two Palau volunteer attorneys, Ms. Carmen Corbin, Court Counsel for the Supreme Court of Palau, and Co-founder of Constitutional Literacy International, and Rachel Dimitruk, an attorney in private practice, will be offering a complimentary course on the Constitution and your Rights every Wednesday night from 6pm to 8pm. Other attorneys and members of the Palau Bar Association will be coming in as guest speakers throughout the program. The course is scheduled to begin on June 11, 2008, and ends on July 30, 2008. If you would like to learn more about our constitution and your rights, please call Taruu or Leona at PCC Continuing Education office at 488-6223 to register. Class is limited to 25 participants.

Graduation Schedule...

Today, May 16th- Bethania High School Graduation.
May 23rd- Palau Community College 45th Commencement Exercises.
May 24th- Belau Modekngei School Graduation.
May 25th- Palau Mission Academy Graduation.
May 28th- Emmaus High School Graduation.
May 29th- Palau High School Graduation.
May 31st- Mindszenty High School Graduation.

Dawnette and Zilah Present Field Studies at
5th EMS Student Symposium

Dawnette Olsudong (2nd from right) and Zilah Oiterong (r) pose for a photo with Dean Alvina Timarong (back right) and their field study mentors and supervisors yesterday during the 5th EMS Student Symposium.

This semester, two students namely Dawnette Olsudong and Zilah Oiterong presented their field studies at the 5th Environmental/Marine Science (EMS) Student Symposium at the PCC Continuing Education (CE) training room. Dean Alvina Timarong, Dean Willy Wally, Instructor Vernice Yuji, Project Director Vernice Rechebei, Math & Science Coordinator Geraldine Rengiil, fellow EMS students, including Dawnette and Zilah's supervisors, mentors, and family members were in attendance.

From January to May, Dawnette interned at the Belau National Museum (BNM). She was able to work with professionals and learn more about ethnobotany. In her presentation, Dawnette explained how she collected data for her field research, interviewing community groups (mainly from Oikull) about the different usages of plants, collecting fertile plants in various parts of Palau, processing them, labeling and mounting them, and updating the plant biodiversity database at BNM.

Within the four months, Dawnette and the ethnobotanists of BNM collected over 700 specimens, updated more than 500 species for the database, and mounted over 30 plant specimens.

Afterwards, Zilah presented on Palau's Ecosystem Based Management (EBM)- Rapid Biomonitoring Project. Taking into consideration biomonitoring and functional feeding groups (FFG), Zilah compared invertebrates in both backwater and fast flow habitat in each of the streams, Metengalakumer (USGS site), Ngermeskang, Tabecheding, and Ngertebechel, Metengalakumer (dam site). She then performed the strenuous work of identifying, counting, sorting, and labeling each one. As a result, Zilah concluded that the different levels of disturbance have different effects on aquatic diversity. She also mentioned that each river has a unique history; freshwater assemblages may have evolved more or less independently and that it acts as a baseline for aquatic invertebrates data. She also recommended that there should be more research on the aquatic invertebrates as her study is the first and only one conducted by a local in Palau. Because of this, funding is needed to further continue this research as it is both a local and a regional project. Zilah also urges locals to take interest in this project so that we can survey our own streams.

During the symposium, both students received awards from the NSF-ATE Grant, which supports students' field studies. Each award was worth $480.

PCC to Offer Summer 2008 Teachers' Academy

Palau Community College (PCC) is again preparing to host a Summer Teachers' Academy for 25 days this coming summer. The purpose of the academy is for beginning or aspiring teachers who are high school graduates or current teachers who need refresher training.

Topics to be covered include:
• Introduction to Teaching
• Classroom Management
• Teaching Methodologies/Strategies
• Tests and Managements/Evaluation
• Lesson Planning & Presentation

The academy is set to begin on June 23^rd, 2008 and will end on July 25^th, 2008. The cost of the program is ONLY $420.00. Courses will be conducted daily from Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Additional time will be arranged if holidays are observed.

For more information or to enroll in the program, please contact Associate Dean Sherman Daniel at PCC OMIP office at 488-2470/2471 ext. 254. You can also fax to 488-2447 or email him at shermand1961@yahoo.com

          ALUMNI NOTES:

Class of 2005 (PCC)
Ned Ned- 2005 PCC graduate with a Certificate of Achievement (CA) in Agricultural Science (AGS). Ned who is from Kosrae works at the Taiwan Technical Mission as a Farm Specialist. He has been working there for nearly 2 1/2 years.

Class of 1998 (PCC)
Jackline Immanuel - 1998 PCC graduate with an Associate of Science (AS) degree in Business Accounting (BEA). Immanuel worked at Ngarchelong State Housing as a Loan Packager. She is now working at PCC Business Office as an Accounting Technician.

Class of 1971 (MOC)
Jane Benge Mereb - 1971 MOC graduate with a Certificate of Achievement (CA) in General Office Clerk. Mereb works at Surangel & Sons Company as a Customer Service Desk Clerk. She has been working there for the past 2 years

Alumni Notes showcases MOC/PCC alumni who contribute to the quality of life in their local community and are postive role models for other PCC students to emulate. If you are that alumni or know someone who is, please contact the PCC Development Office at telephone number 488-2471. We would like to feature you in future issues of the Mesekiu's News.

Previous Mesekiu Issues:

May 9, 2008
May 2, 2008
April 25, 2008
April 18, 2008
April 11, 2008
April 4, 2008
March 28, 2008
March 21, 2008
March 14, 2008
March 7, 2008
February 29, 2008
February 22, 2008
February 15, 2008
February 8, 2008
February 1, 2008
January 25, 2008
January 18, 2008
January 11, 2008
January 4, 2008
December 28, 2007
December 21, 2007
December 14, 2007
December 7, 2007
November 30, 2007
November 16, 2007
November 9, 2007
November 2, 2007

Scholarship Opportunities Available

For application forms and information, please contact the Palau National Scholarship Board (PNSB) office at P.O. Box 1608, Koror, Palau 96940 or call (680) 488-3608; Fax to (680) 488-3602, or Email to pnsb@palaunet.com

Japanese
Scholarship
Offered

The Government of Japan is offering full scholarship covering tuition, fees, and allowance to Palau citizens for study at a Senshu-Gakko (Professional Training College) and at Japanese Universities as undergraduate students. Applications are available at the PCC Development Office so, feel free to stop by. Deadline for submission of completed application forms is on May 30th. You may also call the Development office at 488-2470/2471 ext. 253 for further information.

APTC Training

Palau Community College (PCC) is recruiting local individuals who are interested in attending the Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC) in the following trade areas:

Automotive Technology (2)
Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology (1)
Small Engine Technology (1)

The APTC has campuses in Fiji, Samoa, and Vanuatu. All Pacific Islanders are eligible for the APTC training courses. For more information, please contact Sherman Daniel at 488-2470/2471 ext. 254 or email him at shermand1961@yahoo.com

Ocean Swim

Saturday, May 24
Registration and Warm-up 7 AM
Start 8 AM

Event 1: 500, 1000, 2000 meter swim
(male/female)

Event 2: 2000 meter mixed relay
(2 male/2 female)

Event 3: 2000 meter relay
(4 men or 4 women)

Pre-register at PNOC, PPR, or Meyuns Pool

Entry Fee $1 per person, per event
(please pay at the beach on March 24)

Celebrating Birthdays

     Damiana Kunihiro            May 09
     Adora Nobuo                   May 11
     Dr. Aurora Del Rosario    May 12
     Akiko Udui                       May 13
 
       Happy Birthday To You!