Classified Senate
Mission Statement and Values
The San José City College Classified Senate works in conjunction with the California Community Colleges Classified Senate to represent classified professionals in matters relating to participatory governance. The Classified Senate works closely with Faculty and Administration to promote Student Success in accordance to the college's mission and strategic goals.
Classified professionals on campus
executive officers 2024-26
President: Yesenia Ramirez
Vice-President: Joell Serrano
Secretary: Crystal Garcia
Treasurer: Ricci Le
Communications: Dillan Ortiz
Past Presidents: Andrea Lopez, Julinda LeDee
Contact the SJCC Classified Senate at:
- ClassifiedSenate@sjcc.edu
Follow us on Instagram: @sjccclassifiedsenate
meetings
Second Wednesday of the month
2025-2026 Meeting Calendar
2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
César E. Chávez Library, L-114
important documents
Classified Spotlight
Work to live, not live to work!
Corinne
Administrative Secretary, Administrative Services
Corinne has been a valued member of the SJCC Jaguar family for 23 years. She has an
abundance of life skills. At SJCC, she is an expert with purchasing requests, contracts,
insurance, and other business matters.
Corinne loves life with her hubby and her fur babies, Sage and Kobe! In her free time,
she enjoys training her dogs, hiking, and antique shopping.
Love is important
Carol Vasquez
Program Coordinator, Career & Transfer Center
Carol Vasquez has been part of the Jaguar Family for 31 years. She is an expert in
interpreting and communicating state transfer policies and works closely with all
students interested in transferring to a four-year college. Carol leverages her skill
set to work with local and state agencies to improve higher education initiatives
for American Indian/Alaskan Native students. She is an amazing mentor and support
system for students and colleagues.
In her free time, Carol enjoys prayer, gardening, camping, fishing, hiking, swimming,
and spending time with her family and friends.
Be comfortable, be happy
Tuyet My Tran
Financial Aid Specialist II, Financial Aid Office
Tuyet has been part of the SJCC Family for 26 years. Tuyet is very knowledgeable about
financial aid policies and regulations, which helps her be a fantastic resource for
our students. Tuyet can help students with the application for financial assistance,
troubleshoot any issues, or answer any related questions.
Tuyet loves traveling, gardening, helping others, and caring for dogs.
Treat others the same way I would like to be treated.
Catalina "Cat" Yanez
Police Dispatcher, District Police
Catalina has been part of the SJCC family since 2017. She loves helping students and
colleagues with parking permits, directions, on-and-off-campus resources, vehicle
jumpstarts, escorts, and non-emergency or emergencies. She is serving as the CSEA
Secretary for 2023-2025.
Cat loves to grow her produce, veggies, and herbs. She likes to make tea blends, butter
herbs, and herb dressing — and she loves books!
Thank you for your service, and enjoy a well-deserved retirement!
José Lara
Custodian, Custodial Department
José has graciously served SJCC for over 28 years. He is amicable and has a good sense
of humor. He is committed to student success and is the first to arrive at SJCC to
unlock the entire campus. Everyone is happy to have José as a day custodian.
José will retire soon to dedicate time to his grandchildren and travel to his homeland,
México.
I am capable!
Dillan
Lab Tech II
Dillan has been a valued member of the SJCC Jaguar family for 3 years. Dillan helps
students find classes, schedule specific sports areas, and keep track of equipment.
His favorite part of the his job is that no day is the same.
Dillan enjoys working out, watching sports, reading, and drinking wine!
Love, Peace, and Happiness!
James
Athletic Trainer
James provides support to student athletes on a daily basis. He ensures they stay
healthy and safe to compete at a high level. Student athletes come to James to receive
help with injury treatment, rehabilitation, or check in on their mental health.
James hears the following two words at least 100 times a day - "Hey Dad." In his free
time, he enjoys fishing, biking, and camping with his family.
The Senate has accomplished the following:
- Shared Governance Representation:
The Classified Senate is the appointing body for SJCC College and District-wide Committees. If you are a Chair or are looking to develop a workgroup, please contact the Senate's President.
- Commencement:
As of 2018, The Classified is included in the Commencement procession along with Faculty, Managers, Valedictorian, and Board members.
Classified Senate has a seat on stage along with other constituency groups (CSEA, 363, AFT6157, ASG, etc.).
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Catalog:
As of 2019/2020, SJCC Classified degrees are recognized under the college catalog in the same manner as Management and Faculty
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Classified Professional vs. Staff:
Passed a resolution to ensure when individuals referred to Classified they address them as Classified Professionals or Classified rather than "Staff."
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Training opportunities:
Training opportunities have been offered throughout the year. June 2019, the College held the first professional development day tailored for Classified. This is an adopted yearly practice that occurs in the Summer. -
SJCC SELECTED AS 2018 MODEL SENATE BY 4CS
Starting Fall 2019, the College approved for Classified Professionals to be released from regular duties once per month for two hours to participate in training opportunities.
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Attend a Meeting! Meetings are open to all district employees, unless noted for a closed session. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month, 2-3:30 PM in L-114.
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Suggest ideas! Help the Senate better serve you by suggesting future training/workshops!
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Volunteer! There are many different events and fundraisers that the Classified Senate runs throughout the year. See our upcoming events to participate/volunteer!
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Donate: See the link below for a monthly donation or a one time donation. Your contributions will support our SJCC Classified with personal growth activities (workshops, educational costs, etc.). You can also submit a voluntary payroll deduction.
- AB-2558 Community Colleges: Faculty and Staff Development
- California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office
- California Community Colleges Classified Senate (4CS)
- California School Employee Association
- CSEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2023-2026
- California - Office of the Governor
- Community College League of California
- Foundation for the California Community Colleges
- Professional Development Committee
- Caring Campus
Sjcc distinguished classified professional(s) of the year
Thank you for your invaluable contributions to SJCC!
2025
Linda Jimenez
2024 Margarita Gasparyan 2023 Claudia Amador, Donntay Moore-Thomas 2022 Lan Chung, Angela Gullerud, Sandra Gonzalez 2021 Shusaku Horibe, Yesenia Ramirez 2020 Marivic Beronilla, JoAnn McGowan, Cristina Wallace 2019 Monique Rodarte 2018 Gabriel Santiago 2017 Lisa Little