While working alongside nursing students at the Universidad de las Américas (UDLA) in Quito, Ecuador, Shoreline College student Serena Wilber noticed some differences between nursing practices in Ecuador and the United States. Nurses in Ecuador, for example, often cared for more patients and had less access to advanced medical technology than their American counterparts. Yet despite the contrasts, what stood out were the similarities.
“Although nursing practice can look very different depending on the country and available resources,” said Serena, “the importance of teamwork, adaptability, communication, and compassionate patient-centered care remains universal.”
This past June, Serena was one of several nursing students who gained firsthand experience with global healthcare and nursing education through a Shoreline College study abroad program called Social Determinants of Health in Ecuador.
The program was developed in 2023 with funding from a State Department IDEAS grant (Increase & Diversify Education Abroad for Students), which supported the creation of a short-term, faculty-led study abroad experience addressing a United Nations Sustainable Development goal. This trip focused on the goal of Good Health & Wellbeing.
Designed specifically for nursing students, the program provides an international learning opportunity that fits within their demanding schedule of coursework and clinical training.
“We really tailored the program to be accessible to nursing students and also relevant to their academic and professional goals,” said Colleen Ferguson, Associate Director of Global Learning and Engagement at Shoreline College.
While the program is restricted to nursing students, it is not limited to students at Shoreline College. The program is open to nursing students throughout the region, and, since its launch, participants have included students from Olympic College and the University of Washington Bothell. Organizers hope participation will continue to expand.
“My goal is to make this a statewide opportunity for nursing students,” said Colleen.
The program’s central focus is to understand how social, economic, geographic, and cultural factors influence health outcomes. For this, Ecuador provides a compelling case study.
“The students are going to Ecuador because Ecuador made a conscious decision to change accessibility to healthcare in their country,” said Colleen. “And they were shockingly successful.”
Ecuador’s improvements are indeed impressive. Over the past two decades, they have dramatically improved the effectiveness of their healthcare system, earning international recognition for their progress. In a global ranking of healthcare efficiency, Ecuador moved up from 111th place to 20th in only 14 years.
Students explore this success story from multiple angles. They attend lectures, tour simulation facilities, and spend time learning alongside their Ecuadorian peers at UDLA. Participants also learned about traditional healthcare practices from a local healer; joined a physician on a rural healthcare brigade bringing care to communities without local clinics; and met with patients, families, and staff at a childcare center for children with Down Syndrome.
“I really enjoyed working with toddlers with Down Syndrome and taking part in a discussion with their parents,” said Shoreline student Molly Tibbott. “I could tell how much effort the parents give their children to create a brighter future for them.”
Alongside these experiences, students also visited several cultural and natural points of interest, providing additional context and insight into the unique challenges of delivering healthcare in Ecuador. For many participants, the trip provided a new perspective on their chosen career.
“I have a deeper appreciation for what it means to advocate for the vulnerable populations we work with, the power we have as healthcare professionals in making change for our communities and being creative in addressing the challenges and barriers our patients face in accessing care,” said nursing student Bimmy Kaur.
Given that Ecuador and the United States both face challenges related to economic inequality and disparities between urban and rural healthcare access, the experiences gleaned by participants in this program provide new perspectives, and possibly new solutions, to those challenges here at home.
“The healthcare experience I gained from this trip was eye opening,” said Molly. “To any nursing students considering the trip to Ecuador, I would say to go and see for yourself what there is to be learned from the culture, the history, and the people.”
The Social Determinants of Health in Ecuador program runs every summer, and scholarship are available to offset the cost. Interested students can visit the program webpage to learn more and find out about upcoming information sessions.
Please be advised that the 2100 West Roof Reconditioning Project is scheduled to begin this week. On Thursday, October 22 and Friday, October 23, our contractor, Olympic Roofing, will be pressure washing, caulking, and sealing the roof and the 2nd-floor deck area.
Here is what you need to know:
Access & Closures: Specific sections of the work area will be temporarily closed off as a safety precaution as they conduct their work. However, access to the 2nd floor of the 2100 building will not be obstructed.
Safety Data: The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the sealant being used this week is attached.
Updates: The contractor will provide additional operational details later this week, which will be shared with campus as soon as they are received.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to maintain and improve our campus facilities. Please reach out to the Facilities Office if you have any questions or concerns.
Free Mental Health First Aid Training Offered at Shoreline Community College!
Shoreline Community College Counseling Center is offering free Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training for our campus community. MHFA is a research-supported international education program developed to teach adults how to recognize and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges. MHFA is a skills-based course that gives people the tools to assist someone who might be struggling with mental health or substance use challenges and connect them with appropriate support and resources. To date, 2.5 million people across the United States have been trained in MHFA.
Just as CPR helps those without clinical training assist an individual having a heart attack, MHFA prepares participants to interact with a person experiencing a mental health crisis. Mental Health First Aiders learn a 5-step Action Plan that guides them through reaching out and offering appropriate support.
With support from the Counseling Center, this training (valued at $170.00/participant) is FREE to Shoreline Community College employees and students.
Training Details: We are currently offering a blended training which includes:
2-hour, self-paced online training prior to the in-person training and
6.5 hour in-person training
This quarter’s in-person training is scheduled for:
Friday, November 6th, 9:00am-3:30pm
The self-paced online training must be completed prior to attending the in-person training. You must complete the online and in-person training to become a certified Mental Health First Aider. MHFA certification lasts for 3 years.
Please email Gwyn Hoffman-Robinson at gehoffman@shoreline.edu to register and/or find out more information. Please note registration is limited and a waiting list will be started when capacity is reached. Once registered, details as far as room location, etc. will be shared.
New initiative brings fully online programs, dedicated student support and award-winning course design together in one comprehensive online learning experience
Shoreline College (Shoreline) is expanding access to flexible, high-quality education with the launch of Shoreline Online. This new initiative is designed to make it easier for students to earn a degree or certificate entirely online while receiving the guidance and support they need to succeed.
While Shoreline has offered online courses for many years, Shoreline Online takes the next step by bringing together fully online programs, intentionally designed online courses, and dedicated student support under one coordinated approach. Instead of taking random online classes, students can now follow complete online pathways from enrollment through completion, with the flexibility to earn their degree or certificate without needing to come to campus.
Dr. Jack Kahn, President of Shoreline College shared, “I’m very excited about this new initiative. Shoreline Online moves us toward proven practices that strengthen student engagement, support completion, and create a more consistent learning experience across courses.”
Through Shoreline Online, students can choose from a growing selection of programs that can be completed fully online, including career-focused certificates as well as degree and transfer options. Current Shoreline students can also take advantage of the College’s extensive online course offerings to create greater flexibility as they work toward completing their degrees.
Unlike an online experience built around individual, disconnected courses, Shoreline Online is designed around complete programs and clear pathways. Students know which courses they need and how to progress toward their credential, with dedicated support available along the way.
It is important to note that online learning doesn’t mean students are learning on their own. Just like any onsite class, students can expect instructors to be actively present throughout their courses through regular communication, meaningful feedback, class discussions and activities, and proactive outreach to help students stay more engaged and to support their continued progress.
Shoreline Online students have access to a dedicated Student Success Navigator, who helps students thrive in the online learning environment and build connections with the people and resources needed to succeed; a “go-to” person for making the online college experience feel more supported. Proactive outreach is built into this model to help students navigate challenges and continue making progress toward completion.
The initiative also places a strong emphasis on the quality and consistency of the online classroom experience. Courses within Shoreline Online pathways are built around shared standards for high-quality online learning, with faculty supported by eLearning, Instructional Designers, training, and resources that help create clear, accessible, and engaging online courses
Brandon Fryman, one of Shoreline’s Instructional Designers, whose work to advance high-quality online learning was recently recognized at the state level in 2025 with the “Connie Broughton Innovation in eLearning Award” shares, “High-quality online education should never feel like a course was simply moved onto the internet. It should be intentionally designed for the online environment, with clear expectations, meaningful engagement, accessible materials, and multiple ways for students to connect with their learning. Our work with faculty is about making those choices intentionally so that students have an equitable, supportive learning experience wherever they are.”
Shoreline Online has already been piloted through the College’s online business certificate programs, serving more than 150 students across eight classes. The College is now expanding the model to additional programs and pathways, including Health Informatics, Music Technology, Child Advocacy Studies, Honors Research and additional transfer degree options.
The expansion is designed to serve a broad range of learners, including working adults, students balancing family responsibilities, and those looking to continue their education without relocating or restructuring their lives around a traditional college schedule.
As a public college, Shoreline offers an affordable pathway to a credential, career advancement or a four-year degree. Online students receive the same high-quality Shoreline College education, with the flexibility to complete coursework from wherever they are. U.S. citizens enrolled in eligible online programs also benefit from Washington in-state tuition, regardless of where they live.
Shoreline Online programs and course options will continue to expand as the College moves toward full implementation of the initiative.
On Thursday, October 15, Shoreline College will join King County in celebrating the opening of a new official ballot drop box with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2:30 p.m.
The new drop box, located in the Shoreline College Visitor Parking Lot on the south end of campus, will provide a convenient, secure way for voters to return their ballots during election season.
The new location is the 99th ballot drop box in King County and the 12th to be installed at a local college or university. By bringing ballot access to campus, the partnership helps remove barriers to participation and encourages greater civic engagement.
For many young adults, college is where lifelong habits of civic participation begin. Having a ballot drop box on campus makes it easier for students to become active voters, stay engaged with issues that affect their communities, and have their voices heard.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Date: Thursday, October 15
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Location: Visitors Parking Lot, south end of the Shoreline College campus
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Now is the perfect time for voters to start planning how they will return their ballots, and the new drop box offers a convenient option close to home.
Thanks to a new state grant, Shoreline College is partnering with King County Metro to offer eligible students a fully subsidized ORCA card during the 2026 – 2027 academic year.
ORCA provides unlimited rides on transit services across King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties including bus, light rail, water taxi, monorail, paratransit and more!*
*Washington State Ferries are not included
Eligibility (Meet ONE):
Enrolled in one or more credit classes, including online courses.
Enrolled in ELL, ABE, CECO, pre-college/college-readiness programs, career/workforce training, vocational, apprenticeship, or other programs.
Not Eligible:
Continuing education students.
F1 and F2, J1, M1 visa holders (International students are eligible for a partially subsidized ORCA Card).
Pick-up Details:
Available starting September 23, 2026.
Cashier’s Office (5000 Building) or Benefits Hub (9000 Building).
Just in time for election day, Shoreline College is now home to a ballot drop box!
This year, election day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, and the new drop box, located across from the 1000 Building next to the visitor parking lot, provides a secure and convenient place to return your ballot.
A special thank you to Joe Mazur, Lavina Seawright, Derek Levy, Julie Bathke, Campus Safety, and Facilities for their work in bringing this important resource to our campus!
Please see below regarding updates for Campus & Grocery Shuttle for Fall Quarter 2026.
Campus Shuttle Schedule – Fall 2026
Monday-Thursday
7:15am-3:45pm
Runs on a fixed, continuous route with a 30 min. break midday for the driver. The campus shuttle driver gets to campus at 7am and leaves for the day at 4pm.
Free to use for visitors, staff/faculty, and students.
You may call the shuttle driver to request a pick-up. Campus Shuttle Driver Cellphone (only answered during campus shuttle service hours): 206-759-1768
Campus Shuttle does not run on holidays or during other campus closures.
Routes/Stops:
N 160th & Aurora Ave (between the E Line stop and Shoreline Central Animal Hospital)
Greenwood Parking Lot (only when open for Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters)
Bldg. 1000/Metro Stops
Bldg. 1900 roundabout
Bldg. 2100/Bldg. 2300 roundabout
Shoreline North/185th Light Rail Station (once an hour from 8am-4:30pm, Monday-Thursday, at the start of the hour).
Pick-up or drop-off (for Campus Shuttle) is also available at Bldg 6000 or Bldg 3000 on campus, by request.
No alternate or additional off campus stops are authorized. Our shuttle vans are not equipped with a wheel-chair lift. Our Shuttle Bus does have a wheelchair lift. If you need to use the wheelchair lift, please call the Campus Safety Office: (206) 546-4633 to arrange a pick-up/drop-off.
Grocery Shuttle Schedule – Fall 2026
Mondays and Thursdays (typically doesn’t run on holidays or other campus closures)
4pm-8pm
Free to use for students, staff & faculty
Grocery Shuttle Driver Cellphone (only answered during grocery shuttle service hours): 206-759-1768
Last drop-off time is at 7:30pm, so the driver can return to campus by 8pm.
Grocery Shuttle only operates along an approved route of grocery stores; no other stops are authorized.
You’ll need to call the shuttle driver directly to be dropped off or picked up from a grocery store (along their route).
Questions? Please e-mail us at campus.safety@shoreline.edu.
In accordance with the federal Clery Act, we produce an annual security report and distribute it to all current students.
The 2026 Annual Security & Fire Safety report is now available.
The report can be found here under the “Annual Security and Fire Safety Report” heading. In addition, printed copies will be available in the Campus Safety Office, Willow (5000) Building, Room 5102.
If there are any question don’t hesitate to reach out to the Campus Safety office.
To align with best practices and strengthen the overall security of the ctcLink environment, we’re making a change to the way Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is used with ctcLink.
Beginning Monday, October 26, 2026, the Email option will no longer be available as a method for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) within the ctcLink Okta environment.
Why is this changing?
As part of a systemwide security initiative across Washington’s community and technical colleges, Email is being removed as an MFA option because email accounts can be vulnerable to phishing, password reuse, and other forms of compromise. Removing Email as an authentication factor helps reduce security risks and encourages the use of stronger, more secure methods.
Prior to October 26, 2026, please verify your MFA options in ctcLink. If you are already using an MFA method other than Email, no action is required at this time.
If Email is currently your only MFA method, you will be prompted to choose and enroll in another MFA option the next time you log in after October 26, 2026. We encourage you to update your MFA settings before that date to avoid any interruption when accessing ctcLink services.
Need Help?
Instructions for setting up and managing MFA options are available through the ctcLink Reference Center:
