Dear Peralta Community,

As we head into the final months of the school year, I want to share an update on the District’s efforts to maintain high-quality, affordable education for East Bay students as we plan for the years ahead.

The Peralta Community College District (PCCD) headquarters was transformed into a vibrant, chic piano bar and lounge on Friday, February 27th, as the Peralta Colleges Foundation hosted its first-ever "Peralta Piano Party." The high-energy fundraiser brought together employees, friends, family, trustees, and community partners for an evening dedicated to expanding educational access through student scholarships.

On Friday, February 27, 2026, members of the District-wide shared governance committees and the three Transformation taskforces gathered at Merritt College for reports on Fall 2025 shared governance activities - with a special focus on the Transformation Plan.

Welcome! Here’s your Spring 2026 library update—full of helpful services, new books, and free online classes designed to support our students' success this semester.

Merritt College Approved to Recruit Four Full-Time Faculty for Fall 2026

I want to begin by thanking our Council of Department Chairs and Program Directors (CDCPD), the Merritt College Academic Senate, and the Chancellor’s Office for their work, circumspection, and support as it pertains to this year’s faculty prioritization. I understand and appreciate the time and effort that went into evaluating Merritt’s staffing and programmatic needs as we prepare ourselves for this next chapter.

Laney Women’s Basketball Celebrates Sophomore Night & Historic Season

Laney College Women’s Basketball closed out its final home game on February 17 with a Sophomore Night celebration honoring nine student-athletes who will transfer to continue their academic and athletic careers. The event included a campus pre-game tailgate hosted by ASLC and the President’s Office, bringing together students, employees, and fans in support of the team.

Celebrating Tenure and Instructional Excellence

One of the most significant milestones in an academic career is the awarding of tenure, a recognition of sustained excellence in teaching, service, and commitment to students. Tenure represents the pinnacle of faculty achievement and reflects the trust institutions place in educators to steward academic integrity, intellectual inquiry, and student learning for years to come.

Berkeley City College Celebrates Black History Month

Berkeley City College celebrated Black History Month with a series of events throughout February and the first week of March honoring Black culture, history, and achievement.

As Black History Month draws to a close, the Peralta Community College District family is mourning the loss of a foundational figure in our history, the Reverend Dr. Robert McKnight, who passed away on February 7, 2026. A dedicated educator, Black history curriculum innovator, pastor, and community leader, Dr. McKnight’s influence spanned four decades across all four Peralta campuses.

As students return to College of Alameda’s campus for the Spring 2026 semester, CoA is proud to spotlight the wide range of services that support students throughout their academic journeys. One program of particular significance is the Basic Needs program, which has recently expanded its offerings to better serve the campus community.