Clark College Penguin Digest
What's New in The Digest
Tutoring Tip of the Week #3 – ITAW!
ITAW – What is that!? It is International Tutor Appreciation Week! This is celebrated every year during the first full week of October to acknowledge and celebrate the fantastic work that tutors do for students. Did you know that tutors assist not only with college academics but also with logistics? That is right, you can get help with time management, organization, navigating technology, and more! Visit a Tutoring Center this week and get the feel for our friendly welcoming spaces. It?s a great place to get your homework done without having to take it home! You can write a note of appreciation to our tutoring team in person at any center during this week:
- Accounting & Business Center, Applied Arts 4, Room 106
- Language & Writing Center, Hawkins Hall, Room 102
- Speech & Presentation Lab, Hawkins Hall, Room 101 (enter through HKH 102)
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Center, Bauer Hall, Room 102
Or you can sign the digital board here: SIGN THE CARD
ALSO - Join the Organizing & Time Management Workshop and get a FREE planner and other resources to get organized for the term.
- LAST session: Tuesday, October 6th 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Sign up in advance or just show up!
Are you a new student?
If you recently started your journey at Clark College, and we'd love to hear about your experience so far.
Please take a few minutes to complete the New Student Survey.
Your feedback helps us better understand what's working well and where we can improve the experience for future students. Whether you've had a smooth start or encountered challenges along the way, your perspective is important. The survey asks about your onboarding experience and the resources you've used since beginning at Clark.
Click here to take the Survey.
Thank you for helping us make Clark a more welcoming and supportive place for new students.
Get Moving with October-In-Motion!
This October, join your fellow Clark College Penguins for October-in-Motion, a month-long movement challenge! Walk, bike, swim, dance, work out, or find your own way to get moving. Every bit of activity counts!
Just move, track your activity on the October-in-Motion log, and turn in your completed log to the Office of People and Culture by November 6. Three student participants will be randomly selected to win prizes, including a gift card!
Get moving, have some fun, and show your Penguin pride this October!
Silent Reading Party (Body Doubling)
WHAT: Need a break from the noise? Come hang out at our weekly Silent Reading Party in the Sensory Room! Whether you?re unwinding with a novel, powering through some homework, or just want to exist in a space that doesn?t demand small talk, this is for you. We?re keeping it cozy, low-pressure, and neurodivergent-friendly—just good vibes and quiet company.
What?s the deal?
Read whatever: Books, comics, textbooks, or even just your own thoughts.
Sensory-friendly: Dim lights, comfy seating, and zero pressure to socialize.
The Goods: Free snacks, coffee and hot tea to keep you fueled.
Come join us! (No need to register – just drop by when you can!) Questions? Contact Shayna (scollins@clark.edu / 360-992-2848)
Neurodivergent Student Support Circle
WHEN: Fridays, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM on Zoom
WHERE: Over Zoom (with in-person meetup options throughout the term)
WHAT: Join a supportive circle of neurodivergent Clark College students to make friends, check in, and share tips for school and life success. This space is for students with diagnosed or suspected neurodivergence (Autism, ADHD, OCD, etc.). We encourage people to attend each week to build community, but we know that life can be busy and we welcome you to drop in when you can.
Register for the Neurodivergent Student Support Circle
Questions on these groups? Contact Shayna at scollins@clark.edu or call/text 360-992-2848.
Stress Reduction with Group EMDR: Free Workshops for Students!
Two workshop options are offered, each with a different focus. Students are welcome to attend one or both. Space is limited. Early registration encouraged.
Join us for an art therapy adventure to build yourself up before exams and learn new top- rated strategies to manage stress and anxiety. EMDR is a wildly popular, evidence-based treatment that calms the nervous system and has been used for everything from PTSD, depression, anxiety, and phobias to general wellness and performance enhancement for athletes and first responders.
Group EMDR does not involve talking about trauma or discomfort, instead it uses art and small body movements to scramble our stress responses and enhance a greater sense of calm, confidence and joy.
This treatment is often expensive and difficult to access – take advantage of this FREE opportunity to try the latest Hollywood-obsessed calming technique.
Questions? Contact Shayna at scollins@clark.edu / 360-992-2848 (call or text).
- Register for Resilience-Building for Midterms, Thursday October 29, 12:00PM to 1:30 PM
- Register for Stress-Busting for Finals, Monday November 30, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Have an upcoming Clark event, student resource, club activity, or other important update/information to share with the Clark College Community?
Submit to the Penguin Digest!Events
Flyers
If you need accommodations due to a disability to fully participate in these events, please contact Clark College's Disability Access Center (DAC) at 360-992-2314 or 360-991-0901 VP. You can also visit the DAC Office in the Penguin Union Building, Room 002, at your earliest convenience.
Washington State Opportunity Career and Technical Scholarship
This Scholarship can help eligible Washington students pay for education and training in high-demand career fields. Get financial support, career guidance, and the skills you need to build a successful future. Students may be eligible for up to $1,500 quarter.
Become a Student Representative!
Earn $17.13 per hour while making a difference on campus. As a Student Representative, you?ll serve on different college committees and have a say in important decisions, from how student fees are spent to helping select next year?s student government team. The application only takes a few minutes to complete.
Please contact the ASCC Vice President Alexis Maupin at amaupin@clark.edu with any questions. Apply today!
Stuff-a-Sasquatch
In honor of National Sasquatch Awareness Day, the Activities Programming Board would like to invite students to make their own mascot of the PNW to take home with them. We will be hosting this event on October 13th from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM in the Hanna Hall Lounge.
Students will stuff their very own large sasquatch plushie, in addition, one free drink from the coffee lounge will be provided while supplies last. Have questions? Email Jason at jemiller@clark.edu.
Hocus Pocus Movie
The Activities Programming Board will be showing the movie Hocus Pocus (PG) on Tuesday, October 15th in Gaiser Student Center at 12:00PM.
Family and friends are welcome to enjoy a relaxing time together! Free pizza, dirty sodas, and candy will be given out while supplies last. The movie will include closed captioning. If you have any questions contact Ariyonna at a.newsome@clark.edu.
Grab a Treat and Learn about Voting with Donuts + Democracy!
Donuts + Democracy (a nonpartisan group) will walk across campus providing free donuts and helping check your voter registration! Stop by for a sweet treat and some helpful information about the 2026 midterm elections. Available while supplies last.
October 7th from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM across the main campus.
Fall Into Your Resources Department Scavenger Hunt
Join us for a fun and interactive scavenger hunt designed to help you explore and learn about all the amazing resources available to you as a student. The Activities Programming Board presents Falling Into Your Resources Department Scavenger Hunt on October 19th to the 22nd starting in PUB 160 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
To get started, just pick up a passport from Student Life (PUB 160). Once you've completed it, bring it back to the office to receive your $10 gift card! Questions? Email Sami.
Student Life
Club Meetings & Activities
Looking to Join a Student Club?
Here are some of our past clubs: A.C.E.S. (Alliance of Counseling Education Students), Asian History Alliance, Black Student Union, Chess, Cru, Dungeon and Dragons, History, Land Surveying, Latine Student Union, Pacific Islander Student Union, Queer Agenda, S.N.A.C.C. (Student Nursing Association of Clark College), and Speech and Debate Team. Check out the club website for meeting times and locations. Questions email Student Life at studentlife@clark.edu.
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Welcome & Waffles
Are you a Phi Theta Kappa Member? Do you have a cumulative 3.25 GPA and 12 credits completed for an AA or BA degree or 6 credits for a Certificate program?
If so, please join your Clark College chapter of Phi Theta Kappa to learn more about your chapter, Alpha Sigma Phi. Come enjoy a waffle and find out what Alpha Sigma Phi is doing this academic year and how to best use your membership!
October 7th, 2026 from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM in PUB 161.
Intramurals 2026-27 Interest Survey
Asking for student, staff, and faculty input for what intramural activities and events are offered during the 2026-27 school year. Your input matters; take the survey here!
Music, Art, & Theater
11th Annual Fall Choral Festival
The Clark College Music Department hosts the 11th Annual Fall Choral Festival. Dr. Jacob Funk, Director. Area high schools perform to an audience and a panel of adjudicators. Each choir is given a personalized clinic following their performance. Clark College Choirs perform at noon.
- Free to Clark Faculty, Staff, Students. $5/person for community.
- Friday, November 13th, 2026 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM in Gaiser Student Center
CCF Presents: October Moves
Clark College Foundation brings a season full of fun, fascinating, and accessible performing arts experiences to Vancouver, WA! Join us for dance, circus, music, theater, and family-friendly performances on campus and around Vancouver. Don't miss these upcoming events!
FLYNN CREEK CIRCUS (October 8-12) For all ages (select performances 21+). California?s Flynn Creek Circus brings the Big Top experience back to Clark College for a second smash year! The Cricket and the Wren is an original storybook adventure brought to life through aerialists, jugglers, comedy, and breathtaking circus artistry. Ticket sales benefit Clark College Athletics Scholarships.
LE PATIN LIBRE (October 18-20) For all ages. Montreal?s one-of-a-kind contemporary skating company Le Patin Libre makes their first-ever Portland metro appearance through a three-day residency with Clark College Foundation Presents. Don?t miss three extraordinary experiences with high-level figure skaters whose unique choreographies have won praise the world over.
TENTACLE TRIBE (October 25-30) For all ages. Hip hop and breaking originated in the US and quickly became a global phenomenon. Clark College Foundation Presents welcomes world-renowned dancers Tentacle Tribe, also out of Montreal, to share their unique vision for melding street and contemporary dance forms through two distinct events.
Athletics
Students: Attend Athletic Events to Earn Penguin Points
For every home game you attend you can earn points towards Clark swag. Just sign in at the gate for the event you attend. As you accrue points, the athletic office will reach out on how to redeem your items.
Check clarkpenguins.com for upcoming events!
Reminders
RAVE Guardian – Campus Safety App
Text the word "Guardian" to 67283 to download.
Highlights:
- Stay Informed: Receive emergency alerts
- Discreetly Contact Campus Security and Safety: Prevent dangerous situations by discreetly sending anonymous tips with a photo or location as needed.
- Never Travel Alone: Set a virtual safety timer for an extra layer of safety wherever you are.
- Find The Resources You Need: Access key safety and security resources.
- Help Is on The Way: With a push of a button, you can directly connect to the college's Security and Safety desk or 9-1-1 in an emergency.
Text the word "Guardian" to 67283 to download or go to the Android Play Store or Apple App Store.
Reminder About Bike and E-Bike Theft Prevention
Clark College Security has recently seen an increase in bicycle thefts on campus, particularly involving e-bikes. Recent thefts have included bikes secured to outdoor bike racks, including some with locking systems attached. We wanted to share a few reminders to help reduce the likelihood of theft and encourage everyone to plan accordingly when bringing bicycles to campus.
To help reduce the risk of theft:
- Use a high-quality U-lock or heavy-duty chain lock whenever possible. While no lock can completely prevent theft, stronger locking systems can make bikes more difficult to target.
- Secure both the frame and wheel to a fixed bike rack or secure structure.
- Avoid leaving bikes unattended for extended periods of time, especially overnight.
- Remove easily detachable accessories such as lights, bags, batteries, or displays when possible.
- Consider recording your bike's serial number and taking photos for identification purposes.
- If your e-bike battery is removable, take it with you while on campus when practical.
Please remember that even busy or well-traveled areas can still be targeted for theft. Taking a few extra precautions can help reduce risk.
If you witness suspicious behavior around bike racks or campus property, contact Security immediately at 360-992-2133. Call 911 if you observe a crime in progress or there is an immediate threat to safety. Thank you for helping keep our campus community safe.
Reminder: Animals on Campus
Clark College does not allow animals in campus buildings unless they are service animals, (Policy 510.058 Animals on Campus).
What counts as a service animal? Under the ADA and Washington State law a service animal is a dog that is individually trained to perform a specific task related to a disability. Check out this website for more information: ADA Requirements: Service Animals.
Discounted Fitness Center Passes - $10 Per Quarter
Currently enrolled students pay $10.00 per quarter to work out in the Clark College Fitness Center.
Students take their photo ID to the Cashiers Office in Gaiser Hall to pay. Then, go to the Fitness Center in O'Connell Sports Complex (OSC). While supplies last.
Vote in the 2026 Midterm Elections!
Register or check your voter registration to ensure your eligibility to vote in the 2026 midterm elections.
Visit vote.org to make sure all of your information is up to date. It takes less than 2 minutes to guarantee that your voice will be heard!
Other Important Information
Protect Yourself from Phishing Scams
Always verify the legitimacy of requests for personal information, even if they seem to come from Clark College. If you receive an email, text, or call asking for sensitive details:
- Pause before responding.
- Contact the Clark College Helpdesk at (360) 992-2425 or helpdesk@clark.edu to confirm the request.
Scammers may pose as Clark College or state employees to steal your personal information. Stay vigilant and protect yourself from fraud. Stay safe—think before you share!
Free C-Tran Bus Passes with a Free Student ID
Get a Free C-Tran Bus Pass and a Free Clark College Student ID through the Bookstore. Simply bring a valid photo ID.
Clark College Foundation Scholarship
Over $2 million is available to Clark College students who attend during the 2025-2026 academic year. Completing this application process allows students to be considered for multiple scholarship opportunities. The process is opened twice each year, with deadlines in April and October.
Deadline: October 27th, 2026
Your SNAP/EBT Card Can Get You More Than Groceries!
Through Arts for All PDX, people receiving SNAP can get tickets for as little as $5 at dozens of arts and cultural organizations. (Including the Portland Art Museum and the Portland Japanese Garden!)
The Oregon Zoo offers discounted admission to Washington residents who participate in SNAP and other qualifying assistance programs. (You can purchase up to four tickets for $13 each!)
Additionally, The Vancouver Farmers Market accepts SNAP/EBT, and eligible purchases can qualify for SNAP Market Match, helping your benefits go further while you enjoy local produce and support our community.
*Policies vary by organization, so make sure to check before you go! If you have any questions about SNAP or need assistance setting it up please visit the Basic Needs Hub in Gaiser Hall 216 or email us at basicneeds@clark.edu we're happy to help!