Clark College Penguin Digest
What's New in The Digest
Take the Sense of Belonging Survey
At Clark College, your voice and your experiences as a student matter. We want to know how connected, supported, and included you feel at Clark, both in your classes and across campus. To understand this, including where the college can better support our students, we are asking all students to take the Sense of Belonging Survey.
When we say Sense of Belonging, we mean things like:
- Feeling welcomed and respected
- Feeling supported by instructors, staff, and other students
- Feeling like you matter and are valued here.
The results of this survey are confidential and will be shared only in summary form (no individual responses will be identified). Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your experiences!
September is Suicide Prevention Month
You are not alone. Support is available.
Mental health is an essential part of well-being. This month, Clark College encourages our community to check in with one another, reduce stigma, and help connect those experiencing difficult times with support.
Support for Students
The Student Wellness Center offers physical and mental health services, campus and community resources, and access to the Sensory Room.
Concerned About a friend or Student?
Students and employees can submit a CARE report to help connect a student with support. You do not need to have all the answers before reaching out.
Free Crisis Support, 24/7
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988.
- Crisis Text Line — Text HOME to 741741.
- 988 ASL Support — Crisis support in American Sign Language.
- Native & Strong Lifeline — Call 988, press 4, or text N8V to 988.
Additional resources, including culturally responsive services and grief support, are available through the Washington State Department of Health.
CARE is not an emergency service. For immediate danger, call 911. For urgent campus safety concerns, call Safety & Security at 360-992-2133.
You don't have to be a mental health professional to show someone you care. Check in, listen without judgment, and share a resource. Together, we can build a community where asking for help is encouraged, and no one has to face difficult moments alone.
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.
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
Build Community at the Club Recruitment Fair!
Come to the Club Recruitment Fair to start or join a club! Joining a student organization or club is one of the best ways to get involved on campus!
- Tuesday, September 29th from 11am-2pm.
- Andersen Fountain (Inside Gaiser Hall if inclement weather).
Washington State Opportunity Career and Technical Scholarship
Enter to win 1 of 4 $50 Bookstore Giftcards! Registered students only, enter daily to win. See in-store display or ClarkBookstore.com for contest details.
EARN $50 FOR BOOKS
HAVE YOU BEEN AT CLARK FOR 3 OR MORE QUARTERS AND STILL NEED TO EITHER:
- Complete the Math Placement
- Take your first Math or English class
- Take College 101
If so, you may be eligible to participate in a focus group!
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!
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.
.
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
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.
Buy Your Fall Textbooks & Supplies at the Bookstore
Fall class materials are now available for purchase. Order Online on the Clark Bookstore website or shop in-store in Gaiser Hall with your class schedule for assistance choosing your supplies.
The Clark College Foundation Scholarship Application is Now Open!
Students of all majors with a minimum 2.5 GPA are eligible to apply for scholarship funding for the Winter and Spring quarters through the Clark College Foundation Scholarship application. Visit our website for more information and to apply today! Scholarship Deadline is October 16th, 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!