Why is College of the Canyons opening its campus to host the University Center?

College of the Canyons will host and sponsor the University Center for Santa Clarita because its mission is to provide access to higher education for the community and the University Center complements and provides extra value to this mission. In fact, so many people at the college believe in this project that as of November 30, 2001, 98 percent of employees had donated to the campaign, contributing $121,400.

The University Center will meet a critical need for the community and will be a great benefit to COC’s own students. Many of the college’s students, who have the skill and ability to complete bachelor’s and advanced degrees, cannot go beyond associate degrees because of the added cost in time, energy and dollars required to leave the community. The University Center will enable COC’s students to take freshman and sophomore level classes that transfer directly to the junior and senior level courses offered by the University partners, and then to move on to advanced degrees, right on the COC campus.

College of the Canyons provides leadership and stability.

College of the Canyons is highly regarded as one of the state’s best community colleges for its excellent academic programs, high transfer rate and successful workforce training programs. The college is respected for its stable administration and strong fiscal management.

Established in 1969, classes began with just 800 students. During the last 32 years, the college has grown substantially to its current student population of nearly 13,000 students. Currently, College of the Canyons offers 50 associate degree programs and 42 certificate programs taught by 158 fulltime faculty members and 273 adjunct instructors.

The college has played an integral role in the educational and economic development of the Santa Clarita Valley. Because of the college’s leadership and stability, area businesses and
industries have come to rely on COC to provide the skills and knowledge employees need.

As host to the University Center, the college will provide the strong leadership, stability, and
fiscal management needed to ensure success.