February 2, 2005
INFORMATION: John McElwain or John Green, (661) 362-3494 or 3684
Number of University Center Graduates Nears 500
SANTA CLARITA -- Nearly 500 students have completed their degree or credential programs at the Interim University Center since it opened in early 2002, with a majority of them earning degrees or credentials at the graduate level, according to reports submitted by participating institutions.
Most of the 485 students completed graduate programs at California State University, Bakersfield and University of La Verne, two of six institutions that offer advanced degree and credential programs at the center. The idea behind the University Center is to dramatically improve access to in-demand educational programs by bringing them to the citizens of the Santa Clarita Valley.
“The Interim University Center has met some immediate educational needs within the community, but limited space restricts our ability to add more in-demand programs,” said Tom Orr, a staff member at the center. “Construction of the permanent University Center is critical if we’re to meet those needs.”
Of the 485 graduates, 385 completed graduate or credential programs during the period of January 2002 through December 2004; the rest completed undergraduate programs. During the same period, cumulative graduate-level enrollments stood at 4,935, while undergraduates numbered 2,523.
Enrollment figures show that the Interim University Center is growing. December marked the first time that undergraduate enrollment at the end of any six-month period exceeded 500 students.
Also offering programs at the center is Chapman University, which has experienced a sharp increase in enrollment in its undergraduate programs, and Cal State Northridge’s Tseng College of Extended Learning, which is launching new programs in sociology and public administration this month.
Also offering programs at the center are ELS Language Centers and TEACH, which helps train and prepare future teachers. Talks are under way with other prospective educational partners, as well.
“The data suggest that graduation and enrollment numbers will continue to increase but only to a point,” said Orr, who noted that the most pressing need is for a single-subject teaching credential program, as well as additional degree programs in accounting, engineering and English.
The Interim University Center also plans to conduct a campus and community needs assessment to determine which educational programs are most in need, Orr said.
“Now that the special education credential and doctoral program in organizational leadership have been confirmed to start in September, we hope to identify appropriate programs that will complement our offerings,” Orr said, adding that they may include professional development courses and certificates.
For more information about programs offered through the Interim University Center, call Orr at (661) 362-UNIV (8648) or visit www.canyons.edu/offices/univctr. He also can be reached via e-mail at tom.orr@canyons.edu.
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