April 17, 2003
INFORMATION: Sue Bozman or John McElwain, (661) 362-3415 or 3494
COC Offers Hundreds of Classes, Sports Programs this Summer
In a move that runs contrary to what many other state budget-constrained community colleges are doing, College of the Canyons this summer will offer more than 600 class sections many of them sought-after transfer, general-education and core academic classes as well as a wide variety of sports programs through the Community Extension Office.
“Despite a state budget crisis that has hit community colleges particularly hard, students still want and need classes during the summer,” said Sue Bozman, director of public information at the college. “We will do everything we can to meet the needs of the community and find innovative ways to serve students while we endure the pain of budget uncertainties.”
The summer session will consist of four-, six- and eight-week classes that begin June 9, as well as a four-week session that begins July 7.
Summer sessions have been designed to begin after high school students finish their spring terms so they can get a head start on their college educations. Many high school students opt to take classes at COC during the summer so that they can take fewer units at their four-year schools freeing up time for extracurricular activities or part-time jobs. Others attend during the summer so they can improve their registration priorities for the fall semester at COC.
The 600-plus classes will have a heavy emphasis on transfer classes (many classes offered at the college are transferable to UCs and CSUs), general-education classes and core academic classes focusing on subjects such as English, math and science.
These classes will appeal not only to students who will continue their educations at COC, but to any student home for the summer from four-year schools who wish to take a class or two.
The class schedule reflecting the 600-plus “for-credit” classes is already posted on the college’s Web site (http://www.canyons.edu), and printed copies were distributed to residential addresses in the Santa Clarita Valley during the week of April 21.
In a switch reflecting the current state budget situation, the college will offer its summer sports programs through the Community Extension Office instead of through the college’s for-credit mechanism. State budget cuts have forced this change and will result in increased fees for sports program participants since the Community Extension Office is self-supporting.
Last year, more than 3,000 students enrolled in sports programs. Enrollment fees will be $75 for three-day programs, $80 for four-day programs and $85 for five-day sessions. Sports programs will be held at a variety of locations throughout the community.
“We understand that these sports programs are important parts of summer plans for many families,” said Dr. Phil Hartley, assistant superintendent and vice president for instruction and student services. “We are doing everything we can to provide services for the community this summer, but the budget situation makes it particularly challenging this year.”
The summer sports schedule is available through the Community Extension Office. Students may enroll in these classes at the on-campus Community Extension Office, by mail, fax or by calling (661) 362-3304.
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