Instruction Office

Welcome to Instruction

On behalf of our Board of Trustees, students, faculty, staff, and administration, welcome to the Instruction Office at College of the Canyons. We know that choosing where to pursue your educational goals is an important decision, and we are grateful that you have chosen to consider College of the Canyons. For more than 60 years, COC has been committed to providing accesilble, high-quality education that prepares students to succed in college, careers, and their communities. College of the Canyons continues to distinguish itself through innovation, student success, equity, and academic excellence. Recent accomplishments include:

• Celebrated the Class of 2026, with 2,295 students petitioning for graduation across 116 majors
• Expanded instructional access and flexibility, with more than 1,890 class sections offered for Fall 2026 across academic, career education, transfer, and noncredit programs, including in-person, online, hybrid, and accelerated course options
• Received the 2025–26 California Community Colleges Exemplary Program Award for the Rising Scholars program, recognizing the program's outstanding work in supporting students who have been impacted by the justice system
• Welcomed the Umoja Community Education Foundation program beginning in Fall 2025, expanding support for student retention, academic success, cultural affirmation, and holistic development
• Named a 2025 Pathway Champion for Black Transfer-Level Math Success by The Campaign for College Opportunity. COC was one of only three California community colleges recognized for supporting the highest percentage of Black students in completing a transfer-level math course within one year of initial enrollment
• Ranked No. 14 statewide for return on investment in a 2025 analysis of 327 California community colleges and certificate-granting institutions, while ranking first among community colleges in the Northern Los Angeles region
• Named a 2025 Pathway Champion for its continued work advancing equitable student outcomes and strengthening pathways to transfer and economic opportunity.
• Launched the Bachelor of Science in Building Performance in January 2025, making College of the Canyons the first California community college to offer this bachelor's degree. The program was subsequently recognized with the California Building Energy Modeling Foundational Step Forward Award
• Recognized with the 2024 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification placing COC among a select group of community colleges nationwide recognized for meaningful and sustained community engagement

These accomplishments reflect the dedication of our faculty, staff, administrators, and students and our shared commitment to creating meaningful pathways to student success.

Please take a moment to explore our website to learn more about the innovative courses, programs, and student support opportunities available at College of the Canyons. The Instruction Office is committed to supporting a student-centered educational experience through academic excellence, instructional innovation, access, equity, engagement, and continuous improvement.

Whether you are looking to advance in your career, complete a certificate, earn an associate degree, prepare for transfer to a four-year college or university, develop new skills, or simply pursue an area of personal interest, College of the Canyons offers affordable and accessible educational opportunities across a wide range of disciplines.

Our faculty bring expertise, passion, and dedication to the classroom, while our classified professionals, administrators, counselors, and support staff work collaboratively to help students navigate their educational journeys. Together, we strive to create an environment where every student can discover their potential, achieve their goals, and feel a sense of belonging.

With campuses in Valencia and Canyon Country, as well as extensive online and hybrid offerings, College of the Canyons continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of our students, community, and workforce.

We look forward to welcoming you to the COC family and being part of your educational journey. Please reach out to the Instruction Office if we can assist you in any way.

David Vakil, Ed.D.
Interim Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Instruction
david.vakil@canyons.edu
661-362-3410

Resources