2024 Archive
Archived news releases from the Public Information Office
Board Swears in New Members
December 19, 2024 – The Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees, which oversees College of the Canyons, swore in recently elected board members, named new officers, received recognitions for service, and set its 2025 meeting schedule during its business and organizational meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 18. Sworn in were Darlene Trevino, Dr. Edel Alonso, Fred Arnold, and Sharlene Johnson.
College Recognized for Student Voting
December 6, 2024 – College of the Canyons was selected by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN) as a 2024 ALL IN Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting. "It is highly inspiring to watch our students engage in the democratic process and encourage their peers to do the same,” said Dr. Patty Robinson, faculty director, civic and community engagement.
Torres Named President of De Anza College
December 2, 2024 – Dr. Omar Torres, chief instructional officer at College of the Canyons, has been named president of De Anza College. “I wish to congratulate Omar Torres on his new position as president of De Anza College,” College of the Canyons Interim Superintendent/President David C. Andrus, J.D., said, adding that Torres' knowledge and passion for higher education have benefited countless students.
College Commended for Placement
November 25, 2024 – The Campaign for College Opportunity named College of the Canyons a 2024 Champion for Excellence in Placement in Black Math Success. The college was among 20 California community colleges recognized for implementing equitable placement policy AB 705.
Winter 2025 Registration Underway
November 21, 2024 – Registration is underway for the winter 2025 session, which boasts more than 300 class sections. Running Jan. 6 to Feb. 8, the session will allow students to get ahead in their programs of study in a condensed time frame before the spring semester starts Feb. 10. A wide selection of “core” classes needed for degree completion or transfer to four-year institutions will be offered.
STEM Speaker Series Slated for Nov. 22
November 14, 2024 – College of the Canyons will host a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Speaker Series on Friday, November 22 in an effort to engage, inform, and inspire students interested in pursuing careers in STEM fields.
College Honored for Antiracism Project
November 13, 2024 – College of the Canyons was one of 25 winners of the 2024 Open Education Awards for Excellence (OEAwards 2024). The college was recognized for its Open for Antiracism project, which demonstrates how faculty can use Open Educational Resources (OER) and open pedagogy to make instructional materials and teaching practices anti-racist.
Runners Invited to Thanksgiving 'Turkey Trot'
November 8, 2024 – The College of the Canyons Athletics Department invites community members of all ages to run, walk, or jog in the 16th annual Thanksgiving Day 'Turkey Trot' event benefiting the college's cross country and track & field programs.
Presentation to Explore Juvenile Incarceration
November 7, 2024 – College of the Canyons professors Katie Coleman and Mehgen Andrade will deliver the scholarly presentation “Behind Bars: Forfeiting our Children” on Thursday, November 21 at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center (PAC).
Purchasing Department Receives Award
November 5, 2024 – For the fourth consecutive time, the College of the Canyons Contracts, Procurement, and Risk Management department received a 2024 Annual Achievement of Excellence in Procurement award from the National Procurement Institute.
Brooke Bailey is Just Getting Started
October 22, 2024 – College of the Canyons sophomore music student Brooke Bailey was on her way to school one morning when she received a phone call that would change her life. A casting director from the NBC show "America's Got Talent" (AGT) had come across Instagram videos of Bailey singing and thought she would be a good fit for the show. That is how the 19-year-old found herself on the AGT stage in March 2024 wowing the audience with a soulful rendition of Aretha Franklin's "Ain't No Way," which earned her yeses from all four judges.
Community Invited to 'Movie Under the Stars'
October 16, 2024 – College of the Canyons will host a free outdoor movie night on Friday, October 25 at the Canyon Country campus.
Wickline to Head Canyon Country Campus
October 11, 2024 – Paul Wickline, former associate vice president of instruction at College of the Canyons, has been appointed as the associate vice president of the college’s Canyon Country campus. Wickline replaces Ryan Theule, who resigned Sept. 2 after 17 years of service.
College to Host Non-Profit Resource Fair
October 7, 2024 – The College of the Canyons Center for Civic and Community Engagement – in collaboration with COC's Golden Z Club – invites the community to attend the Non-Profit Community Resource Fair on Tuesday, Oct. 8.
Star Party Scheduled for Nov. 1
October 4, 2024 – On Friday, Nov. 1, Dr. Jason Wright, an astronomy and astrophysics professor at Penn State, will present “Intelligent Ways to Search for Extraterrestrials” at the College of the Canyons Fall 2024 Star Party.
Community Invited to Homecoming Celebration
October 3, 2024 – The College of the Canyons Athletic Department and Associated Student Government (ASG) are inviting students, staff and community members to attend the 2024 Homecoming Celebration on Thursday, Oct. 17 at Cougar Stadium.
Rising Scholars to Offer Post-Conviction Services
September 24, 2024 – In collaboration with The Access Project (TAP), the College of the Canyons Rising Scholars program will provide free post-conviction legal services to current and former students, as well as COC employees and their family members.
Registration Open for Short-Term Classes
September 24, 2024 – Students looking to enroll in the College of the Canyons Fall 2024 semester – which started Aug. 19 – or take on an additional course before the semester ends can choose from nearly 400 short-term classes.
Bond Oversight Committee Members Appointed
September 23, 2024 – The College of the Canyons Board of Trustees approved the appointment of three new members to the Santa Clarita Community College District Independent Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee at its Sept. 11 meeting.
Aerospace Team Receives $300,000 NASA Grant
September 19, 2024 – The College of the Canyons Aerospace and Science Team (AST) has received a $300,000 grant from NASA’s Mentoring and Opportunities in STEM with Academic Institutions for Community Success (MOSAICS) program, which aims to expand student access to research opportunities in science and space engineering, as well as to NASA’s workforce.
Board of Trustees Appoints New Member
September 19, 2024 – The Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees appointed Carlos Guerrero to fill Board Seat No. 5, effective immediately, at its Sept. 18 meeting.
College Earns Zero Energy Design Designation
September 11, 2024 – College of the Canyons is one of only two community colleges in the nation to have been named a 2024 Zero Energy Design Designation recipient by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Free Financial Aid Workshop Set for Sept. 24
September 10, 2024 – The Financial Aid Office will hold its annual “Cash For College” workshop to provide students and parents with important information about financial aid and how to apply.
Board of Trustees to Appoint New Member
August 20, 2024 – The Board of Trustees will appoint a new member to fill the seat representing Trustee Area No. 5.
Members Sought for Bond Oversight Committee
August 20, 2024 – College of the Canyons seeks qualified individuals to serve on the Independent Citizens Bond Oversight Committee.
Andrus Named Interim Superintendent/President
August 15, 2024 – The Board of Trustees has appointed David C. Andrus, J.D., the district’s interim superintendent/president.
Foundation Golf Tournament Set for Oct. 28
August 13, 2024 – The College of the Canyons Foundation will host its “Swing for Student Success” Golf Tournament at Valencia Country Club on Oct. 28.
Clinical Lab Scientist Program to Launch
August 12, 2024 – College of the Canyons will launch its Clinical Laboratory Scientist certificate program this fall.
College Awarded Student Transportation Grant
August 6, 2024 – College of the Canyons has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the National Association of Higher Education Systems to provide needs-based transportation services to students.
College to Host Welcome Day on Aug. 9
August 2, 2024 – On Friday, Aug. 9, College of the Canyons will host Welcome Day to introduce the incoming class of freshman students, as well as prospective and continuing students, to the college before the start of the fall 2024 semester.
Flexible Learning Options Available this Fall
July 22, 2024 – To help students balance education with their diverse work and family responsibilities, College of the Canyons will offer a wide variety of flexible learning options during the fall 2024 semester.
Board of Trustees Announces Leadership Changes
July 11, 2024 – After meeting in closed session on Wednesday, July 10, the Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees announced its unanimous decision to place Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook on administrative leave, effective Monday, July 15.
PAC Spotlight Series Announced
June 24, 2024 – In celebration of its 20th anniversary, the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center (PAC) Spotlight Series will feature a diverse lineup of talented musicians and performers, as well as family-friendly events as part of its programming.
AST Receives $136,000 Grant from NASA
June 18, 2024 – It's all systems go for the College of the Canyons Aerospace and Science Team (AST), which has received a $136,000 grant from NASA to support its High-Altitude Student Platform (HASP), RockOn, and RockSat-X suborbital rocket programs.
First Bachelor's Degree Debuts
June 17, 2024 – College of the Canyons will launch its first bachelor's degree program in January 2025. The Bachelor of Science in Building Performance program is an extension of COC's architectural drafting and technology associate of science degree program. The first of its kind in California, the program provides a cost-effective pathway to careers involved with creating high performance buildings. The program will also prepare students for the state-recognized Certified Energy Analysis exam, as well as growing employment opportunities in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries.
SCV Book Festival Slated for June 8
June 3, 2024 – College of the Canyons will host the first Santa Clarita Valley Book Festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 8 at the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center to promote the joy and power of reading and celebrate local authors.
College Holds 55th Commencement
May 31, 2024 – College of the Canyons honored its 2024 graduating class during the college's 55th annual commencement celebration on Friday, May 31, in the college's Honor Grove, located on the Valencia campus.
From COC to the University of Cambridge
May 22, 2024 – When Nicole Brooks leafed through the College of the Canyons fall 2022 class schedule, a British literature course caught her eye.
Edison Awards 21 Fire Technology Scholarships
May 20, 2024 – Twenty-one College of the Canyons fire technology students have received $1,000 scholarships from Edison International to cover tuition, books, and school-related fees.
After Redshirt Year, Graduate Keeps Going
May 17, 2024 – College of the Canyons football student-athlete Joshua Clark knows a thing or two about stepping up. Clark, who is graduating with a degree in liberal arts and sciences, was three games into the 2022 season when his father told him he could no longer secure work.
Hester Hired as Women's Basketball Coach
May 14, 2024 – The College of the Canyons Athletic Department has announced its intention to hire longtime Ventura College top assistant Robin Hester as the next head coach of the women's basketball program.
Registration Open for Youth Summer Camps
May 14, 2024 – College of the Canyons Athletics is offering three unique youth summer camps for boys and girls looking to strengthen their skills and grow their love of sports, with registration now open for sessions running in June and July.
New 8-Week Focused Classes Launch this Fall
May 9, 2024 – Students enrolling in the fall semester will notice a new course type featured in the class schedule: Focused Classes.
Instructor to Attend Cannes Film Festival
April 30, 2024 – College of the Canyons film instructor Bavand Karim will attend Marche du Film-one of the largest film markets in the world-at the Cannes Film Festival in May to promote the launch of a new film slate by CINE & Lost Winds Entertainment.
Info Sessions for Prospective Board Candidates
April 29, 2024 – Three seats on the Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees, which oversees College of the Canyons, will be up for election in November.
Foundation Launches Bench-Dedication Program
April 29, 2024 – The College of the Canyons Foundation has launched program to allow individuals the unique opportunity to dedicate a bench in honor of a loved one.
Blues Traveler to Perform on May 9
April 24, 2024 – The Grammy-award winning rock 'n' roll group Blues Traveler will take the stage of the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at 8 p.m. Thursday, May 9.
Registration Under Way for Summer
April 23, 2024 – College of the Canyons will offer four summer sessions June 3 through Aug. 17, giving students a variety of options in both class format and scheduling designed to help them achieve their educational goals, from launching new careers to transferring to four-year universities.
Community Engagement Fair on April 30
April 18, 2024 – The College of the Canyons Center for Civic and Community Engagement – in collaboration with COC's Golden Z Club – invites the community to attend the Non-Profit Community Resource Fair on Tuesday, April 30.
University Center to Host Open House
April 12, 2024 – The Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center will host an in-person Open House 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, to preview academic programs offered by partner institutions, including University of La Verne and National University and showcase the facility's rental spaces.
29 Cougars Named to Scholar-Athlete Team
April 8, 2024 – The College of the Canyons football program had 29 players named to the 2023 Southern California Football Association Scholar-Athlete Team, by far the most of any college in the region.
Financial Aid Deadline Extended to May 2
April 3, 2024 – Good news for students hoping to secure financial aid for the 2024-25 academic year: The deadline to apply for the Cal Grant has been extended to May 2.
Spring Star Party Returns April 12
March 29, 2024 – The College of the Canyons Spring 2024 Star Party will return Friday, April 12, to the Canyon Country campus.
Express Admission Days Slated for April
March 29, 2024 – College of Canyons will host a series of Express Admission Days in April to provide new students with step-by-step guidance through the admissions process.
College to Host Michele Jenkins Dedication
March 28, 2024 – The College of the Canyons Athletic Department will host a dedication ceremony to unveil the Michele Jenkins Softball Team Room in honor of the longtime board member and ardent softball program supporter's nearly 40 years of service to the district.
Children's Play Day Coming April 13
March 27, 2024 – On Saturday, April 13, the College of the Canyons Department for Early Childhood Education will host Play Day as part of the nationally celebrated Week of the Young Child, which is sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Instructor to Represent College in Iceland
March 20, 2024 – Holly Hitt-Zuniga, an architecture and interior design instructor at College of the Canyons, has been selected to represent the college and the National Science Foundation's Center for Renewable Energy Advanced Technological Education in Iceland as part of a 10-person delegation of educators.
UAA to Hold Robotics Graduation March 22
March 18, 2024 – On Friday, March 22, the Uniquely Abled Academy will host a graduation ceremony for nine students who have completed the pilot robotics training program.
Registration Open for Short-Term Spring Classes
March 12, 2024 – More than 250 short-term classes are still open for students looking to enroll in the College of the Canyons spring 2024 semester.
College Receives $50,000 DeWalt Grant
March 11, 2024 – College of the Canyons has received a $50,000 DeWalt Grow the Trades Grant to continue supporting the college's construction technology program.
Nursing Program Accreditation Reaffirmed
March 6, 2024 – The National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation has reaffirmed the accreditation of the College of the Canyons nursing program for a maximum term of 10 years.
International Animation Festival Slated for March
March 5, 2024 – College of the Canyons will host its second annual International Animation Festival on Saturday, March 16, to showcase the work of student animators.
Gillespie Field Dedication Ceremony Slated
February 28, 2024 – The College of the Canyons Athletic Department will host a dedication ceremony to unveil Mike Gillespie Field in honor of the legendary baseball coach.
Pop-Up FAFSA Workshops Announced
February 28, 2024 – In an effort to help students navigate the new 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application form, College of the Canyons will host four workshops.
College Receives Grant to Support MESA
January 31, 2024 – College of the Canyons has received a $125,000 subaward grant as part of a $3 million Title V grant awarded to CSUN from the U.S. Department of Education to increase the number of Hispanic and underrepresented students in art, health sciences, engineering, computer science, and STEM disciplines.
Women's Conference Slated for March 23
January 30, 2024 – The annual College of the Canyons Women's Conference will return to the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center on Saturday, March 23. Held from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., the conference features presenters and breakout sessions designed around the theme "Flourish."
Free Tax Preparation Services Offered
January 29, 2024 – The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program at College of the Canyons will offer free tax preparation services to individuals who made less than $67,000 in 2023, persons with disabilities, and those with limited English-speaking skills.
Canyons Promise Accepting Applications
January 26, 2024 – The Canyons Promise program at College of the Canyons is now accepting sign-ups for the 2024-25 academic year.
Audit of Bond Spending Affirmed
January 24, 2024 – The Santa Clarita Community College District's Independent Citizens Bond Oversight Committee voted to accept the results of an independent audit confirming the district properly accounted for all bond expenditures in the 2022-23 fiscal year.
College Named Regional Center of Excellence
January 24, 2024 – College of the Canyons has been awarded a $4 million grant to join a collaborative for Regional Effectiveness, Action, Transformation, and Equity as one of eight Regional Centers of Excellence in California.
Registration Ongoing for Spring Semester
January 23, 2024 – It is not too late for students and community members to register for the College of the Canyons spring semester, which starts Monday, Feb. 5.
Information Nights Set for Prospective Students
January 23, 2024 – College of the Canyons will host Information Nights on Tuesday, Feb. 13, at the Valencia campus and Thursday, March 14, at the Canyon Country campus to assist high school seniors interested in starting their college experience.
College Earns Carnegie Classification
January 11, 2024 – College of the Canyons is the only California community college to receive the 2024 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, an elective designation that indicates institutional commitment to community engagement awarded by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
Corn to Receive Silver Spur Award
January 10, 2024 – The College of the Canyons Foundation has named Steve Corn as the recipient of the prestigious 2024 Silver Spur Award for Community Service in recognition of his longtime support of the college and community service.
Endowment Created to Honor Jenkins
January 4, 2024 – The College of the Canyons Foundation has created an endowment fund in honor of Michele Jenkins, who passed away Feb. 6, 2023, after nearly 40 years of service as a Board of Trustees member.