The announcement that federal immigration agents can make arrests at educational institutions has prompted questions about how to respond should that occur on one of our campuses. College of the Canyons is committed to following all laws and ensuring the safety of our students, faculty, and staff. All employees must abide by board policies, as well as state and federal laws. Please follow the link for the recommended response.
Fall Registration Under Way
July 30, 2025 – The College of the Canyons fall 2025 semester offers more than 1,880 sections of high-demand core classes in a wide range of subjects and disciplines, as well as noncredit offerings. Running Aug. 25 to Dec. 13, the semester offers classes that most students need to either graduate or meet prerequisites for transfer. Courses will be available in a variety of formats and course lengths.
College to Host Statewide Security Center
Aug. 6, 2025 – College of the Canyons has been selected by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office to host the newly relaunched Security Center to provide resources and guidance to community colleges on information security. James Temple, assistant superintendent/vice president of information technology, will serve as executive project director, and Hsiawen Hull, executive director of infrastructure and information security, will serve as chief information security officer. The college will hold security workshops and conduct training throughout the state, and operate a cybersecurity internship program for students.
Welcome Day Coming Aug. 15
July 29, 2025 – College of the Canyons will host Welcome Day on Friday, Aug. 15, for incoming, continuing, and prospective students before the start of the fall semester. The event will feature workshops on topics such as financial aid and how to be a successful COC student. Students will be able to speak to faculty representatives and explore degree and certificate programs. The event is scheduled 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Student Center and Canyons Hall at the Valencia campus.
College to Launch Umoja Program
Aug. 5, 2025 – College of the Canyons has been selected by the Umoja Community Education Foundation as one of four new campus programs within the California community college system to join its statewide network. Starting this fall, the Umoja program will expand critical support for students, staff, and faculty to promote retention, academic success, and holistic development of African American and other historically underrepresented students.
Technology Center Moves Forward
July 18, 2025 – By approving preliminary project plans, along with an architectural services contract, the Santa Clarita Community College District took the next steps to move forward with developing its Advanced Technology Center. “We have achieved a critical milestone in the process of creating an Advanced Technology Center at the college’s Valencia campus,” Interim Superintendent/President David C. Andrus, J.D., said. The Board of Trustees approved a contract July 16 to hire Kruger Bensen Ziemer Architects to develop the 75,000-square-foot facility.
Swim & Dive Coach Named
July 31, 2025 – College of the Canyons has hired former Loyola Marymount University women’s swim associate head coach Erik Matheson as head coach of the swim & dive program. “It’s apparent that the COC Athletic Department and the campus community value the student-athlete experience, something I value as well,” said Matheson, who will also serve as an adjunct professor in the kinesiology & physical education department. He has more than 30 years of coaching experience.
2025/26 Spotlight Series Announced
July 14, 2025 – The Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center Spotlight Series will feature a diverse lineup of performers spanning genres of swing, pop rock, and magic. Highlights of the new series include The Band Light on Saturday, Sept. 20; Chris Funk The Wonderist on Friday, Oct. 10; and Phat Cat Swinger on Saturday, Nov. 8. Tickets can be purchased online, at the box office, or by calling (661) 362-5304.
Audit of Bond Spending Affirmed
July 3, 2025 – 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 2023-24 fiscal year. Eide Bailly LLP conducted financial and performance audits and issued an unmodified opinion – the best rating possible – noting no adjustments, audit findings, questioned costs, or instances of noncompliance.
New Healthcare Program this Fall
June 9, 2025 – College of the Canyons will launch its Diagnostic Medical Sonography program with an 18-student cohort this fall. The hands-on program will train students to use ultrasound technology to capture diagnostic images that support patient care and medical decision-making. “With specialized instruction, clinical experience, and preparation for national certification exams, students will gain the skills needed to thrive in this fast-growing field,” said Dr. Thea Sweo Alvarado, interim assistant superintendent/vice president of instruction.
Pinning Ceremony
Sixty College of the Canyons nursing students received their graduation pins during a ceremony at the Performing Arts Center on Monday, June 2. Among them, 45 completed the traditional two-year Registered Nursing program, and 15 completed the LVN-to-RN accelerated track.
MLT Graduation
The Medical Laboratory Technology Program held a pinning ceremony for graduates on Thursday, June 5. The associate degree program prepares students for employment in clinical laboratories, industry, and biotechnology. The event was held in the University Center.
Generosity Celebrated
Scholarship recipients and the donors who made the awards possible came together during the Scholarship Awards Celebration on Thursday, May 29. The annual event at the University Center recognized donors and gave students an opportunity to thank them for the more than $265,000 in scholarships awarded this year. Overseen by the College of the Canyons Foundation, the Canyons Scholarship Program disbursed awards to 240 students.
Excellence Applauded
The Athletic Department honored graduating and transferring student-athletes on Thursday, May 22. Six student-athletes were singled out for academic excellence: Owen Crockett, golf; Ryan Curtis, football; Emily Fairbanks, cross country/track & field; Alex Freund, baseball; Vivian Martinez, soccer; and Brooke Petretti, softball. The 2025 graduating class includes more than 110 student-athletes with a combined GPA above 3.38. READ MORE
