Page 3 - cocannualreport2015

From the Chancellor
“Because of our commitment
to innovation and
excellence, we are poised for
future success.”
College of the Canyons celebrated its 45th anniversary during the 2014-15 academic year.
The theme of our yearlong celebration was “Opportunities, Memories and Growth,” which
commemorated the many ways we serve our community and students, from being a gateway
to higher education, to fostering connections and relationships, to enhancing the outstanding
resources and services for which we are known.
Growth has been a hallmark of our college throughout its decades of service to the
Santa Clarita Valley. At the same time, our growth has been shaped by a commitment to
continuous improvement. College of the Canyons is a dynamic, thriving institution always
looking for ways to build on what we offer and how we serve our students, local business
and industry, and the community at large.
That focus on innovation has enabled us to build an unparalleled reputation over the past 45
years. We are recognized locally as an economic catalyst and responsive community partner,
and statewide as a leader in student achievement. And, more importantly, because of our
commitment to innovation and excellence, we are poised for future success.
Leader in Student Achievement
By offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs that prepare students to transfer
to top four-year campuses, or launch high-paying careers, College of the Canyons stands out
as a leader in student achievement.
We are ranked among the top-five community colleges in California – and No. 1 in Los
Angeles County – for our completion rate by college-prepared students. In fact, the Class of
2015 was the largest in the college’s history, with a 9 percent increase in graduates over the
previous year.
Proven Performance
This past year saw the completion of a lengthy and rigorous process of accreditation, which
resulted in our college achieving the highest reaccreditation status possible for a full six-
year term.
A key factor in our accreditation success is our sound fiscal management. The district’s
finances, including those of the Foundation, undergo thorough annual audits by outside
accountants. Their reviews of our operations resulted in the best ratings possible for the
district.
At the same time, we have delivered on what we promised the community. Since 2006, we
have spent $303 million on capital improvements to our campuses in Valencia and Canyon
Country. In fact, the opening of Canyons Hall on the Valencia Campus marked the completion
of the current Facilities Master Plan for Valencia. But we’re not done yet!
Our next focus will be on modernizing dated facilities at Valencia, and building out the Canyon
Country Campus to realize its full potential for academic excellence and career training.
Much of the recent construction on our two campuses was funded through Measure M, a
$160-million bond measure. Since local voters approved Measure M in 2006, our audits
have been clean, and the Measure M Citizens Oversight Committee has verified that all
expenditures were proper.
Economic Catalyst
College of the Canyons plays an often unseen but decidedly significant role in the ongoing
economic development of the Santa Clarita Valley. In one year, the college’s Economic
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