General Information History of the College Historically, the need for a community college serving theOxnard Plain was recognized by the Oxnard, Camarillo, andPort Hueneme communities and the governing board andadministration of the Ventura County Community CollegeDistrict (VCCCD) since the district was formed in 1962. Founded on the understanding established in those earlyyears, the 118-acre college site was purchased in 1968. In1969, the first classes offered under an Oxnard Center concept were offered at Ramona School in Oxnard. The Oxnard Center program expanded in the fall of 1973with the opening of the Oxnard Educational Center at 9th andB Streets in Oxnard, under the direction of Ventura College; in February, 1974, a Camarillo Center opened under theauspices of Moorpark College. The 2000 AD Educational Master Plan and strong supportfrom the Oxnard-Port Hueneme area focused attention on the need for a third college in the spring of 1974, and the Boardof Trustees officially voted to build Oxnard College (OC) onMarch 26, 1974. The college opened its doors in June 1975 for its first summersession, utilizing the Oxnard and Camarillo centers begun bythe other two colleges in the district, and adding classes at avariety of sites throughout the Oxnard Plain. By mid-fall1975 Oxnard College had more than 4,400 students enrolledand during the spring semester that number was even higher, in all likelihood a record enrollment for first-year communitycolleges in this state. In fall, 1979, the first two permanent buildings were occupied on the campus: Liberal Arts Building housing 20 classrooms plus science and business laboratories and facultyoffice wings, and a Library/Learning Resources Center consisting of the College Library, Learning Center, generalclassrooms, and administrative and student services offices. The more recently constructed Occupational Education Building houses the college’s information processing, air conditioning and refrigeration, hotel and restaurant management, electronics, and word processing programs. A new Child Development Center opened in early 1992, anda new Physical Education Complex with basketball andracquetball courts, showers and lockers, dance room andweight training facilities officially opened in the fall of 1994. The Letters and Science Building was completed and occupied in 1997. A Community and Student Services Center wascompleted in Spring, 2003. Other campus buildings includetwo relocatable classroom buildings, a vocational shop building, a student services center, student activities center, and afood services facility. The Ventura County Community College District and Oxnard College entered into an agreement in 1999 with theCounty of Ventura to house a Job and Career Center on campus. The Center provides local residents with careertraining and supportive social services necessary to achievetheir career goals. The Center also housed the Oxnard College Economic Development Center. County offices aswell as the Oxnard College Economic Development Center, EOPS and Student Services Offices moved into the Community & Student Services building in Spring, 2003. Several new buildings and major renovation projects arescheduled to be completed within the next 10 years, due tothe passage of Measure S, a $356 million bond issue forconstruction projects District-wide. At Oxnard College, newprojects include a long-awaited Auditorium/Theater Complex, new Library Complex, a "one-stop" Student ServicesComplex with new bookstore and food services facilities, and a Warehouse on campus. At the District's CamarilloAirport property, a High Tech Center and Fire Technologyfacilities will be constructed for OC use. Major remodelingprojects on campus will include the Learning ResourcesCenter, expansion of the Child Development Center, andrenovation and expansion of athletic facilities to include anew track stadium. Oxnard College continues to be committed to developing acomprehensive educational program as well as a comprehensive campus environment for the students of its service area. The goal of completing the campus's physical plant hasbecome achievable thanks to the willingness of Venturacounty citizens to support the bond issue projects. Mission Statement, Vision, and Goals The Oxnard College Mission Oxnard College promotes high quality teaching and learningthat meet the needs of a diverse student population. As amulticultural, comprehensive institution of higher learning, Oxnard College works to empower and inspire students tosucceed in their personal and educational goals and aspirations. As a unique and accessible community resource, our missionis to provide and promote student learning: • Transfer, occupational, and general education, second language acquisition, and basic skills development; • Student services and programs; • Educational partnerships and economic development; and • Opportunities for lifelong learning. Oxnard College intends to lead its community to fulfill itshighest potential. Mission of California Community Colleges NOTE: Our mission, while unique to Oxnard College, alsoenables us to accomplish the State-mandated mission for allCalifornia community colleges, which requires us to offer avariety of programs and services in the following areas: Transfer Education Standard collegiate courses at the lower division level forthose students who plan to earn an associate degree and/ortransfer to four-year colleges and universities Vocational Education Specialized vocational and technical education and trainingin selected occupational fields leading to job entry, advancement, retraining, certification, and associate degrees General Education Courses designed to contribute to associate degree programs; broaden knowledge and perspectives; develop critical thinking and communication skills; enhance culturalliteracy; encourage a positive attitude toward learning; andequip students to participate in a complex, interdependentworld. OXNARD COLLEGE CATALOG 2006-2007 Basic Skills Education Courses in mathematics, reading, writing, and speaking forunder prepared students, as well as other programs designed to enable those with special learning needs to reachtheir educational goals Support Services Comprehensive services that help students achieve theireducational goals through assessment of skills and abilities, counseling and advisement, tutoring, financial aid, job placement, health services, student activities, student government, child care and personal development programs Community Education Conveniently scheduled, state-supported noncredit classesand fee-supported educational, cultural, recreational, andoccupational programs that enrich the lives of area residents and provide opportunities for lifelong learning Economic Development Programs and services, including contract training, designed to meet the specific needs of business and industry indeveloping a trained workforce that can enhance the economic vitality of the community The Oxnard College Vision The collaborative learning community of Oxnard Collegewill: • rely upon scholarly, comprehensive, and current knowledgein all areas of instruction and service; • provide innovative, appropriate, and effective instructionfor student success; • facilitate and maximize students' use of services that enables their educational success; • encourage students to enjoy self-reliant, lifelong learning; • ensure student and staff access to technology and developproficiency in all forms of communication, informationretrieval, critical thinking and applied analysis; • demonstrate and embrace respect for varied educationalneeds and cultural contributions; • enhance our students' connections to the world by promotingleadership qualities, their understanding of global interdependence, their appreciation of vast diversity of humancultures, and their cross-cultural competencies; • establish mutually beneficial relationships with theindustries and communities we serve; • provide leadership and resources for economic developmentand for improving the quality of life within the region; • challenge students and the entire staff to a commitment inserving their communities and fellow human beings; • promote a community culture of kindness, respect andintegrity; • secure sufficient resources - material, financial and otherwise - to facilitate the accomplishment of all of theabove. Oxnard College’s Core Values We, the members of Oxnard College, are inspired by and willstrive to exemplify through our collaborative actions thefollowing core values: Diversity and Commonality We value others and ourselves as unique individuals andembrace the commonalties and the differences that promotethe best of who we are. Excellence We value vision, creativity, risk taking and innovation toachieve and sustain excellence. Integrity and Civility We value integrity, honesty and congruence in action andword by demonstrating kindness and respect in all ourinteractions. Learning We value learning as a lifelong process in the pursuit ofknowledge and personal growth. Shared Decision Making We value shared decision making (shared governance) asthe process that provides each of us the opportunity to build consensus. Oxnard College Strategic Goals 1. To develop and strengthen a positive college image in ourcommunity. 2. To obtain additional financial and human resources to strengthen the institution. 3. To provide facilities, technology, and other learning resources necessary to meet the educational and culturalneeds of our growing community. 4. To enhance the economic, cultural, and social well-beingof individuals and families in our community. 5. To use research and program review to assess programquality and guide institutional development. 6. To maximize student success. Philosophy of the College Wise I may not call them; for that is a great name that belongs to God alone-lovers of wisdom or philosophers is their modest and befitting title. Socrates Oxnard College is dedicated to the philosophy of providingeducational programs that develop individual abilities, strengthen human relationships, enhance community life, and heighten global consciousness. We recognize that theprocess of education is a process of exploration that dependson mutual responsibility. The College schedules programs that reflect changing local, national, and international needs. Dedicated professionalscreate an environment that stimulates intellectual curiosity, nurtures learning, and develops an understanding of societyand how individuals can influence its workings. The students develop self-understanding, pursue educational objectives, and ultimately stand accountable for their own progress. Oxnard College celebrates diversity and cultural understanding at all levels throughout the campus. Cultural and aesthetic activities are also relevant in today’s society and are tobe fostered. The College strives to provide open-access toeducational opportunities so that every adult, regardless ofage, sex, race, disability, or ethnic, socioeconomic, culturalor educational background shall have the opportunity forappropriate education to fulfill his or her potential. Oxnard College looks to the past to understand the present inorder to produce a more successful future. It strives to beinnovative and responsive to the educational needs and demands of society in an atmosphere of shared governance, mutual respect, and trust. Oxnard College is responsive notonly to community needs but also to the needs of our largersociety. OXNARD COLLEGE CATALOG 2006-2007 Nature of the College Oxnard College is a locally-controlled, public comprehensive two-year college, part of the California state system ofhigher education. As such, and in keeping with the policies ofboth the Ventura County Community College District Boardof Trustees and the State Legislature, the college exists toserve members of the community who are high school graduates or who are over the age of 18 and capable of profitingfrom instruction. Accreditation Oxnard College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the WesternAssociation of Schools and Colleges, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Commission on Recognition ofPostsecondary Accreditation and the U.S. Department ofEducation. Community Services Community Services is a self-supporting outreach functionof Oxnard College which provides the community withunique educational, recreational and personal developmentclasses. It offers Traffic School classes in English and Spanish on a regular basis. In addition, as authorized by the Civic Center Act, the Community Services office schedules and coordinates the use ofcollege facilities by off-campus organizations and individuals for conferences, seminars and other events. For information regarding any Community Services program or function call (805) 986-5822. Critical Thinking Goal Oxnard College provides an environment which encouragesopen-minded, independent, and critical thinking. Classes arestructured to emphasize in-depth learning of fundamentals. Students are expected to take responsibility for their ownlearning. This means that students are expected to learn theart of independent study and to develop sound intellectualhabits such as clarity, precision, and accuracy of thought; fair-mindedness; and conclusions drawn from facts and principles rather than prejudice, distortion, or half-truths. Courses help students to develop and apply critical thinkingskills to the various areas of college study and to transfer suchcompetencies both to problems that cross disciplines and tocomplex problems in life. Analytical and inferential thinkingare encouraged so that students practice, as Robert Ennissaid, “reasonable reflective thinking that is focused on deciding what to believe or do.” Memberships Oxnard College is a member of the American Association ofCommunity and Junior Colleges, the Community CollegeLeague of California, and the Western State Conference. OXNARD COLLEGE Student Profile Fall 2005 Enrollment: Ethnicity: Full-time .......................................................................30% African American ........................................................4.0% Part-time .......................................................................70% Asian............................................................................3.6% TOTAL.......................................................................6,463 Filipino ........................................................................5.5% Hispanic .....................................................................61.9% Native American..........................................................0.9% Gender: Pacific Islander ............................................................0.7% Female ..........................................................................59% White .........................................................................19.1% Male ..............................................................................41% Other & Unknown .......................................................4.3% 2004/2005 Financial Aid Age: Total financial aid awarded ............................... $6,167,373 19 or Less ..................................................................29.4% 20-24 ..........................................................................29.5% Spring 2006 International Students 25-29 ..........................................................................12.3% 30-34............................................................................7.5% Enrollment ......................................................................36 35-39............................................................................6.0% Countries represented: 40-49 ............................................................................9.7% Belgium, Brazil, China, El Salvador, Hondorus, Japan, 50 or more ...................................................................5.6% Philippines, S. Korea, Taiwan, Trinidad, Vietnam. OXNARD COLLEGE CATALOG 2006-2007 OXNARD COLLEGE STUDENT RIGHT-TO-KNOW 2001 FACT SHEET In compliance with the Student-Right-to-Know (SRTK) and Campus Security Act of 1990 (Public Law 101542), it is the policy of the Ventura County Community College District and Oxnard College to make available its completion and transfer rates to all current and prospective students. In Fall 2001, a cohort of all certificate-, degree-, and transfer-seeking first-time, full-time students is identified and tracked over a three-year period. SRTK rates do not represent the success rates of the entire student population at Oxnard College, nor do they account for student outcomes occurring after this three- year tracking period. The completion rate is the percentage of students in the cohort who earned a degree or certificate, or could be considered “transferable” to a four-year institution (completed 56 or more transferable units with at least 2.0 GPA). The transfer rate is the percentage of students in the cohort who have been identified as having transferred to another California Community College or a four-year institution, but did not meet the criteria above to be classified as a “completer.” Federal law prohibits a student from being counted in more than one category; therefore, those students who are “completers” and have transferred to a four-year institution are only counted once as “completers,” and not as “transfers.” The tables below present the SRTK rates for Oxnard College and statewide for the last five cohort years. Completion Rates 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Oxnard 28.9 30.3 27.4 26.2 26.4 Statewide 32.7 30.6 34.8 33.7 35.3 Transfer Rates 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Oxnard 25.8 31.1 19.2 23.8 20.9 Statewide 25.5 27.0 23.6 22.1 21.4 Unfortunately, the completion rates at Oxnard College have consistently been lower than those seen statewide except in 1998, when the gap was closed. The transfer rates at Oxnard College were consistently higher than the statewide rates from 1995 through 1998, but dropped below the statewide rate in 1999. After returning to above the statewide rate in 2000, it again dropped below in 2001. It should be noted that the cohort used for SRTK represents a very small proportion of the students at Oxnard College. The 2001 SRTK cohort of 110 students is only 1.4 percent of the entire enrolled student population of 8,009 students, and only 7 percent of the 1,568 first-time students enrolled that term. Many students attend Oxnard College with goals other than earning a degree or certificate or preparing to transfer to a four-year institution. In addition, the majority of Oxnard students attend on a part-time basis, thus excluding them from the SRTK cohort. The chart below presents a more comprehensive, informative and representative picture of outcomes for Oxnard College students. Outcomes for 2001 SRTK Cohort Still Enrolled 12% Left in Good Transfers Standing 21% 32% Left in Poor Completers Standing 31% 4% The chart above indicates that 96 percent of students achieved some level of success at Oxnard: 57 percent either completed a degree or certificate, became transfer- prepared, or transferred to another institution; 32 percent left the college in good academic standing; and 11 percent are still enrolled. Only four students in this cohort left the college in poor academic standing. It should be noted that the completion percentage of 31% in this chart does not match the reported completion rate of 26% because 5 of the 34 total students who completed their programs, did not complete within 150% of the normal time for the program, and therefore do not meet the requirements for being considered a “completer.” For additional copies contact Conni Bittinger, Research Assistant, at cbittinger@vcccd.net. For more information on SRTK, please contact Dr. Darla Cooper, Director of Institutional Research at dcooper@vcccd.net. Oxnard College Office of Institutional Research July 2005 OXNARD COLLEGE CATALOG 2006-2007