| Pasadena City College | |
|---|---|
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Student Success, Our Top Priority
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| Location | |
| Pasadena, California United States |
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| Information | |
| Type | Public Community College |
| Established | 1924 [1] |
| School district | Pasadena Area Community College District |
| President | Dr. Mark Rocha |
| Number of students | 32,000 |
| Campus type | Buildings |
| Mascot | Lancer |
| Newspaper | PCC Courier PCCCourier.com |
| Website | Pasadena City College |
Pasadena City College (also known as PCC) is a community college in Pasadena, California, USA, located on Colorado Boulevard. PCC is the third largest community college campus in the United States. PCC was founded in 1924 as Pasadena Junior College. In 1954, Pasadena Junior College merged with another junior college, John Muir College, to become Pasadena City College. PCC is part of California's 110 community colleges, which have a total enrollment of 2.9 million students, the largest higher education system in the world.[2] The college claims that over one million individuals have taken classes at PCC in its over 75 years.[3] The college will celebrate its 85th Anniversary in 2012.
Students who have not attended PCC before may apply online.[4] Returning students who have missed a Spring Semester or Fall Semester must also re-apply online.
PCC is widely regarded as one of the best community colleges in the state. The rate of students who transfer to four-year universities is ranked second after Santa Monica Community College.[3]
The school attracts students from throughout southern California, enrolling a large percentage of student from outside of the bounds of the Pasadena Area Community College District, established in 1966. The district includes the cities of Pasadena, South Pasadena, Altadena, San Marino, Temple City, La Canada Flintridge, Arcadia, El Sereno, Sierra Madre, and portions of Rosemead and El Monte.[3]
As of fall 2010, there are 32,000 credit students and 8,000 noncredit students. The demographics of the students are: 35.9% Hispanic, 32.9% Asian or Pacific Islander, 19.2% White, 6.5% Black, and 0.7% American Indian. 53.8% female, and 46.2% male.[2]
The math department has won the AMATYC community college mathematics competition numerous times. (PCC is currently the defending champion.)
Pasadena City College has a long history of teaching Ethnic studies at the community college level. These include courses in Asian American studies, Chicano studies, African American studies, and American Indian studies.[3] Other classes offered are: History 41, Sociology 41, Psychology 41, and English 52.[3]
Applicants should submit a student petition with a copy of students AP test scores to the Vice President of Student and Learning Services (L112). In order to have prerequisites cleared based on eligible AP scores before completion of 15 units, the AP scores may be brought to the Assessment window, L103, or make an appointment at the counseling department. Or, after 15 units have been completed at PCC, bring a copy of AP scores to a counselor (L104), who will assist you with a student petition.[5]
Most Federal and State financial aid programs are available at Pasadena City College. PCC also has institutional financial aid programs, such as the Board of governors Grant ( BOG) which waives the enrollment fee, which can also assist students in meeting the cost of their education.[6]
The Student Book Grant can be used to purchase textbooks and supplies. Due to financial unavailability, applications for book grants are not currently being accepted (January 2011).[7]
Students in specialized majors, as in cosmetology,may inquire about funding sources that help cover supply costs.[3] Strong programs in automobile maintenance, machine shop technology, electronics, printing, welding, and drafting are offered. Although currently inactive, PCC has in the past had very active aviation programs, including classes leading to the FAA Knowledge Tests for Private and commercial pilot certificates, the instrument and flight instructor ratings, course credit for approved flight training activities, and an Associate Degree program with transfer credit into the California State University - Los Angeles Bachelor of Aviation Administration program. PCC is reputedly the only public school in the country to hold an Aircraft Production Certificate, for the Harlow PJC-2 ("Pasadena Junior College Model 2) designed by Max Harlow, a PCC professor at the time, and produced by the school's aviation technology department during the 1930s. Approximately ten aircraft were built, at least two of which are still flying.
The music department provides the Pasadena City College Herald Trumpets and the honor band for the Rose Parade. It is also the host of the annual Bandfest, held annually at year's end by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses in the Robinson Stadium.[3] At one time, its applied music staff included John Dearman of the L.A. Guitar Quartet was formerly on staff.
PCC is responding to a need in the community and employers in Health Care by offering this singular course for anesthetic technicians. In partnership with Kaiser Permanente, PCC's anesthesia technician program, recognized by the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT), it is the first such program in the state of California. English, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology are prerequisites. Students will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement and an A.S. degree upon successful completion.[8]
The Emergency Medical Technician Program is one of the top ranked in California and includes the Expanded Scope training. Students who complete the program are eligible to take the National Registry Exam.[3]
Pasadena City College was the first community college in Southern California to offer an approved program for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants. The Los Angeles Times stated that "Opportunities for Speech Pathologists and their Assistants will expand in Los Angeles, as the population continues to grow and to age.".[9] The US News and World Report on February 18, 2002, reported that "…many schools already face a pressing shortage of bilingual SLPs." [10]
The Product Design Department at Pasadena City College is a premier community college program and is one of only two product design programs in the California Community College System. The curriculum prepares students with a portfolio to enter the industrial design profession as an entry level designer. The courses develop a broad range of required skills including an understanding of the creative process with emphasis on function, environmental and social concerns, and the art form.[3] Students enroll from around the world to prepare portfolios, many for application for four year colleges. The program is the #1 transfer program to Art Center College of Design and many other prestigious industrial design programs nationwide.[11]
The Visual Arts Division has a celebrated annual artist-in-residence program, a sculpture garden, an active gallery program featuring professional artists, and a high transfer rate to specialized art and design schools, including the nearby Art Center College of Design.
The study abroad program is intended to offer students opportunities to live and study in different locales around the world.[12] Previous programs have included study in Oxford, and London, England; Florence, Italy; Mexico, Peru, Germany, Switzerland and Austria.
Theater is offered every summer in Ashland, Oregon. A biology field program to Hawaii is currently being offered.[13] For the past ten years or so, PCC has had an incredible Study Abroad program to Spain.
"LancerLink" is a quick link of student information for registration, fees lookup, and fees payment services. The Schedule of classes is also available online at:.[14][15]
Many scholarships are available in the individual departments at PCC. Scholarships are available for students with disabilities. General Scholarships opportunities are offered to students who have completed 24 eligible units at PCC.
The sports teams are known as the Lancers, and the school colors are cardinal red and gold. PCC's baseball team uses Jackie Robinson Field, a baseball field near the Rose Bowl, for practices and home games.[3]
The current stadium, Robinson Stadium, is named for Jackie and Mack Robinson, both of whom were PCC alumni.[3] The stadium was completed in 1999 after a renovation to move the stadium from a vertical position to a horizontal position. Recently, Robinson Stadium's surface has changed to SprinTurf[17] and the track was converted to all-weather track. Besides PCC athletics, Marshall Fundamental Secondary School, Pasadena High School, and Blair International Baccalaureate School uses Robinson Stadium for some high school home football games due to lack of resources on the respective campus fields.
Athelic programs available are: Basketball, cross country, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball, baseball, softball, football, and soccer.[18]
Cheerleading program includes a group that performs regularly and the Lancers home games in basketball and football. Schedule PCC Cheerleading.
The Courier is the official student award winning newspaper of Pasadena City College. It was recently honored with a General Excellence award by the Journalism Association of Community Colleges.[19] The students were also honored for their work on the campus newspaper.
According to the California Postsecondary Education Commission in 2003, 465 PCC students transferred to the University of California system and 1,160 PCC students transferred to the California State University system. PCC has the highest number of transfers to the California State University system.[3]
According to the Public Policy Institute of California, PCC's transfer rate is still the second highest in California, with 1816 students transferred during the 2005–2006 academic year, second only to Santa Monica Community College's 2234 students.
The staff members of the International Student Office, are very welcoming and supportive in assisting International students in the application process, and in helping their transition and during their time at PCC.[20] Before registration, International students are required to pass the ESL and Math placement examinations before being accepted into the school. They are also required to attend counseling to plan for classes.[20] Assistance is available to become familiar with campus resources, i.e. Counseling Office, Library, Learning Assistance Center (LAC), Computing Services, and more. it is recommended that all students meet with a counselor to develop a Student Educational Plan (SEP) (L104).[20]
The Television and Radio Department offers courses in Television and Radio. It also offers the resources for highly sought after industry internships for advanced students. There are certificate programs in TV Production, TV Operations, TV Post-Production, Radio Production, Broadcast Journalism, and others. Students may participate in the student run radio station, "Lancer Radio".
PCC graduates often transfer to four-year schools such as USC, UCLA, and CSUN, while others have gone on to obtain employment at NBC, Fox, Paramount, TVG, and KPCC.[21]
Radio station KPCC 89.3 FM, a member station of National Public Radio, airs from PCC. KPCC's main output is talk radio.
PCC employs more Police Cadets than any other Police Agency in the United States. The PCC Police Department is made of eight full-time Police Officers, a Detective, a Sergeant, a Lieutenant, and the Chief of Police, approximately eight Police Dispatchers, and approximately 85 Police Cadets.[3] Most of the Police Cadets are PCC students. Parking Technicians, Transportation Technicians, and Hazmat Technicians are also employed by the PCC Police Department. Fire services for the campus are provided by the Pasadena Fire Department (Station#34).
The campus has a number of exceptional physical facilities: PCC is one of the few community colleges with its own Observatory and Seismograph.[3]
Childcare is available at the Child Development Center, located just one block from campus at the corner of Green Street and Holliston Streets, west of the campus.[3]
The Alumni Commons, the Aquatic Center, the Boone Sculpture Garden, and the Galloway Plaza have all replaced what were once parking lots on campus. City revenue increased at that time with increased parking citation revenue from PCC's students. A new 4½ floor parking structure (Lot 5) and a new bus parking area were completed in 2005. Daily parking permits can be bought at machines in all of the parking lots. Parking permits may be purchased online through Lancerlink [15] or on campus in the Quad. Having a permit does not guarantee you will find a parking place.
There are no housing facilities at PCC. The Student Affairs office (CC 105) has postings for rooms for rent and for roommates in the local community.[22]
In 2003, voters approved a bond measure for about $150 million, that improved the facilities on campus. A significant portion of these funds were earmarked for the construction of a new building to house the college's art and music departments.
In 2007, many services at PCC had to relocate pending demolition of their previous facilities. These include the college bookstore, Student Affairs, Associated Students, the student business services, the campus police and the offices of the school newspaper, The Courier.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the new Industrial and Technology building, the new Campus Center, and Bookstore took place in October 2007. The Campus Center and Bookstore opened in August 2009.
The Shatford Library is a direct descendent of the original Pasadena High School library, that originally occupied this campus. The present $16.5-million Shatford Library opened in 1994, structure holds 133,024 volumes in the general book collection, over 300 periodical subscriptions (plus over two thousand titles in electronic databases) 7,338 audiocassettes, 1,019 paperbacks, 661 CDs and software, 404 volumes in the Special Services collection, and 1,186 videocassettes.[23]
Walter T. Shatford II, is the attorney for whom the library was named in recognition of his four decades of service on the school's board and his generous donations. he was also very active in the Civil Rights Movement [24]
In 1966, voters approved the creation of the Pasadena Area Junior College District. The name was subsequently changed to the Pasadena Area Community College District.
PCC is governed by a nine member board of trustees. Seven members are elected (each of whom represents a geographical section of the Pasadena Area Community College District), one is a student trustee who is elected by the student body, and one is the sitting college President, who is also the district Superintendent. The current President/Superintendent is Dr. Mark Rocha, who assumed that position on July 1, 2010.
Recent President/Superintendents include Jack Scott (1987–1995), who served as State Senator from 1996 to 2008 and is now (since 2009) Chancellor of the California Community College system; Dr. James Kossler, 1995–2007; Dr. Paulette Perfumo, who held the position from August 2007 until her abrupt resignation in 2009; and Dr. Lisa Sugimoto, who served as Acting President through the end of the 2009/2010 academic year. Dr. Mark Rocha, former West Los Angeles College president, was chosen to replace Sugimoto.
PCC has two offsite facilities, the Child Development Center and the Community Education Center. The Child Development Center, located one block west of the PCC campus, is a childcare center for children of PCC students.[3]
The Community Education Center, located two miles east of the main PCC campus, is an offsite facility where vocational training, some ESL courses, American Citizenship (known as "Americanization") courses, and PCC's high school diploma program take place. A shuttle service from the main campus is available to the Community Education Center. [3]
PCC offers courses that can be taken at nearby high schools:
Courses are also offered at the Armory Center for the Arts in downtown Pasadena.[3]
PCC is accessible by bus, including five Metro Local lines, Metro Rapid, Foothill Transit, and some Pasadena ARTS buses. PCC provides a shuttle[25] to and from the Metro Gold Line station and the Community Education Center of Pasadena City College at 3035 East Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA, 91107.[26]
PCC hosts a monthly antique and specialty item Flea market which occurs on the first Sunday of every month (except New Year's) on campus, rain or shine on Colorado Blvd. It is greatest flea market this side of the Rose Bowl. Enjoy lots of bargains and relaxing browsing. There are over 500 vendors, and it features rare collectibles and antiques. Thousands of interesting items, including clothes, records, tools, toys etc. Good food is served.[27]
On March 7, 2007, demonstrators from Philadelphia-based Repent America demonstrated on campus, leading to tensions between demonstrators and some students. They were offended by a sign that said "Thousands of ex-homosexuals have experienced the life-changing love of Jesus Christ" and by voiced statements by the Repent America participants that Gays and Lesbians as well as Jews, Muslims, Buddhist, Catholics as well as single mothers were going to burn in hell.[28]
PCC students, some who were journalism students and staff members of the campus newspaper, PCC Courier, were involved in the May Day melee at MacArthur Park.[28]
Students and Faculty held a rally in support of the Jena Six on September 20, 2007. PCC students were some of those beaten and arrested at the MacArthur Park immigrant rights demonstration on May 1, 2007. [29]
In 2000, a campus dispute centered on Irv Rubin of the Jewish Defense League, who came to speak on campus.
On March 20, 2003, on the day the United States launched Operation Iraqi Freedom, many PCC students led by the Students for Social Justice, protested on campus against the war. Protesters went through the administration building requesting students to join their cause. Three students were arrested by campus police.[30]
"Pasadena City College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education."[31]
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