At our 97th Commencement this spring, San Diego City College awarded more than 1300 degrees and certificates, the largest graduating class in our history. Nearly a third of our students graduated with academic honors.
This year we were also honored to receive the six-year reaffirmation of the College’s accreditation from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools.
As I shared with the college community, this is the most positive action that the Commission may take and is a strong reflection of the high educational quality and outstanding student support that are hallmarks of San Diego City College. First accredited in 1952, San Diego City College has seen an increase of more than 7,000 students in the last ten years, and we expect to reach a student population of 25,000 within this decade.
As we begin thinking about the plans for our 100th Anniversary in 2014, the college campus is undergoing a massive transformation as part of the San Diego Community College District $1.555 billion Propositions S and N construction bond program. In 2009, we opened the one-stop Academic Success Center for students; in fall 2010, the five-story Career Technology Center; in winter 2011, we broke ground on our new 128,000 SF Arts and Humanities and 62,000 SF Business Technology buildings; and in spring 2011, we celebrated the launch of our fivestory 85,000 SF Mathematics, Social and Behavioral Sciences.
As we meet the needs of our growing student population, we also reach outward to the community through thousands of service learning hours. City College is honored to be a member of the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement.
With increasing economic challenges impinging on education, City College is working hard to accommodate your busy work and family schedules. We offer more than 100 majors, 100 certificate programs and 1,500 classes each semester, many online. With the Western Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation, your degree or certificate from City College certifies to transfer universities and employers that you have met the highest national standards.
Our number one priority is to help our students achieve their academic and career goals. Our Student Ambassador Program offers new student orientations and our Transfer/Career Center offers guidance in transferring to a four-year university or into a career. Our Financial Aid Office is ready to answer your questions regarding available monies for college expenses.
We are pleased you have chosen to join our college community to pursue your academic and career dreams. Good luck to you, and I look forward to meeting you on campus.
Terrence J. Burgess, Ph.D.
President
San Diego City College