It’s true and it was completely expected and planned for. The College of the Canyons is the fastest growing community college in the country. With an increase of more than 14 percent in student enrollment between the fall of 2004 and the fall of 2005, COC is the official record holder for biggest growth according to a Community College Week study.
New facilities are being built to keep up with this expansion, including a 43,000 square foot addition (2 new buildings) to the college’s Science lab, a High-Technology Center with expanded lab facilities slated to open this summer, a 21,000 square foot facility for the Physical Education program which may give space for Men’s Volleyball as an intercollegiate sport.
In July, to keep up with growth and demand, a formal ribbon cutting will signify the addition of a COC campus in Canyon Country, as well. Classes will be held in modular buildings until funding is available to build permanent facilities.
Funding by the state combined with Measure C, a general obligation bond passed in 2001 is being used for these expansions as well as other projects overseen by the Measure C Citizen’s Oversight Committee. They verify the funds spent in compliance with state laws regarding general obligation bonds. The total revenue from Measure C was $91 million with funds spent as of last June totaling $56 million dollars. Decisions about how to spend the funds were drawn from an Educational and Facilities Master Plan developed in 1999 and 2000.
The Measure M Oversight Committee is now being formed to manage the $160 million dollar bond revenues and expenditures of Measure M approved by voters last November.
“We knew we were growing faster than all of the projections for student enrollment. Our planning was just smart. Growth in the area equals growth for the college and we were prepared for it,” says Sue Bozman, Dean of district communication, marketing and external relations.
Growth at COC comes at a time when many colleges’ enrollments are declining.
“When people can get access to education, people can become successful. So we need the physical space to give them the access,” says Bozman.
With continued growth in the Santa Clarita Valley and an interest by it’s people in higher education, COC is likely to keep a watchful eye on enrollment and projected increases. It’s something they must already be doing quite well in order to become number one in the country for growth.