Page 4 of Santa Rose Junior College 2004-2005 Catalog by Santa Rosa Junior College

4 www.santarosa.edu Santa Rosa Junior College 2004 -2005 Catalog Introduction to SRJC History of Sonoma County Junior College District Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC), founded in 1918, is the tenth oldest two-year community college in Californias 108 publicly funded community college system. From its initial freshman class of 19 students in 1918, SRJC has grown into one of the largest single college districts in the country, the Sonoma County Junior College District. With 14 major high school districts within its borders, SRJCs district encompasses more than 1,600 square miles, stretching from the southern portion of Mendocino County in the north to the northern tip of Marin County in the south. It is bordered to the west by the Pacific Ocean and to the east by Napa and Lake counties. The college district operates two campuses in Sonoma County: a large 100+-acre campus in the heart of Santa Rosa, and a 40-acre campus in Petaluma. The District also operates a regional Public Safety Training Center in Windsor, and a 365-acre selfsupporting farm near Forestville. In addition, each semester classes are offered at more than 40 locations throughout the District. SRJC offers a strong general education program for students planning to transfer to four-year colleges and universities, and over 100 occupational programs designed to prepare students for careers in the workforce. The College grants both associate in arts (A.A.) and associate in sciences (A.S.) degrees. In the course of its 84-year history, Santa Rosa Junior College has had only four presidents: Floyd P. Bailey (1921-1957), Randolph Newman (1957-1970), Roy Mikalson (1971-1990), and the current president, Dr. Robert F. Agrella, who was hired in 1990. The Sonoma County Junior College District serves more than 37,000 students each semester at numerous locations, attracting students from throughout the state as well as from over 40 countries around the world. Philosophy, Mission and Goals Philosophy The primary purpose of Santa Rosa Junior College is to provide educational opportunities for diverse students in many different areas. Of principal educational importance is the development of intellectual curiosity, integrity and accomplishment in an atmosphere of academic freedom. Mission Santa Rosa Junior Colleges mission is to increase the knowledge, to improve the skills, and to enhance the lives of those who participate in our programs and enroll in our courses throughout the District. The College is an institution of higher education operating within the framework of the California Education Code for community colleges and the Master Plan for Higher Education. We recognize that each member of our institution contributes to carrying out our mission. In fulfilling our mission we are committed to: Serving the educational needs of our students and our community through programs and courses that maintain high academic standards and develop a respect for learning in all of our students. Developing intellectual curiosity and integrity, and recognizing accomplishment in an atmosphere of academic freedom. Offering courses and programs which reflect academic excellence and integrity and which serve the variety of needs and abilities of our students. Responding to economic, demographic, intellectual, and technological changes through educational program development and staff development. Helping students succeed in meeting their educational goals by providing comprehensive instructional and student support services. Challenging students to participate fully in the learning process by teaching students to be responsible for their academic success. Preparing our students for participation as citizens at the local, national and global levels. Promoting awareness of and maintaining sensitivity to ethnic, cultural and gender diversity within our student body, faculty, staff, administration and course offerings. Promoting open access through actively eliminating barriers to a college education. Contributing to the cultural life of our community by presenting enrichment opportunities to our students and community members. Securing and maintaining a faculty and staff who are knowledgeable and current in their fields. Practicing participatory governance within the institution through processes that are inclusive and respectful of all participants and in which information and decisionmaking are shared. Maintaining the stability of our institution by exercising our public responsibility for sound resource development and use in order to meet our commitments to the citizens of the District. Promoting and maintaining a safe learning and working environment. Reviewing our mission statement periodically with participation by students, faculty, staff, and administration. Promoting activities and policies to increase awareness and knowledge of environmental issues across the district. Accreditation Santa Rosa Junior College is officially accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and also has the approval of the State Department of Education. The University of California and other colleges and universities of high rank give full credit for appropriate courses completed at Santa Rosa Junior College. This College is approved for veterans. All occupational curricula the College offers, in fields in which there are other evaluating agencies, are accredited or approved. The Commission on Accreditation can be reached by calling (707) 569-9177 or write: 3402 Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa CA 95403.

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