Santiago Canyon College (SCC) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Santiago Canyon College (SCC) is a public community college in Orange, California. The campus encompasses 82 acres on the edge of town. There are additional stand-alone learning centers in Anaheim Hills, Village Park, and Orange. There are nearly 20,000 students enrolled at SCC at any given time. Roughly half of these students are pursuing a degree or certificate, while the other half are enrolled in non-credit courses.

SCC is particularly well-known for its excellent Model UN program, championship women’s soccer team, and award-winning Forensics team.

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Information Summary

Ranks 225th in California and 2515th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	56.8
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$3,071
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	26 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	75% / 41%
Enrollment Total (all students)	11,373

Academics

The three main divisions at SCC are: Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Business and Career Technical Education; and Mathematics and Sciences. Some of the more unique academic programs at SCC include gemology, green/sustainable building, water utility science, and arborist training. SCC also offers the only comprehensive survey and mapping sciences program among Southern California community colleges.

STEM Program

The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) program provides comprehensive training in growing fields and includes counseling support, field trips to four-year universities where SCC has transfer agreements, internships, and research opportunities.

Adult Learning Programs

There are several instructional programs at SCC for adult learners. These include:

Adult Basic Education teaches practical skills, employment preparation strategies, and skills in math, language, reading, writing, grammar, technology training, and job-seeking skills.

Citizenship imparts basic knowledge of government on the local, state, and federal levels in preparation for the United States Citizenship exam.

English as a Second Language (ESL) gives instruction in English for non-native speakers, both for general reasons and in preparation for citizenship.

Business Skills offers computer and computer technology classes.

GED Preparation helps students prepare for the General Equivalency Exam, especially in preparation for classes at the college level.

Interactive Learning Resource Center (ILRC) provides opportunities for ESL students to develop their English skills in an interactive multimedia environment.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

In keeping with their mission to provide higher education to any adult who desires to pursue it, SCC has open admissions.

Financial Aid

In addition to the wide range of state and federal financial aid options open to all college and university students in California, SCC administrates several of their own need- and merit-based scholarships.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 6774th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in California.

Students

Demographics

Santiago Canyon College has a total undergraduate population of 13,613. 36% of the student population is part time. 51% of the student body is male and 49% is female. The student body is roughly 40% European American, 2% African American, 8% Asian American, 42% Latino American, and 1% Native American.

Clubs and Organizations

There is a wide range of student clubs and organizations at SCC, including academic organizations such as Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, religious organizations such as Buddhists for Peace, political organizations such as Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), and pre-professional societies such as Teachers for Tomorrow.

Child Development Center

SCC runs a child development center, providing a safe and enriched environment for children of students while their parents are in class. The center provides full and half-day programs for children aged 3 to 5. Cost of the program depends on the income level of the parent(s). The center is open from 7:30 AM to 4 PM Monday through Friday during the school year.

Counselling Services

SCC provides counselling services for students for academic planning, career counselling, and cultural orientation for new California and US residents. Individual counselling is available on an appointment and walk-in basis.

Disabled Students Programs and Services

SCC is committed to providing all of their students with the resources and assistance they need to succeed academically and in the workplace. Disabled students are eligible for priority registration, registration assistance, learning disabilities assessment, accommodations for test-taking, specialized instructional support, assistive technology, alternate media materials, note-taking assistance, interpreter services, and liasons with faculty, staff, and community agencies.

Dining on Campus

Food on campus is available at Hawk Café and The Drip Coffee. Both offer a range of convenient breakfast and lunch items to eat in or take on the go.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Athletics

The athletic department at SCC is known as the Hawks. Fall sports include women’s soccer, men’s soccer, and cross country; spring sports include softball, men’s golf, and track and field. The college hosts an annual golf tournament at the Tustin Ranch Golf Club that includes putting contests, contests for the longest drive, and a marshmallow drive. The tournament is organized into three divisions: men’s, women’s, and co-ed.

Local Community

The city of Orange is perhaps best known for its unusual architecture. Unlike most other towns in the region, Orange has preserved a large number of older homes. Originally home to Tongva and Juaneño/Luiseño peoples, the area is still home to a significant number of native peoples as well as a wide range of working and middle class families. Orange is also home to Chapman University, helping to make the city feel like a college town.

Climate

The climate in the Orange area is temperate and pleasant year round. It is usually dry between April and November and somewhat rainy from December to March.

Area Employers

The majority of SCC alumni go on to work for area employers. The largest employers in the Orange area include UC Irvine Medical Center, St. Joseph Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Orange County, Orange County Transportation Authority, City of Orange, Chapman University and Children and Families Commission of Orange County.

To Do

Orange is home to a zoo, wildlife sanctuary, outlet mall, and a wide variety of entertainment venues. The Orange International Street Fair is a major event for students and residents alike. Due to the historic and attractive nature of the town, movies are frequently filmed in Orange—creating occasional jobs as extras for SCC students.

Transportation

For commuting students, Orange is located on the Santa Ana Freeway, on the Metrolink regional commuter rail network, and near the John Wayne Airport.

Bibliography

Admissions. Student Services. Santiago Canyon College. Web. 15 July 2011.

Departments. Santiago Canyon College. Web. 15 July 2011.

Fiske, Edward B. Fiske Guide to Colleges 2011. Chicago: Sourcebooks, 2010. Print.

Pope, Loren. Looking Beyond the Ivy League: Finding the College That’s Right for You. New York: Penguin. 2007. Print.

Santiago Canyon College