For Immediate Release
September 6, 2011

Transfers from Cañada to the UC System Have Grown 191 Percent Since 2007-08

The college has also increased the number of degrees and certificates awarded.

The number of students transferring from Cañada to a UC System school has increased 191 percent since 2007-08. This piece of good news was relayed by Interim President Jim Keller at the Opening Day celebration.

"Those increases are something everyone at Cañada should be very proud of," he said. According to state data, during the same time period, Foothill's transfers to UC System schools increased 108 percent, Skyline's 109 percent, and CSM's 92 percent. "Cañada is more than holding its own. Additional programs aimed at student retention and success will help maintain that transfer level," Keller said.

Thanks to Measure G, the parcel tax approved by San Mateo County voters that generates approximately $6 million annually, the college was also able to increase by nearly 50 percent the number of associate degrees and occupational certificates it awarded this year. For 2010-11, Cañada awarded 701 degrees and certificates, according to data released by Admissions & Registration. That's a 46 percent increase from 481 in 2009-10.

"We worked closely with faculty to strategically use our Measure G monies to increase access to classes and student services over the past year," said Vice President of Instruction, Sarah Perkins. "We added class sections, which provided access to students so they were able to finish their education. In addition, we added counseling hours, extended library hours and added tutors. None of this would have been possible without that funding."

During the 2010-11 fiscal year, Cañada College allocated just over $1.2 million in Measure G funding to improve both academic offerings and services to students. The college used Measure G resources to fund 142 class sections that served approximately 3,500 students. Funds were also used to coordinate and improve basic skill, distance education, and work force development offerings. The Library & Learning Center expanded its evening and weekend hours, serving an additional 1,200 students. Math and English tutoring were also offered on Saturday for the first time. Measure G funds allowed the college to expand its academic counseling, with 6,400 drop-in appointments utilized by students. Cañada College launched a new Peer Mentoring Program, a College for Working Adults Program, Neighborhood College, and added services for Veterans and high school students making the transition to college (Priority Enrollment Program, Math Jam, Word Jam).

Overall, the San Mateo County Community College District is seeing increased tallies in degrees and certificates in recent years even though enrollment has decreased because of budget cuts. As they closed out the 2010-11 school year with commencement ceremonies, Cañada, Skyline College and College of San Mateo together have conferred more than 2,600 degrees and certificates. That's a rise from 2,500 in 2009-10 and 2,300 in 2008-09, according to data from the colleges. The three colleges served about 28,200 students this spring compared to the 29,320 in 2010.

For more information, contact Robert Hood, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, at hoodr@smccd.edu or 306-3340