Your Monthly Update for December 2024

Dear Ventura College Family,

Our Holiday Gathering filled me with so much joy. The spirit of community and kindness was on full display, and it was a delight to connect with so many of you while relishing brownies and hot cocoa. It was a wonderful way to celebrate not just the season but also the meaningful ways we come together to serve our students and community.

As the semester winds down after a busy and eventful few months, I find myself reflecting on all that we’ve accomplished this Fall. First and foremost, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our extraordinary faculty and staff, whose tireless efforts make such a difference in the lives of our students.

This semester, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing countless examples of your dedication. I’ve seen faculty create opportunities for students to connect with their cultural roots, such as the successful Día de los Muertos event in October. I also want to recognize the team who participated in the ESCALA training. Their work to infuse strategies that better serve our Hispanic-Serving Institution reflects our ongoing commitment to equity and student success.

I’ve been moved by the remarkable work of our student services team, especially the Basic Needs Center, which met an unprecedented demand this semester—serving more students in the first two months than during the entire 2023–2024 academic year!

I’ve also been inspired by the incredible teamwork and resilience displayed during the Mountain Fire. Our FMO and tech crews worked tirelessly to support the campus, while countless acts of generosity and care were extended to those affected. These moments remind me of the deep compassion and commitment that define Ventura College.

This semester also marked significant progress on our student housing project. Thanks to the Housing Committee, led by Vice President James Zavas, we are steadily moving toward our vision of providing safe, welcoming, and supportive housing for our most vulnerable students. This project will be a transformative step in fostering a sense of home and belonging for those who need it most.

Additionally, we introduced a new tradition this Fall. On November 13th, we came together as a community to celebrate World Kindness Day by planting an olive tree—a beautiful and lasting symbol of peace. For those who joined us, I hope you will find joy in watching this tree thrive in the years to come.

There are so many achievements and memorable moments from this semester that I could go on and on. Instead, I’ll simply say how grateful I am to be part of the Ventura College family. Your care, dedication, and hard work fill me with pride and gratitude every day.

As we enter this season of peace and togetherness, I hope you take time to celebrate with your loved ones and reflect on all we have achieved together.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Dr. Claudia Lourido-Habib

President, Ventura College

The VC student housing project is making remarkable strides as it advances through the concept design phase. The Campus Team has been actively collaborating with architectural firms Mithun/RNT and project managers Gafcon/Volz on unit typology, building amenities, and comfort features.

Two workshops, held November 13 and 14, invited input from the campus community and local neighbors. These sessions featured interactive surveys and activities. Attendees shared ideas on color schemes, textures, communal spaces, amenities, and landscaping, which will shape the final design.

The concept design phase concludes on December 12, when the campus steering committee will review top design options and prepare for the schematic design phase.

Dual Enrollment Isn’t Just an Exciting Program—It’s an Equity Imperative!

By expanding access to college-level courses, especially for first-generation and underrepresented students, dual enrollment fosters a college-going culture that transforms lives and uplifts communities. Research from institutions like the Community College Research Center (CCRC) and the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) shows that dual enrollment boosts high school graduation, college enrollment, persistence, and GPAs.

Recognized as a high-impact practice by the National Center for Inquiry & Improvement (NCII), dual enrollment builds early momentum, giving students confidence and a strong foundation for success. As Davis Jenkins of CCRC notes, clear pathways starting in high school can lead to valuable credentials and careers.

Expanding College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) agreements is key to ensuring more students thrive in these programs. While challenges remain, with thoughtful planning and collaboration, we can ensure that dual enrollment fulfills its promise as a powerful, equity-driven initiative.

Paramedic Graduation Ceremony

The VC School of Prehospital and Emergency Medicine celebrated the graduation of the Twenty-Eighth Paramedic Class last month. The fifteen graduates have been part of a twice-a-week cohort that has been meeting since August 2023. The schedule allowed students to remain employed as they attended the program, giving them the opportunity to retain financial security while helping their employers retain hard-working EMTs. Students will soon complete their national certification and state licensure. We are so proud of these students and wish them great success!

Peer Review Team Coming in Spring 2025

VC will welcome a Peer Review Team (PRT) in Spring 2025 to assess our efforts in supporting student transfers to four-year universities and to strengthen our curricular processes.

University Transfer Center: Our Student Equity Plan highlighted the need for targeted support for Men of Color and part-time students. The PRT will work with the UTC to evaluate its organizational capacity, programmatic offerings, and partnerships to enhance services for these students.

Curricular Transformation: Recognizing the importance of curriculum as a foundation for student learning with equity, we are committed to improving our processes. The PRT will assist in analyzing our current curriculum review processes and recommend strategies for increased efficiency and faculty engagement. This is critical as we navigate multiple legislative issues such as common course numbering, transfer pathways, and others.

Next Steps: The PRT's initial visit will be a listening session, with faculty, classified professionals, and administrators from sister colleges across the state. They will subsequently provide insights and recommendations to guide our efforts. We are enthusiastic about the potential positive impact.

Basic Needs Making a Difference!

Thank you to the Basic Needs Center for organizing a Giving Tree to fulfill the holiday wishes of our students. We are grateful to everyone who picked up a holiday ornament and demonstrated kindness and support with their donations. Gifts will be distributed to 80 students during finals week.

The BNC also partnered with ASVC and the Dreamers Resource Center to host a pop-up Winter Finals Fest. Students enjoyed fun, stress-relieving activities designed to help them power through finals.

Employee Gratitude Celebration and Food Drive

We hosted a Thanksgiving Celebration last month to show gratitude for all the incredible work our staff does to support our students! Employees enjoyed traditional desserts, great company, and the warm sense of community that makes Ventura College so special. Thank you for attending and donating to the CAN-Tree Food Drive to benefit Food Share and to the Giving Tree for our students.

Gratitude Goes a Long Way!

In November our students were treated to a Gratitude Dinner at VCEC, and Gratitude Lunch at VC. Staff served a yummy meal of turkey, mashed potatoes and all of the trimmings. Students were also offered a frozen turkey and all of the extras to take home to prepare a full meal. Thanks to the Basic Needs Center and the Associated Students for making such a difference in our students lives!

Ventura College Fall Athletic Season Wrapping Up

Women’s Water Polo earned their 6th consecutive Southern California Regional berth under Head Coach Linda Wright. The Pirates fell in a hard fought first round game to Cuesta College 11-9. Two Ventura College Cross Country runners, Kevin Ramirez and Brianna Torres represented the Pirates at the 3C2A State Cross Country meet in Fresno on November 23rd. Women’s Soccer earned the #7 seed in the Southern California Regionals and hosted the winner of the San Diego Mesa vs. Citrus match on November 23rd at the VC Sportsplex in the 2nd round of the regionals. Women’s Volleyball hosted a 1st round Southern California Regional match in the VC Athletics Event Center on November 23rd. The Ventura College Football team earned their 13th straight postseason appearance under Head Coach Steve Mooshagian. The Pirates won their season finales with a last minute touchdown in the 2024 Beach Bowl November 27 at VC.

FAFSA & CADAA ARE OPEN!

The 2025-2026 FAFSA and CADAA Applications are open! The Financial Aid Office continues to offer outreach events at local high schools and to students at VC. The FA lab and lobby have been busy! Please encourage your students to apply soon. We will also offer two in-person Cash for College events in February to help students with their applications. Stay tuned for dates and times.

Dreamers Resource Center: Supporting Students with Resources and Events

The DRC team has been busy with community outreach including presentation for ESL students at Frontier High School and on-campus sessions for high school students to highlight resources including assistance with the California Dream Act Application, AB540 affidavit, and free legal services. Last month, they held a Community and Resilience Gathering Workshop with affirmation writing, future letters, and a "Know Your Rights" session. In December, the DRC held a Holiday Ornament event.

The Courage to Dream Award Scholarship, exclusively for Ventura College Dreamers, is accepting applications through March 31, 2025. More details are availabe on the Dreamers Resource Center website. For information, contact Vanessa at vanessa_gonzalez23@vcccd.edu.

VC Foundation General Scholarships

The Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications for the General Scholarship. The Application is open until January 20, 2025. Please spread this news with your students!

• Cash for College - February 8 & 22
• All-College Retreat - SAVE THE DATE! February 28
• Professional Development Opportunities: Click the button below for details

Weekend of Music at the VC Performing Arts Center!

Three Live Performances with Tickets $5 to $15

Perhaps you missed the performance of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane this week, but there's still time to catch three live music events at the VC PAC!

The VC Jazz Band presents their Winter Jazz Concert featuring the full Jazz Band and combos from its members. Director Fundi Legohn and our talented musicians will perform festive Jazz.

Friday, December 6 | 6:30 p.m. | VC Performing Arts Center

Join us for "Fandango," a performance from VC's Chamber and Symphony Orchestras featuring Mozart’s String Quartet no.7; the world premiere of Cabanban’s Limerance; Boccherini’s Quintet no. 4; de Falla’s El Sombrero de Tres Picos; and Bizet’s Carmen Suites Nos. I & II. Guest artists include Kimaree Gilad (oboe), Trisha Merete (flute), Ovanes Arakelyan (piano), Scott Wolff (guitar), and Wendy Castellanos (flamenco dancer). Ashley Walters, director.

Saturday, December 7 | 3 p.m. | VC Performing Arts Center

VC Chamber Music presents "Rhapsody," a diverse musical program directed by Nick Akdag and Ovanes Arakelyan. Sunday, December 8 | 3 p.m. | VC Performing Arts Center

Support VC Pirate Athletics!

Upcoming Home Athletic Events:

Saturday, December 7 | Men's Basketball vs San Bernardino Valley 12 p.m. | Athletic Event Center

Tuesday, December 10 | Men's Basketball vs Bakersfield 6 p.m. | Athletic Event Center

Thursday, December 19 | Women's Basketball vs LA Harbor 6 p.m. | Athletic Event Center

Friday, December 20 | Women's Basketball vs Foothill 6 p.m. | Athletic Event Center

Friday, December 27 | Women's Basketball vs Irvine Valley 6 p.m. | Athletic Event Center

Saturday, December 28 | Women's Basketball vs El Camino 4 p.m. | Athletic Event Center

Wednesday, January 8 | Women's Basketball vs LA Mission 5 p.m. | Athletic Event Center

Wednesday, January 8 | Men's Basketball vs LA Pierce 7 p.m. | Athletic Event Center

Wednesday, January 15 | Women's Basketball vs Santa Barbara 5 p.m. | Athletic Event Center

Wednesday, January 15 | Men's Basketball vs Santa Barbara 7 p.m. | Athletic Event Center

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