Chaffey College News Release

May 22, 2012

Contact:

Peggy Cartwright
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
909/652-6115

For Immediate Release

CHAFFEY COLLEGE AWARDS 2,927 DEGREES/CERTIFICATES IN 2012
AN INCREASE OF 26.9%

(Rancho Cucamonga, CA) The Chaffey College graduating class of 2012 has made college history earning the more degrees and certificates than any other class. At the 2012 commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 24, 2012, college officials will confer 2,927 associate degrees and occupational certificates. This represents a 26.9% increase and 621 more awards presented in 2010-11.

The theme of Dr. Shannon, superintendent/president's speech at the start of the 2011-12 academic year was, "Completion Counts." In this convocation address, he shared the college's completion agenda with the faculty and staff and stressed the importance of improving student success and increasing graduation rates. "Students today need to focus on their academic goals and we are here to provide the resources to help them achieve their goals," said Dr. Shannon.

In president Obama's 2011 State of the Union message, the president stated that community colleges are engine for ensuring a strong economy. President Obama then called for doubling of student graduation rates by the year 2020.

"We all know it's an exciting, yet challenging time for community college students," said Dr. Shannon. The need is for more students to complete college on time and with degrees or certificates that are relevant to the workforce. "Our goal is to increase graduation rates and connect students to good jobs," said Dr. Shannon. "Chaffey College is committed to student success and completion, thereby leading to a more educated and prosperous local economy."

Chaffey College has responded to the completion agenda by creating new programs, revising curriculum, and improving professional development, while continuing to focus on research. "All of these changes are supported by data and sound educational philosophy helping to direct students to what work," said Dr. Sherrie Guerrero, Vice-President of Instruction and Student Services. The college continues to monitor students by understanding their learning styles and academic needs, and creating courses to improve student retention and persistence.

The graduation and student success data reflects the dedication of the Chaffey College administration, faculty and staff.

In the 2011-12 academic year, Chaffey College experienced the:

Highest ever Success Rates and Retention Rates
Highest ever Fall (semester) to Fall (semester) Persistence Rate
Highest ever Success Rate in Foundation Skills Courses

Chaffey College Graduation Data 2011-12

2,927 total awards are to be conferred in 2011-12
The most awards in the college's history.
This represents 621 more awards than the total reported last year (a 26.9% increase over the 2,306 awards conferred in 2010-11).
1,747 students have earned degree or certificates in 2011-2012 (an 18.4% increase over 2010-11) - 1,475 students generated the 2,306 awards conferred in 2010-11).

Associated Degrees

1,658 associate degrees are expected to be conferred (1,230 AA degrees, 428 AS degrees), the most degrees awarded in the college's history and an increase of 29.6% over last year (1,279 degrees conferred in 2010-11).

Career Technical Certificates

1,269 certificates are expected to be conferred in 2011-12, the most in Chaffey's history and 242 more than the 1,027 certificates awarded last year (a 23.6% increase).

Chaffey College continues to be a leader in education, providing access to quality academics, services, and support for students. The college serves over 18,000 students each semester through the three campuses in Rancho Cucamonga, Chino, and Fontana.

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