By David Morris
By David Morris
Walking through the campus, activity can be seen on the reconstruction of RCC’s beloved A.G. Paul Quadrangle. The quarter that was missing has been replaced and the fabled clock tower is a tangible reality.
The parking question is answered. Nestled in the northwest corner lies a 1,100-space multilayered concrete structure. Set to meet spring semester rush head on.
This college has shown that it is preparing its facilities to facilitate its most important asset, its students.
Externally the college is gearing for its survival for years to come.
Internally it is becoming more accessible for its students.
Administrators understand that getting students in and getting them out with degree programs and or transfer to a four-year institution is the goal of RCC.
President Daniel Castro claims his ideas may be radical, but they will work.
The old trend of college student first and occupational worker second or not at all is succumbing to college being scheduled around nine to five.
Short term classes and classes being scheduled in the early morning, late at night or on the weekend are enabling students to get to their classes.
According to Castro, RCC needs to look towards future academic and technologies. He states that technology developed in the last 70 years is going to double in the next five. RCC needs to be on the forefront of upcoming advances such as nanotechnology, nuclear medicine, non-pollutant fuels and solar power, he said.
With Riverside City College currently being one campus among two others, Chancellor Salvatore Rotella is looking toward how RCCD can serve the community.
Moving towards three separate campuses he is hoping to serve the community more effectively, with separate institutions that can adjust to the needs of their direct communities.
Rotella also claims that vocational training must be bridged with academic training. The modern worker is geared to be more balanced and adaptable.
Vice President of Academic Affairs Virginia McKee-Leone is concerned with involvement with the accreditation coming in Oct. 2007. The future of the three separate campuses depends upon the success of the accreditation of each individual campus.
The weakness McKee-Leone states is in how closed off the finances of the college are, which only key individuals are involved.
She claims that the greatest asset of the school is the visibility and effectiveness of its vocational programs and curriculum.
