FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
Date: 8/12/2020
Contact: Amanda Simpson
asimpson@barstow.edu
760-252-2411 x7348
Barstow Community College is Prepared to Welcome Back Students, Virtually
Barstow, CA- Barstow Community College is poised and ready to open for its 61st year of educating and empowering students in the high desert. As the fall 2020 semester commences on Monday August 17th in the midst of the COVID Pandemic, the college experience will feel different, but students will continue to be well supported and offered a vast array of new courses and programs as they embark or continue on their educational journey.
Dr. Eva Bagg, Superintendent-President is entering her 4th year leading the Barstow Vikings. During her tenure she has overseen many changes, acquired grants and program funding for career education and to support students’ basic needs, has actively engaged the community and networked with current and future employers in the region and was instrumental in virtually launching the establishment of an innovation ecosystem in the high desert through her work with the Mountain Desert Economic Partnership (MDEP).
“The college is experiencing a real renaissance and rebirth. Through collaboration and innovation, our students get to experience the best in learning from our classroom faculty and wonderful support from our counselors. The college has been competitive in acquiring grants to support Mental Health, was chosen for a pilot grant for Homeless and Housing Insecurity (one of 14 colleges in the 116 college system to receive the grant) and recently was awarded the Growing Inland Achievement innovation grant. The classified staff are actively involved in student learning and support in our virtual environment, and our management team is strong. Our Trustees continue to provide strong leadership and support and are well-known and proud stewards of this college. I am proud of our community network and the collaboration and partnerships we are developing. It’s a good time to be a Viking!” –Dr. Eva Bagg, Superintendent-President
College faculty have been hard at work developing new courses and transfer degrees for student goal attainment. New transfer programs include degrees in Communications, Computer Science, Elementary Teacher Education, Environmental Science, Kinesiology, and Philosophy.
The college is also offering new certificate programs in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Cyber Security, Computer Network Specialist, Management Information Systems and Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Technology.
To view the college catalog and the schedule, visit the college website at: www.barstow.edu
A leader in online and distance education, Barstow Community College knows that students need extra support in this new learning environment. To ease student anxiety and fear, the college has orientation for students new to the online environment and provides embedded tutors in courses as well as free peer tutoring for all subjects. For more information regarding tutoring, online support help, library assistance, and other academic support services, please visit the college website or contact:
- Teaching and Learning Support Center at TLSC@Barstow.edu or (760) 252-7288
- Library Services at Library@Barstow.edu or (760) 252-7270
The college provides a tremendous amount of support for students through online counseling, career education, and transfer support. The college also attends to student’s basic needs through weekly Food Pantry distributions. Associated Student Government President Jose Oregon is making sure that traditional college clubs and Student Government activities continue in the virtual environment. And while college athletic competition has been placed on hold for the fall semester, there are plenty of collegiate activities and events for students to get involved. Additionally, the college is offering mental and emotional health support through Mental Health counseling, and Safe Space Talks. To make an appointment with a counselor, visit our website here or call Counseling at (760) 252-6830.
To educate students as to the many resources and student services the college provides, a virtual Week of Welcome (WOW) is planned to greet all Vikings to the college. Numerous virtual activities and events are planned throughout the week of August 17 – 21. For more information on how to participate: log on to our BCC Website, Download the BCC App, or call our Welcome Center at (760) 252-6796.
While the new Promise program that offers free tuition for First-Time Full-Time students is in place, there are also generous financial aid programs and offerings available for most students. Additionally, BCC is supporting eligible students with CARES Act dollars and has instituted a Technology Loan Program. For more information: Call (760) 252-6769.
While the college opens with new courses, certificates and degrees, the College District is also welcoming and experiencing new changes. The Board of Trustees will now be representing specific areas of the District as opposed to representing the district at-large. Trustees will represent:
Area A – Timothy Heiden – Board President
Area B – Fernando (Fred) Baca - Secretary
Area C – Paul Wilkey – Vice President
Area D – Philip Harris – Member (Foundation Representative)
Area E – Ted Baca – Member (County Representative)
Student Trustee - Alysha Paulino
For more information on how to find what area you reside in and who your area trustee is:
https://ndcresearch.maps.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?appid=d8dda9d67d7c4ec3aa89274ea0f4ee33
To support the work of the college, new administrators are in place for the start of the fall semester:
Vice President of Academic Affairs, Tim Botengan; Vice President of Student Services, Herb English; Dean of Counseling and Student Success, Tanesha Young; Dean of Enrollment Management and Services, Heather Minehart; Dean of Instruction, Academic Support and Online Learning, Dr. Jennifer Rodden, and Director of Public Information, Amanda Simpson.
The Foundation, under the leadership of President Bob Clemmer, continues to support the college through fund-raising for scholarships and college projects. An alumni association is in place for former Vikings. Alumni and community members can contact the Foundation for more information regarding how to get involved and help current students. http://barstowcollegefoundations.org/
Superintendent-President Bagg has a lot to be proud of as her college opens for another academic year.
“It’s not too late to be a part of the Barstow family. Registration for fall courses is going on now. We truly want to be a part of the student’s story as they elevate their story through education.” – Dr. Eva Bagg
Barstow Community College gives us reason to be proud. Make sure to check into all program offerings and support services. Stay connected and keep your education moving forward!
Stay up to date with Barstow Community College:
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/barstow_college
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