Welcome from the Golden West College President

You are starting college during one of California’s most economically challenging times. This crisis has negatively impacted every family in some way and it has been particularly difficult for educators as we try to help our students begin down their educational pathway. We take great pride in our state’s Higher Education Master Plan — it is the best in the world and guarantees educational opportunities for every college bound student. Unfortunately, we now face a shortage of funding for needed classes and the state’s universities are rejecting qualified students because of their budget woes. Your trip down an educational pathway may be slowed, but we know that as students, you are the key to the state’s future economic recovery and we are committed to helping you reach your goals. I am confident that with our top-notch educators and dedicated students working together, you will get a successful start on your college career.

We are not the only one facing this budget crisis and we know that reductions happen and will continue to happen for the next few years. It may seem like a bleak time to start college and I am not promising that it will be easy, but I am promising our dedication to helping you meet your educational goals. Lines may be a little longer and things may take a little more time, but if I can ask for your understanding and patience, we will continue to do our best to serve you with these limited resources.

I think it’s important that you realize the extent of the budget cuts and how they will impact your campus experience.

Winter Intersession (2010) has been suspended for this year – there will be no Intersession classes.
Fees have increased from $20.00 to $26.00 per unit – all of these fees go to the state.
The state cut our college budget by 5%, state-funded student support services by 30-60% and class funding by 3.5% or 3,893 classroom seats – you may experience a decrease in class offerings and services.
The State also reduced funding for Student Assessment, Counseling, Basic Skills, CARE, EOP&S, CalWORKS, Disabled Students, and Tutoring, as well as other student support services.
The State reduced funding for our Physical Plant maintenance, custodians, grounds keepers, supplies, and equipment – this will cause delays in response and repairs.
All funds were eliminated for Instructional Equipment, Technology, Library Database Fees and purchasing new books – this will hamper our ability to ensure access to the technology, lab equipment and research materials that you need to succeed in class.

There is good news, however, because people find strength to meet the challenges life brings to them. Good people pull together around common goals and tell each other “we can do this.” We have a sense of mission and a commitment to our students’ education.

This fall staff members across Golden West – in every office, at every telephone, on every computer, as well as faculty in classrooms and online extended help to our students – helped more students than the year before. We helped them get registered, get into classes, find the right room, get the right book, find a counselor and get settled into school. We hope we can do the same for you this spring.

We know our students depend on us for classes to help them get a job, transfer to a four year college, obtain the retraining for career advancement, or improve their basic skills. So I encourage YOU to get an early start. Be at the front of the line. Don’t wait until the end. Look in the back of this schedule for some tips on where you can get some help and some things you can do to navigate in these tough times.

Wes Bryan
President of Golden West College

Welcome from the Golden West College Associated Students President 2008-09

Welcome to Golden West College!

When I first came to Golden West College, it was one of the most exciting experiences of my life. Whenever I needed guidance, there were always friendly students, professors, faculty, staff, and administrators to point me in the right direction. I can guarantee each and every student that you will gain a better perspective and appreciation when you hear the words “for the students,” because at Golden West College everyone is here to help you.

By attending Golden West College, you have taken another step into a new chapter of your life. Whatever your educational goal may be, our campus is filled with faculty, staff, and administrators ready and willing to assist you.

During your journey at this campus, take advantage of the many opportunities Golden West College has to offer you. Our student services—Tutoring Center, Financial Aid, Counseling Center, Student Health Center, Transfer Center, EOPS/CARE Program, Associated Students, and Learning Resource Center—are designed to help you accomplish the goals you have set for yourself at Golden West College.

On behalf of the Associated Students of Golden West College, we welcome you and
wish you an amazing year!

David Lopez
President of the Associated Students GWC 2008/09