Southwestern Community College District, the only public institution of higher education in southern San Diego County, provides services to a diverse community of students by providing a wide range of dynamic and high-quality academic programs and comprehensive student services, including those offered through distance education. The College District also stimulates the development and growth of the region through its educational, economic and workforce opportunities, community partnerships and services. Southwestern Community College District is the premier public institution of higher education in Southern San Diego County that serves a diverse community of students by providing quality academic programs, comprehensive student support services that ensure equitable access, and clear pathways to student success.Southwestern Community College District promotes learning and success to prepare students to become critical thinkers and engaged life-long learners/global citizens. The District is committed to continuous improvements through the use of data-informed planning, implementation, and evaluation. Southwestern Community College District utilizes a variety of instructional modalities to provide educational and career opportunities in the following areas: Associate degree and certificate programs, transfer, professional, technical and career advancement, foundational skills, personal enrichment, and continuing education. Southwestern College is the leader in equitable education that transforms the lives of students and communities.Southwestern College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC). Accredited colleges are recognized by the United States Department of Education (DOE) as providing educational programs, services, and training that meet acceptable levels of quality. Southwestern College has maintained its accredited status since it opened in 1961.The accreditation process assists colleges in improving institutional effectiveness to ensure colleges offer high quality educational programs and services. During the 2015-2022 Accreditation Cycle, Southwestern College continues its focus on providing the community with high quality educational programs and services. Areas of particular focus include:Supporting Student Learning Outcome (SLO) assessment and the use of SLO results to make improvementsBolstering Distance Education (DE) offerings and servicesMaintaining an environment that promotes inclusivity, civility, and diversitySouthwestern College has maintained its accredited status since it opened in 1961.Vision StatementSouthwestern College is the leader in equitable education that transforms the lives of students and communities.Value StatementsStudent Success - Southwestern College provides a student-centered environment, through equitable access, opportunity, support, and clear pathways that enable students to achieve their educational and professional goals.Equity - Southwestern College intentionally identifies and removes barriers to cultivate success for all, and purposely addresses the effects of systemic inequities.Scholarship - Southwestern College inspires students to become lifelong learners and responsible global thinkers.Professional Excellence - Southwestern College continuously supports and educates all employees to ensure effective collaboration, support student success, and uphold the highest professional standards.Cultural Proficiency - Southwestern College engages in cultural proficiency by providing a rich learning environment that embraces our cultural differences and experiences.Sustainability of Stewardship - Southwestern College utilizes natural, financial and physical resources effectively, equitably, and respectfully.Community - Southwestern College bridges the gap between higher education, civic engagement, and economic well-being to the community we serve.Inclusionary Practices - Southwestern College actively honors and respects diversity to foster a safe and welcoming community where all are inspired to participate and realize a sense of belonging.Current enrollment at all locations exceeds 19,000 students. Of the more than 1,100 community colleges nationwide, Southwestern College consistently places in the top 100 in the number of associate degrees conferred.[citation needed] The college mascot is the Jaguar, changed from an Apache amid local and national concerns about using Native American peoples as mascots.
Watch the videos to learn about the student life-cycle and the teaching environment at the University.