The Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD) has solidified its position as the top community college district in Orange County for the 2023-2024 academic year, according to the latest Full-Time Equivalent Student (FTES) Summary Report by Data Mart. RSCCD recorded a remarkable total of 35,852.01 FTES, making it the leading district in the county and placing it fourth statewide. This significant achievement underscores RSCCD's commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education to its students.
An FTES is a critical metric in California's community college system, representing 525 hours of student instruction. The report's findings are based on a comprehensive analysis of instructional hours accumulated during the Spring 2024 semester. RSCCD's FTES figure includes both credit and non-credit students, with 21,636.91 credit FTES and 14,215.09 non-credit FTES. This distinction highlights the district's ability to cater to a diverse student population, offering a wide range of educational opportunities.
As a two-college district with Santiago Canyon College (SCC) and Santa Ana College (SAC), RSCCD ranks just behind the Los Angeles Community College District, Los Rios Community College District, and San Diego Community College District—all of which are multi-college districts with greater resources and larger student populations. This ranking highlights RSCCD's efficiency and effectiveness in maximizing its resources to benefit its students, a key objective of the district's Strategic Directives.
RSCCD's Strategic Directives are a cornerstone of the district's strategy, guiding its educational offerings, facilities, and student services. They emphasize innovation, inclusivity, and the development of programs that meet the evolving needs of the community. The district's ability to lead in FTES is a testament to the successful implementation of these directives, prioritizing student success, academic excellence, and workforce readiness.
“This accomplishment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff, and administration at Santiago Canyon College and Santa Ana College," said Marvin Martinez, Chancellor of RSCCD. “Our board of trustees has been instrumental in directing our efforts, ensuring that our mission to provide a comprehensive and flexible education is fulfilled. Being recognized as the top district in Orange County and among the top in the state affirms our commitment to this mission and our long-term strategic goals."
With the start of a new school year, RSCCD remains focused on expanding educational opportunities, enhancing student services, and ensuring its facilities support a dynamic learning environment. The district's commitment to its mission and strategic vision positions it as an education leader within Orange County and the state.
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