Current Students

While it may seem like common sense, California Code of Regulations contains specific regulations related to emergency exits. Access to exits must be free of all obstructions or impediments. When exits are not immediately accessible from an open floor plan, safe and continuous passageways, aisles, or corridors leading to those exits must be clear of all obstructions. No hangings or draperies shall be placed over exit doors or otherwise located as to conceal or obscure any exit. No mirrors shall be placed on exit doors or adjacent to any exit. Once you exit the building, do not block roadways or driveways.

It is not just Maintenance & Operations responsibility to ensure that exits are clear, it is everyone’s responsibility. If you notice an exit, aisle, or hallway that is blocked, please submit a Safety and Security request or a School Dude request.

Although we have primary evacuation routes and emergency exits, please take time to familiarize yourself with other exits in the event that the evacuation route and/or emergency exit is blocked.

When we have events on our campus, attendees may not be familiar with our facilities. An important aspect of planning a college-sponsored event is rating the capacity of the facility hosting the event. Overcrowding must be avoided and adequate procedures for controlling the numbers of persons attending an event must be in place.

Limits are predetermined for each room/area used for events at Cerro Coso Community College. If you are unsure of a room/area capacity, you should contact your Administrator or the Director of Maintenance and Operations as soon as planning of the event begins. Furniture should not be removed or brought in to an area in order to boost capacity above the agreed limit. If furniture is brought in to reach the assigned capacity, it should never block or impede established exit routes or doors.

Event leaders must ensure adequate stewardship is provided to prevent the permitted location capacity from being exceeded. In addition, event leaders must be sure to prevent stairs, passageways and entrances from becoming blocked. Stewards must be given the authority to refuse entry when the maximum capacity has been reached.

Links
Report blocked exit, aisle, or hallway.
Asset Essentials

Youtube
Preventing Hazards... Like Him (Fire Exits)

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

One of the best ways to see all that Cerro Coso Community College has to offer the community is to attend an Open House. The Ridgecrest campus will host an Open House for the upcoming spring 2020 semester on Thursday, November 14, 2019 from 3 to 7pm. The event will take place in the newly remodeled Main Building on the second floor at the Student One Stop.   

This is a great opportunity for students, potential students, and community members to tour the campus and explore all the facility changes over the past few years, talk to students about campus life, meet with counselors and financial aid representatives, and learn more about career possibilities. Information and assistance will be provided on: financial aid, Extended Opportunities Programs and Services (EOPS), registration, counseling, academic programs, and more.

Drop-in Advising will take place from 3 to 7pm in the Counseling Department, a Financial Aid Presentation from 3 to 4pm in MB104, Orientation from 4 to 5pm in MB 218, and Career Services from 5 to 5:30pm in the Student Center.   

There is something for everyone at Cerro Coso Community College, and high school students can take advantage of FREE tuition. 

Don’t miss this chance to get a taste of what college life is like at Cerro Coso Community College. Everyone is encouraged to attend, take it all in, ask questions, get answers, and find out why Cerro Coso Community College is the right fit for them.

Early registration begins November 6 and open registration begins November 20, 2019. Stop by the Ridgecrest Campus today or call 760-384-6219.

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

The Cerro Coso Community College Foundation’s President’s Circle offers a unique opportunity to join a select group of like-minded people united to make dreams come true for others. On Thursday, October 24, 2019, a small group of people with a common goal joined together in a commitment to support the college and its students. Other members recognized at the luncheon included: Diamond Level – Mather Bros. Inc.; and Platinum Level – Desert Valley’s Federal Credit Union.

“We are truly grateful for your partnership.  As part of the President’s Circle, you share a special place of distinction in shaping the Cerro Coso community through your boundless generosity,” said College President Board. 

Attendees had the opportunity to hear from Phi Theta Kappa student officers about their fundraising efforts for the Relay for Life, developing a legacy to share with future generations, giving students a voice through a new podcast called “Tumbleweed Talks,” and their upcoming Honors in Action project.

Photo Caption: Student Brynn Turpin, Cerro Coso President Jill Board, Ridgecrest Regional Hospital CEO Jim Suver, CCCC Foundation member Jan Bennett, and students Cameron Reese and Abigail Voigt pose for a picture during the President’s Circle Luncheon held on Thursday, October 24, 2019 at the college.

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

Saalex Corporation, DBA Saalex Solutions—China Lake’s largest defense contractor and the third largest employer in Ridgecrest—has formed an internship program partnership with Cerro Coso Community College in order to drive workforce development locally.

“I am proud to offer local area college students the opportunity to gain valuable experience and jump-start their careers with Saalex Corporation. We all could benefit from their fresh perspectives and knowledge of the latest technology,” said Saalex President/CEO Travis Mack.

Saalex plans to consider student applicants studying in Computer Science, Business Administration, Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology (IT), Mechatronics, Mathematics, Technical Writing, Data & Predictive Analytics, Digital Marketing and Cybersecurity related subjects and/or majors. They are currently recruiting interns for data and systems-based roles, technicians, engineers and managers primarily to work on three major programs with the Navy at Naval Base Ventura County and China Lake: IT, weapons development, and range test and support.

“This kind of public-private partnership, which services industry as well as those seeking employment, is one of the things community colleges do best,” said Cerro Coso President Jill Board. “The college is proud to work alongside Saalex to introduce this new career training partnership.”

At a time when students seek to invest in programs that prepare them to obtain employment in their field of study upon graduation, Cerro Coso is engaging in unique partnerships that fill seats and jobs in a way that draws equal commitment and investment from the employer and the college. “It’s a transformation from the traditional learn, graduate, and then work model to an interactive learn and work/learn and work model,” continued Board. “Collaborating with local employers and government is a key contributor to creating critical job training opportunities for our workforce and a talent pipeline to our region’s employers.”

Saalex Corporation, headquartered in CA, supports the Department of Defense & Federal Government (Army, Navy, Air Force and NASA), and also services commercial businesses and municipalities in various U.S. markets.

Saalex’s Federal division, Saalex Solutions, provides Range Operations and Maintenance, Engineering & Logistics Services, Information Technology Services, and Data Analytics Support Services to the government (most services in direct warfighter support) on multi-year engagements, one with a 15-year term.

Saalex’s commercial division, Saalex IT, is an award-winning Managed Services Provider (MSP) offering a broad range of IT Consulting, Cloud Migration, Network & Data Security and Telecom/VOIP Services.

Now in its 20th anniversary year, Saalex is the third largest employer in the area, and was just featured in the Pacific Coast Business Times on the 2019 Central Coast Best Places to Work List!

Also now categorized officially as a large business—a 600+ employee-owned company (ESOP) with a 70% veteran workforce—Saalex has previously won the PCB Times' Spirit of Small Business Award, and CEO Travis Mack was named to the Business Times’ 40 Under Forty list, and was a proud recipient of the U.S SBA’s Small Business Person of the Year Award for 2015!.

“Our people are our success and hiring a new college intern can contribute to our innovation and growth,” said Mack.

“It is a win-win for everyone,” agreed Board. “Students gain valuable on-site training that enhances their academic studies, and industry has well-trained, ready to work employees available to fill their needs for service and growth.”

Saalex provide all full-time employees with top benefits, including a 401k with a company match 100% vested from day one, tuition reimbursement, corporate learning and development, eligibility to a 529 savings plan, and an employee-owned corporate structure (ESOP).

Deep understanding of industry, state-of-the-art technologies, a drive toward continuous innovation, and a top-down focus on employee growth and career progression have contributed to Saalex’s reputation and company culture.

Picture Caption: Saalex Corporation President/CEO Travis Mack and Cerro Coso Community College President Jill Board welcome new internship partnership that provides current students work-based opportunities.

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

Join the Student Government of Cerro Coso (SGCC) if you dare for a Halloween scare…they’re calling all goblins, ghosts, and creatures of the night. Creep, float, or crawl on over to the SGCC’s Fright Night on Thursday October 24, 2019 from 6:30 to 9:30 pm in the Community Room MB350.

Calling all zombies, vampires, witches, and creatures of the night…you don’t want to miss the Halloween fright.

To miss this bash would be an ‘act of treason’, so don’t dare be late for no good reason.

Drop in if you dare for some mayhem and enjoy some spooky night music, games, photos, and food in your costume. It will be a spooky ghoul time for those who come dressed in the threads of the season. The Goblins will be haunting, the monsters will mash, it’s time to get together for a Halloween bash.

Open to the public entry and parking are free.

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

Cerro Coso Community College is hosting a Career Exploration Day on Tuesday, October 22, 2019, from 1 - 2 p.m. in the College Gym. The public is invited to join local college students and share their occupation aspirations and explore career options with working professionals across many sectors.

What career would you choose? Paralegal, Business, Administration of Justice, Cyber Security, Welding, Nursing, EMT, the possibilities are endless.

Local employers have been invited to participate in the event offering participants the opportunity to talk to those who are employed in fields of interest and preview the programs and services offered locally by the college. Staff from various programs and departments will be on hand to answer questions.

Job seekers in the community are welcome to take this unique opportunity to meet and network with recruiters, learn about companies, their hiring practices, and get questions answered about career possibilities. Bring your resume and dress for success. Parking will not be enforced during the event.

Contact Katie Bachman at outreach@cerrocoso.edu or 760-384-6353 for more information.

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

Monday, October 14^th

• Visit the college website for information, resources and to watch the “Paying for College” and “Know your Legal Rights” webinars provided by Immigrants RISING- Transforming Lives Through Education:

Tuesday, October 15^th

• Register for and participate in the webinar hosted in partnership with the California Community College Chancellor’s Office: Accessing Reputable Legal Support : Learn about the information and tools you can use to explore your immigration options. Get resources on ways you can protect yourself and your family from deportation. 
• Share YOUR Immigrant Story- Throughout the week, you can visit the Student Center to share the story of your immigration or the immigration of a family member(s).  Come to the Student Center and share your unique story!

Wednesday, October 16^th

• Register for and participate in the webinar hosted in partnership with the California Community College Chancellor’s Office: The UndocuHustle: Generating Income, Regardless of Immigration Status: Explore how to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and generate income by starting your own business or working a side hustle! Hear testimonies of undocumented youth who have successfully built their careers with or without work authorization.
• Join us in the Student Center for screenings of:
  SIN PAÍS (20 Min) After raising a family in the U.S. for almost twenty years, Sam and Elida Mejia are deported back to their native Guatemala. With intimate access and striking imagery, Sin País explores the complexities of the Mejia's new reality of a separated family--parents without their children, and children without their parents
  Beyond the Dream (55 Min) In noise surrounding the immigration debate, one important perspective has been left out: that of immigrants themselves. Beyond the Dream gives voice to three young immigrants as they navigate the uncertainty of their twenties and legal status. Follow them on a journey across the country as they learn that it’s not where you're born—but where you go in life—that defines you.
  These movies will be screened throughout the day in the Student Center.  Voter Registration materials will also be provided!

Thursday. October 17^th

• Register for and participate in the webinar hosted in partnership with the California Community College Chancellor’s Office: Thriving with Fear & Building Resilience : A panel of undocumented youth leaders share strategies for harnessing fear through art, therapy and resistance.
• Join us for an Admissions and Financial Aid workshop on College Access and Affording College- Family, friends, and community members are welcome! 6:00-7:30 in EW 218.

Friday, October 18^th

• Register for and participate in the webinar hosted in partnership with the California Community College Chancellor’s Office: Healing Through Art: The Emotional Expression of Art in Social Justice: Learn how the undocumented youth movement historically used art and politics together to create activism: an outlet for the expression of the challenges of being undocumented in America. You will also be able to participate in art making!
• Share YOUR Immigrant Story- Throughout the week, you can visit the Student Center to share the story of your immigration or the immigration of a family member(s).  Come to the Student Center and share your unique story!

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

At 10:17 a.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2019, Cerro Coso Community College staff and students will join millions of Californians when they "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" in the Great California ShakeOut, the largest world-wide earthquake drill.

Following the recent earthquakes in Ridgecrest, now more than ever it is important that we be prepared!

The college uses this opportunity to practice how to prepare for, survive, and recover from a damaging earthquake.

All students, staff, faculty, and visitors are expected to practice "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" and safe evacuation from college buildings to predetermined evacuation points.

The college takes this occasion to test the college phone and emergency notification system—CCAlert—and practice: what to do in an earthquake, safe evacuation, and build on "best practices" and lessons learned.

"Regular and frequent emergency response training provided to all key operational and support staff ensures we are prepared to address any emergency," states Lisa Couch, Vice President of Administration. "Practice makes preparedness and the Great ShakeOut allows us to practice to reduce chaos and confusion during an actual emergency."

More than 52.6 million people are registered to participate in the 2019 Great ShakeOut worldwide. Cerro Coso encourages all to participate in the event. Register today at www.shakeout.org/california/register.

Extensive information is available for the public at www.ShakeOut.org/California/ .

What we do now, before a big earthquake, will determine what our lives will be like afterwards. Register today!

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

Tehachapi, Calif. – Cerro Coso Community College hosted the first statewide educators retreat for approximately eighty attendees teaching face-to-face college programs throughout California’s prisons and jails. Known as BASECAMP 2019: Prison Educators Retreat, the event was held at Tehachapi Mountain Park from September 26-29, 2019, in conjunction with Bakersfield College, Corrections to College California, and New York University’s McSilver Institute. Attendees included College of the Redwoods, Southwestern College, San Diego City College, Cuesta College, Antelope Valley College, Norco College, Imperial Valley College, Allan Hancock College, Columbia College, Folsom Lake College, Chaffey College, Cal State LA, and the Prison University Project in San Quentin.

BASECAMP 2019 focused on professional development opportunities and personal wellness for practitioners in the field during a multi-day retreat in a beautiful natural setting, as opposed to the traditional hotel conference venue. The goal of the event was to promote collaboration and best practices among the college institutions, as well as learn from leading industry experts from NYU’s McSilver Institute regarding trauma-informed care and resiliency. Each morning began with the options for a hike, personal reflection, or a yoga and meditation session led by local instructor Tina Warren-Diaz of Bear Valley Springs Yoga.

Cerro Coso Community College partnered with many local vendors and highly encouraged environmental responsibility, supplying personalized reusable cups to all attendees. The food was catered by Ryan Silas-Groves from The Butcher Shop, who prepared an outstanding selection of meals to a variety of preferences. Also in attendance, were Local Craft Beer (LCB) and Triassic Vineyard representatives providing guests with a sample of Tehachapi’s local libations. A relaxing ambience was provided each night by local musicians Alex and Deja Bruhl, and moments throughout the retreat were captured by local photographer Jeffrey Jacobs. South Street Digital produced the event brochures and agenda. Cerro Coso Community College wanted to represent and highlight the local talents in the Tehachapi community.

Cerro Coso Community College is one of 22 community colleges throughout the State providing direct face-to-face instruction and support services to more than 7,000 students throughout California’s 35 prisons (according to fall 2017 data from California Community College Chancellors Office). Cerro Coso’s Incarcerated Student Education Program operates in California City Correctional Facility and Tehachapi’s California Correctional Institution and is currently serving over 1,100 incarcerated students with 4,875 course enrollments this academic term. Incarcerated students are able to work towards one of seven associate degrees through Cerro Coso’s program and 43 incarcerated student graduates were celebrated in the spring 2019 commencement.

The mission of Cerro Coso Community College is to improve the life of every student it serves. Through traditional and distance delivery, Cerro Coso Community College brings transfer preparation, workforce education, remedial instruction, and learning opportunities that develop ethical and effective citizenry to the rural communities and unincorporated areas of the Eastern Sierra. In doing so, we promise clarity of educational pathways, comprehensive and equitable support services, and a commitment to equity.

For more information about the Incarcerated Student Education Program at Cerro Coso Community College, please visit https://www.cerrocoso.edu/incarcerated-student-education-program. For more information on the BASECAMP event and guest speakers, please visit https://basecamp2019.weebly.com/.

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

Recognizing the Signs of an Abusive Relationship and Getting Help

What is domestic violence and abuse?

When people think of domestic abuse, they often focus on domestic violence. But domestic abuse includes any attempt by one person in an intimate relationship or marriage to dominate and control the other. Domestic violence and abuse are used for one purpose and one purpose only: to gain and maintain total control over you. An abuser doesn’t “play fair.” An abuser uses fear, guilt, shame, and intimidation to wear you down and keep you under their thumb.

Domestic violence and abuse do not discriminate. Abuse happens within heterosexual relationships and in same-sex partnerships. It occurs within all age ranges, ethnic backgrounds, and economic levels. And while women are more often victimized, men also experience abuse—especially verbal and emotional. The bottom line is that abusive behavior is never acceptable, whether from a man, woman, teenager, or an older adult. You deserve to feel valued, respected, and safe.

To determine whether your relationship is abusive, answer the questions below. The more “yes” answers, the more likely it is that you’re in an abusive relationship.

Do you:

• feel afraid of your partner much of the time?
• avoid certain topics out of fear of angering your partner?
• feel that you can’t do anything right for your partner?
• believe that you deserve to be hurt or mistreated?
• wonder if you’re the one who is crazy?
• feel emotionally numb or helpless?

Does your partner:

• humiliate or yell at you?
• criticize you and put you down?
• treat you so badly that you’re embarrassed for your friends or family to see?
• ignore or put down your opinions or accomplishments?
• blame you for their own abusive behavior?
• see you as property or a sex object, rather than as a person?

Does your partner:

• have a bad and unpredictable temper?
• hurt you, or threaten to hurt or kill you?
• threaten to take your children away or harm them?
• threaten to commit suicide if you leave?
• force you to have sex?
• destroy your belongings?

Does your partner:

• act excessively jealous and possessive?
• control where you go or what you do?
• keep you from seeing your friends or family?
• limit your access to money, the phone, or the car?
• constantly check up on you?

Where to turn for help

• Law Enforcement
  • 911 Emergency
  • Kern County Sheriff (661)861-3110
  • Ridgecrest PD (760)499-5000
  • Tehachapi PD (661)822-2222
  • Inyo County Sheriff (760)878-0383
  • Mammoth Lakes PD (760)965-3700
  • Mono County Sheriff (760)932-7549
• Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233(SAFE).
• Family/Friends
• Spiritual Leader
• School counselor
• School Safety Manager
• Women’s Center High Desert 760-371-1969 (IWV, KRV, & EKC)
• Wild Iris Family Counseling & Crisis Center (760)934-2491

Source: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/abuse/getting-out-of-an-abusive-relationship.htm

Articles:
Getting Out of an Abusive Relationship
Help for Men Who Are Being Abused

Videos:
FAQ: How can I get help for a domestic violence issue?
Domestic Violence - What You Need To Know

View on the Cerro Coso College website.