History of Columbia College

Columbia College and Modesto Junior College are the two community colleges located in the Yosemite Community College District. The former Modesto Junior College District was expanded into the larger Yosemite Community College District in 1964 by action of the district electorate. The district is geographically one of the largest in the State and transects more than 100 miles of the fertile San Joaquin Valley from the Coast Range on the west to the Sierra Nevada on the east. The boundaries include nearly 4,000 square miles encompassing all of Tuolumne and Stanislaus Counties and parts of San Joaquin, Merced, Calaveras and Santa Clara Counties. Because of an increase in student enrollment, the need for greater educational opportunities in the mountain counties, and the great distance involved in travel for students to attend Modesto Junior College, the Yosemite Community College District Board of Trustees authorized the formation of Columbia Junior College and scheduled its opening for September, 1968. The word ‘Junior’ was dropped from the College name in 1978. Starting on the quarter system, Columbia College changed to the semester system on July 1, 1984.

Campus and Facilities

Campus buildings are planned around San Diego Reservoir from which wooded foothills join the rugged majesty of the Sierra Nevada. In keeping with the historic atmosphere of the Mother Lode Region, the design concept of the campus is in the architectural style of early California during the Gold Rush Days. In this unusual and picturesque setting, the College is committed to a comprehensive program of academic and occupational education which focuses on the worth and dignity of each student.

Mission Statement

Columbia College is a dynamic institution of learners and creative thinkers dedicated to high standards of student success.  We prepare students to be fully engaged in an evolving world by offering comprehensive and high quality programs and services.  Columbia College is committed to a culture of improvement through measuring student learning across the institution.  We strive for excellence, foster a spirit of professionalism and celebrate diversity.

Approved by the YCCD Board of Trustees on May 9, 2007

Adopted by Columbia College Council on April 6, 2007

Vision Statement

We envision ourselves as an exceptional institution of higher education. 

Columbia College will continue to provide comprehensive, exemplary educational programs and services which respond to the individual learning needs of its students and the collective economic and cultural needs of its diverse communities. 

Columbia College will be a center for transformational learning promoted through critical and creative thinking that is open to change and personal growth; civic, environmental, and global awareness and engagement; and individual and collective responsibility.  We will promote a culture of support for student learning across the institution that adopts a holistic approach.  

Columbia College will use leading edge technologies and showcase facilities to enhance teaching and learning.  Our vision will be realized through outstanding employees who adhere to high standards of excellence while working in partnership with those we serve. 

We envision developing a passion for lifelong learning. 

 Approved by the YCCD Board of Trustees on May 9, 2007

Adopted by Columbia College Council on April 6, 2007

Columbia College Core Values 

The Columbia College community is committed to following a set of enduring Core Values wherein the development of Columbia College meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.  These Core Values will guide the institution through changing times and shape our Vision, Mission and Goals. 

Academic Excellence and Success:  We value the commitment to quality and support continuous improvement through student learning outcomes.  We are committed to providing a comprehensive curriculum and services that support and foster a culture of academic wellness for all of our students. 

Innovation, Professional Development, and Commonality:  We value creativity, risk-taking, and vision.  We value others, ourselves, and our students as unique individuals and embrace the commonalities and the differences that promote the best of who we are. 

Transformational Learning:  We value and promote critical and creative thinking.  We value learning as a lifelong process of change in the pursuit of knowledge and personal growth. 

Vital Community and Access:  We value and believe it is essential to assist the broader community in gaining access to higher education and achieving success in their chosen endeavors.  Columbia College values its role in the community and is dedicated to strengthening and enriching the quality of life of all those we serve.

 Environmental Sustainability:  We value our living planet.  We accept responsibility and adopt practices to protect the environment for future generations and share these values with others.

 Civic Awareness:  We value civic and global awareness.  We promote the understanding and betterment of our planet by engaging our community. 

Shared Decision Making:  We value shared decision making that provides each of us the opportunity to participate in building consensus.  We value individual and collective responsibility and accountability.

 Positive Environment: We value the preservation of the unique environment of Columbia College which is welcoming, pleasing, and safe.

 Collegiality and Professionalism:  We value kindness and respect in all our interactions.  We support, promote and demonstrate understanding, civility, cooperation and mutual respect among all of its employees, students, and community members.

Institutional Wellness:  We value an environment and culture that supports health in which institutional policies, programs, curricula, services and collaborative work with the community promotes and supports health and wellness.

Adopted by Columbia College Council on April 6, 2007