Consumer Information
Information about Cerro Coso Community College
Student records are protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, state law, and Kern Community College District Board Policy from access by casual or unauthorized persons. Access to records is provided to the student, appropriate college staff members, persons having written consent of the student, or by court order or subpoena.
The Privacy Act affords Cerro Coso Community College the right to release such "Directory Information" as the student's name, address, email address, photographs, telephone number, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended. If a student does not want this information released, the student must check the confidentiality requested box on the admission/update forms.
Present and former Cerro Coso Community College students are given the right to inspect, review, and challenge the contents of all educational records related to them. No information contained in their educational records may be released without their consent, except to those agencies or individuals authorized by the Act.
Students wishing to inspect, review, or challenge any of their educational records must contact Admissions and Records (760) 384-6374.
Cerro Coso Community College will make reasonable accommodations and/or academic adjustments to ensure that students with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in the college's courses, programs, and activities, including extracurricular activities. Students with disabilities who are requesting academic accommodations or auxiliary aids should contact the Access Programs Office at (760) 384-6250. Participation by students with disabilities in Special Services is voluntary. Any student choosing not to participate in the program may elect an alternate path for services through the Office of Student Learning. See the Vice President of Student Services for options or alternatives to services otherwise provided by Access Programs.
The Disabled Student Program and Services provides assistance for students with various types of disabilities (visual and hearing impairments, speech and communication problems, physical and brain injuries, learning disabilities, psychological problems, etc.) as well as for persons referred for training by rehabilitation agencies.
| Attendance Status | |
|---|---|
| Full-time | 17% |
| Part-time | 83% |
| Student Gender | |
| Female | 54% |
| Male | 46% |
| Student Age | |
| 24 and under | 43% |
| 25 and over | 57% |
| Age unknown | 0% |
| Student Ethnicity | |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | 3% |
| Asian | 4% |
| Black or African American | 6% |
| Hispanic/Latino | 25% |
| Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander | 0% |
| White | 57% |
| Two or more races | 4% |
| Race/ethnicity unknown | 1% |
| Student Residence | |
| In-state | 95% |
| Out-of-state | 0% |
| Foreign countries | 0% |
| Unknown | 5% |
Source: National Center for Educational Statistics | College Navigator for CCCC from Fall 2022.
Students may need to buy textbooks, laboratory manuals, notebooks, writing materials, and miscellaneous supplies as determined by their instructors. It is estimated that the cost of books and supplies will be $550 to $650 per semester for a 15-unit schedule. Books may be purchased at eCampus bookstore which is open year-round except during college holidays.
Cerro Coso encourages eligible students to register to vote. Students may access the California Voter Registration through the Update Form when registering for classes, or directly at the California Secretary of State's Voter Registration page.
Credits Transferred from Other Institutions
Credit earned from other accredited institutions may be transferred to Cerro Coso Community College upon admission. Students will provide official transcripts in a sealed envelope from the institution or electronically through e-transcripts California. Transcripts submitted become the property of Cerro Coso Community College and cannot be returned to the student nor be forwarded to another institution. When a student has three consecutive years of non-attendance at Cerro Coso Community College, transcripts from other institutions will be purged from the student's record. Students planning to graduate or transfer with certification from Cerro Coso Community College, or needing to use courses from another college/university as a prerequisite, must submit all official transcripts to Cerro Coso Community College. Transcripts should be sent to:
Cerro Coso Community Collegec/o Admissions and Records Office
3000 College Heights Blvd.
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
An evaluation of submitted transcripts can be requested online or at the counseling office of the student's local campus.
General Education Options to Transfer
Universities and colleges prescribe their standards of eligibility for transfer. Students expecting to transfer to a four-year institution should carefully check entrance requirements. Cerro Coso Community College students who maintain high scholarship and who complete the required pattern of courses may expect to make a satisfactory transfer to the institution of their choice and achieve junior standing. Students planning to eventually transfer to a four-year institution should make an appointment with a college counselor or educational advisor at the earliest possible date to plan an appropriate course of study.
Associate Degrees for Transfer
California Community Colleges are now offering associate degrees for transfer to the CSU. These may include Associate in Arts (AA-T) or Associate in Science (AS-T) degrees. These degrees are designed to provide a clear pathway to a CSU major and baccalaureate degree. California Community College students who are awarded an AA-T or AS-T degree are guaranteed admission with junior standing somewhere in the CSU system and given priority admission consideration to their local CSU campus or to a program that is deemed similar to their community college major. This priority does not guarantee admission to specific majors or campuses.
Students who have been awarded an AA-T or AS-T are able to complete their remaining requirements for the 120-unit baccalaureate degree within 60 semester or 90 quarter units.
Current and prospective community college students are encouraged to meet with a counselor to review their options for transfer and to develop an educational plan that best meets their goals and needs.
Independent California Colleges and Universities
Students who transfer to independent colleges or universities find that they are given academic credit for most, if not all, of their community college courses. Virtually all institutions give full credit for general education courses and usually for other courses designed for transfer by the community college.
Some colleges and universities stipulate a certain number of completed units before considering students eligible for transfer. Others do not and will accept students at any time.
The requirements are outlined in the respective college catalogs available online and in the Career and Transfer Center at the IWV campus.
University of California (UC)
Transfer students may fulfill the lower division breadth and general education requirements for the University of California by completing the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC).
Transfer students may be admitted to the University of California by achieving a grade point average of 2.40 in a minimum of 60 units of community college work designated as UC transferable.
Students may transfer a maximum of 70 community college units to a UC. After 70 units of transferable credit have been earned, no further unit credit will be granted for community college courses, although courses may still be used to satisfy subject matter requirements.
Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC)—The Intersegmental Committee of the Academic Senates approved the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC). The IGETC is a series of courses that community college students can use to satisfy lower division general education requirements at any CSU or UC campus.
Prior to transferring, the student must request that the Cerro Coso Community College's Office of Admissions and Records send an IGETC Certification to the appropriate campus. This Certification is subject to change if the student does not maintain continuous enrollment at Cerro Coso Community College.
California State University (CSU)
Students who were ineligible for the California State University on the basis of their high school record may be admitted by achieving a grade point average of 2.0 in a minimum of 60 units of community college work designated as baccalaureate level including making up any missing college preparatory subject requirements. Students who were eligible on the basis of their high school record may transfer at any time so long as the community college grade point average is 2.0 or higher.
Students may transfer a maximum of 70 community college units to a state university. After 70 units of transferable credits have been earned, no further unit credit will be granted for community college courses, although courses may still be used to satisfy subject matter requirements.
California State University Certification Requirement—Students desiring transfer to the California State University system may conform to either (1) the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or (2) CSU General Education Certification. A course taken at another participating institution may be included on Cerro Coso Community College's certification list if the course would have been certified at the other institution. Students should consult the catalog of the state university of their choice for specific general education information. In some instances, courses required for a given major may not be used for general education purposes even though they are included in the general education list of acceptable courses. Students preparing for a teaching career should become aware of the general education requirements for specific credentials. Students are advised to consult with their counselors for additional information.
ASSIST
ASSIST is a web-based articulation and transfer planning system. It describes how course credits earned at one California community college can be applied when transferred to a UC or CSU. ASSIST is the official repository of articulation for California’s colleges and universities and, therefore, provides the most accurate and up-to-date information available about student transfer in California. For further information, see a counselor.
Information on the level and transfer applicability of each course can be can be found in the College Catalog.
Cost of Attendance - 2022-2023
Estimated expenses for academic year 2022-2023
In-state away from home
| Expense | Amount |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1125 |
| Computer Expenses | $500 |
| Personal | $3,843 |
| Room and Board | $17,253 |
| Tuition and Fees | $1,380 |
| Transportation | $918 |
| Total Expenses | $25,019 |
Non Resident away from home
| Expense | Amount |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1125 |
| Computer Expenses | $500 |
| Personal | $3,843 |
| Room and Board | $17,253 |
| Tuition and Fees | $9,330 |
| Transportation | $918 |
| Total Expenses | $32,969 |
In-state at home
| Expense | Amount |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1125 |
| Computer Expenses | $500 |
| Personal | $3,276 |
| Room and Board | $9,081 |
| Tuition and Fees | $1,380 |
| Transportation | $999 |
| Total Expenses | $16,361 |
Non Resident at home
| Expense | Amount |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1125 |
| Computer Expenses | $500 |
| Personal | $3,276 |
| Room and Board | $9,081 |
| Tuition and Fees | $9,330 |
| Transportation | $999 |
| Total Expenses | $24,311 |
Last updated on June 13, 2022
Withdrawal Procedures
Withdrawing from Courses
Students are responsible for officially withdrawing from any course or courses in which they no longer wish to be enrolled. After registration has been completed, and within the withdrawal date guidelines, students may drop from a course or courses through the web registration system, InsideCC. Non-attendance or non-payment does not release the student from this responsibility and may result in a failing grade being awarded and fees owed.
A student may drop a course and receive a "W" up to and including the last day of the 10th week of instruction or the first 60% of the term, whichever is less.
Courses dropped prior to the third week or first 20% of the term will not be included as part of the student's permanent record. For courses dropped from the third week to the withdrawal deadline date, a "W" will be recorded. After the withdrawal deadline, a grade symbol other than a "W" will be recorded. It is not appropriate to use an "I" (incomplete) as a withdrawal grade.
Although a "W" will not be used to calculate grade point average, excessive "W's" shall be used as factors in progress probation and disqualification.
- It is the student's responsibility to drop courses prior to the 10% date of enrolled courses and to apply for a refund.
- It is the student's responsibility to drop courses prior to the 20% date of enrolled courses in order to avoid notation of the courses on the student's permanent record.
- It is the student's responsibility to withdraw from courses prior to the 60% date to receive a "W" in these courses and to avoid substandard grades on the student's permanent record.
While it is the final responsibility of students to drop a course that they are no longer attending, instructors may, at their discretion, drop a student without consultation with the student when unexcused absences number the equivalent of two weeks or exceed 10% of the total hours of the course. Under these circumstances, this instructor-initiated drop can occur up to the 10th week of the semester or the 60% date of the course. No student may be dropped from any course after the 10th week of a course; after the 10th week the student will be assigned the appropriate letter grade.
Drop dates for short-term and summer courses vary. Check with the instructor for specific dates.
Official withdrawal from a course is accomplished through logging on to the web registration system, InsideCC, and dropping the course. Simply ceasing to attend a course does not constitute withdrawal.
Withdrawal after Deadline
A student may contact the Vice President of Student Services regarding the procedure to drop or withdraw after the final withdrawal date deadline if there are verifiable extenuating circumstances. Examples of verifiable extenuating circumstances may be: accidents, illness, death of an immediate family member, or other circumstances beyond the control of the student. A withdrawal petition must be signed by the student, instructor, and the Vice President of Student Services. Documentation of extenuating circumstance will be required. This request must be submitted within one term of the end of the semester of the petition.
In the case of students who are members of an active or reserve military service, and who received orders compelling a withdrawal from courses, the college shall permit withdrawal at any time during the term with no adverse impact on a student’s academic record or enrollment status.
Students in any other situations will be required to keep their grade, meet the contract of their incomplete grades if appropriate, and pay their fees.
Withdrawing from the College
Students who find it necessary to withdraw from the college are required to return all checked-out supplies, equipment, and library books, and pay all fines and debts owed the college.
Any account balance older than 120 days may be subject to the collections process.
Information on Academic Programs can be found in the College Catalog or on the Programs Offered webpage.
Cerro Coso Community College provides instructional facilities and laboratories at Ridgecrest/Indian Wells Valley, Lake Isabella/Kern River Valley, Edwards AFB/East Kern, and ESCC Bishop and Mammoth Lakes sites to support each site's academic programs. Please see the department chair or the site director for specific information. Department chairs and site directors are listed in the alphabetical directory.
Information on Faculty can be found in the College Catalog.
Cerro Coso Community College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, 10 Commercial Boulevard, Suite 204, Novato, California, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. It meets all standards of the California State Department of Education. The college and its programs are also approved by the California Community College Board of Governors, the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians, and the California Department of Education for the enrollment of veterans. The University of California, the California State University System, and other universities and colleges give full credit for appropriate courses completed at Cerro Coso Community College.
In order to comply with the federal regulation requiring the development of educational programming to celebrate Constitution Day on September 17th of each year, Cerro Coso Community College's Student Activities Office provides faculty, students and staff with access to U.S. Constitution Day educational resources, guest lectures and free pocket size U.S. Constitution books.
The Board of Trustees of the Kern Community College District, in support of public education and the exercise of general supervision of the campuses of the district, believes that student conduct must reflect the standards of good behavior expected by society. Since public education is furnished by the people of the district, it becomes a privilege for students to have this opportunity to further their education.
Students shall respect constituted authority. This shall include conformance to state laws, board regulations, college regulations, and applicable provisions of civil law.
Students are expected to observe high personal standards of decency, morality, honesty, and social relationships. Student conduct should reflect consideration for the rights of others, and students are expected to cooperate with all members of the Cerro Coso Community College community. (KCCD Board Policy 4F8B)
Failure to respect the standards as set forth by Cerro Coso Community College may be cause for disciplinary action.
The Cerro Coso Community College Student Conduct Policy may also be found in the Cerro Coso Community College Student Handbook.
Financial Aid
Cerro Coso’s Financial Aid web pages provide links to information about federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs. You can also find details on Cerro Coso’s refund policy, withdrawal requirements, return of Title IV funds, and the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy.
Click on each item for more information.
Students can review their rights and responsibilities related to financial assistance.
Get information about educational loans, including required entrance and exit counseling.
Get information about Title IV credit arrangements with BankMobile, including required disclosures and contracts.
Information Regarding Student Outcomes
In compliance with the Student Right-To-Know (SRTK) Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-542), it is the policy of our college district to make available its completion and transfer rates to all current and prospective students. Beginning in Fall 2019, a cohort of all certificate-, degree-, and transfer-seeking first-time, full-time students were tracked over a three year period. Their completion and transfer rates are listed above. These rates do not represent the success rates of the entire student population at the College nor do they account for student outcomes occurring after this three year tracking period.
A student is included in the Completion Rate if they attained a certificate or degree or became “transfer prepared” within the three-year period, from Fall 2019 to Spring 2022. Transfer-prepared is defined as having completed 60 transferable units with a GPA of 2.0 or better.
A student is included in the Transfer Rate if during a five semester period, from Spring 2020 to Spring 2022, they transferred to another postsecondary institution, prior to attaining a degree, certificate, or becoming "transfer-prepared."
The table below compares Cerro Coso Community College's Completion and Transfer Rates to the statewide community college average.
| 2019 SRTK Cohort | ||
|---|---|---|
| Cerro Coso | State Wide | |
| Completion Rate | 29.11% | 34.28% |
| Transfer Rate | 12.03% | 8.62% |
These rates do not represent the completion and transfer rates of the entire student population at Cerro Coso Community College, nor do they account for student outcomes occurring after this three-year tracking period. For more information on SRTK methodology, interpretation, and rates at other community colleges, you can visit the California Community Colleges SRTK/FTF Cohort Study Reporting website.
Per California Assembly Bill (AB) 2086, the following information is made available to provide access to California license examination passage rates for graduates of Cerro Coso Community College programs that require California licensure.
Data will continue to be updated as California licensing/regulatory agencies make the data electronically available.
| Name of Program and Exam | Licensure Exam Pass Rate | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Vocational Nursing - BVNPT Exam | 2021: No Testers 2020: 12 taken, 83% pass 2019: 12 taken, 92% pass 2018: 14 taken, 93% pass 2017: 15 taken, 87% pass |
Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians |
| EMT | 2019: 31 taken, 81% pass 2018: 46 taken, 78% pass 2017: 40 taken, 75% pass 2016: 28 taken, 86% pass 2015: 26 taken, 69% pass |
National Registry of EMTs Personnel Pass Rates |
Information to come.
| Reporting Year: | 7/21/2021 - 6/30/2022 |
|---|---|
| Reporting Official: | John McHenry |
| Title: | Athletic Director |
| Phone: | (760) 384-6148 |
| Sanctioning Body: | CCCAA |
| Number of Full-time Undergraduates: | 797 |
| Men: | 419 |
| Women: | 378 |
| Number of participants as of the day of the first scheduled contest | ||
|---|---|---|
| Varsity Teams | Men's Teams | Women's Teams |
| Baseball | 41 | N/A |
| Basketball | 15 | 11 |
| Soccer | 17 | |
| Softball | N/A | 12 |
| Volleyball | 10 | |
| Total Participants Men's and Women's Teams | 56 | 39 |
| Unduplicated Count of Participants (Number of individuals who participated on at least one varsity team.) |
56 | 39 |
Coaching Staff and Salaries: Head Coaches - Men's Teams
| Male Head Coaches | Female Head Coaches | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varsity Teams | Assigned to Team on a Full-Time Basis | Assigned to Team on a Part-Time Basis | Full-Time Institution Employee | Part-Time Institution Employee or Volunteer | Assigned to Team on a Full-Time Basis | Assigned to Team on a Part-Time Basis | Full-Time Institution Employee | Part-Time Institution Employee or Volunteer | Total Head Coaches |
| Baseball | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||||||
| Basketball | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||||||
| Coaching Position Totals | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Coaching Staff and Salaries: Head Coaches - Women's Teams
| Male Head Coaches | Female Head Coaches | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varsity Teams | Assigned to Team on a Full-Time Basis | Assigned to Team on a Part-Time Basis | Full-Time Institution Employee | Part-Time Institution Employee or Volunteer | Assigned to Team on a Full-Time Basis | Assigned to Team on a Part-Time Basis | Full-Time Institution Employee | Part-Time Institution Employee or Volunteer | Total Head Coaches |
| Soccer | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||||||
| Softball | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||||||
| Volleyball | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||||||
| Coaching Position Totals | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
Coaching Staff and Salaries: Head Coaches' Salaries
| Men's Teams | Women's Teams | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Annual Institutional Salary per Head Coach | $31,542 | $26,375 |
| Number of Head Coaches Included in Average | 2 | 3 |
| Average Annual Institutional Salary per FTE | $126,167 | $158,251 |
| Number of FTEs Included in Average | 0.50 | 0.50 |
Coaching Staff and Salaries: Assistant Coaches - Men's Teams
| Male Assistant Coaches | Female Assistant Coaches | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varsity Teams | Assigned to Team on a Full-Time Basis | Assigned to Team on a Part-Time Basis | Full-Time Institution Employee | Part-Time Institution Employee or Volunteer | Assigned to Team on a Full-Time Basis | Assigned to Team on a Part-Time Basis | Full-Time Institution Employee | Part-Time Institution Employee or Volunteer | Total Assistant Coaches |
| Baseball | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||||||
| Basketball | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||||||
| Coaching Position Totals | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Coaching Staff and Salaries: Assistant Coaches - Women's Teams
| Male Assistant Coaches | Female Assistant Coaches | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varsity Teams | Assigned to Team on a Full-Time Basis | Assigned to Team on a Part-Time Basis | Full-Time Institution Employee | Part-Time Institution Employee or Volunteer | Assigned to Team on a Full-Time Basis | Assigned to Team on a Part-Time Basis | Full-Time Institution Employee | Part-Time Institution Employee or Volunteer | Total Assistant Coaches |
| Soccer | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||||||
| Softball | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||||||
| Volleyball | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||||||
| Coaching Position Totals | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
Coaching Staff and Salaries: Assistant Coaches' Salaries
| Men's Teams | Women's Teams | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Annual Institutional Salary per Head Coach | $11,275 | $3,650 |
| Number of Head Coaches Included in Average | 2 | 3 |
| Average Annual Institutional Salary per FTE | $112,750 | $54,750 |
| Number of FTEs Included in Average | 0.20 | 0.20 |
Source: The Equity in Athletics Data Analysis Cutting Tool, July 25, 2023.
Information Regarding Health and Safety
Substance Abuse Policy
In accordance with Public Law 101-226, "Drug Free Schools and Communities Acts Amendment of 1989" Cerro Coso Community College prohibits the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students, faculty, or staff on the premises of the college property. Any student or employee in violation of this policy is subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the college or termination from employment. In addition, persons that are not students or employees of the college, while they are on college property, are required to adhere to the standards of conduct applicable to the Cerro Coso students and to abide by all Kern Community College District Board Policies.
Financial Aid Ineligibility Due to a Drug Offense
A conviction for any drug related offense, during the period of enrollment for which a student is receiving funding under any federal or state law involving the possession or sale of illegal drugs will result in the loss of eligibility for any federal and or state grant, loan, or work-study assistance. Students with a conviction for any drug related offense may petition to have Financial Aid eligibility reinstated pending verification of satisfactory completion of an approved rehabilitation program that meets the standards set by Congress and the Department of Education. You will regain eligibility effective on the date that you successfully complete the program.
Alcohol Abuse and Violations
From the Student Conduct Policy: The use, sale, possession, or being under the influence of alcohol or any other controlled substance prohibited by law, on campus or at any function sponsored or supervised by the College.
Need Help?
If you are experiencing problems with substance abuse or need some preventative assistance, counseling, or a referral of a treatment center, please contact the Cerro Coso Counseling Office at (760) 384-6219, or the College Community Services Center, 1400 Norma St. Suite 133, Ridgecrest, CA 93555.
Regaining Eligibility after a Drug Violation
Students with a conviction for any drug related offense may petition to have Financial Aid eligibility reinstated pending verification of satisfactory completion of an approved rehabilitation program that meets the standards set by Congress and the Department of Education. Suggested programs are listed below, but verify with the Vice President of Student Services ((760) 384-6249) before starting the program. You will regain eligibility effective on the date that you successfully complete the program.
- Alcoholics Anonymous (760) 371-9120
More information can be found online at:
- College Drinking: Changing the Culture (NIAA)
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SMAMSHA)
- Smoking and Tobacco Use (CDC)
This information can be found online:
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