Area Survey Shows Support For Pasadena City College Upgrades

A recently commissioned independent survey of respondents within the Pasadena Area Community College District shows that residents highly value Pasadena City College’s affordable transfer opportunities for students entering four-year university and college systems, as well as the college’s educational and job training resources for veterans.

The survey, conducted April 3 through 10 by the highly respected opinion research firm of Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates (FM3), also identified academic and facility priorities as the college considers how best to upgrade its campuses for the future.

Among other findings, respondents indicated that all classrooms and buildings should meet California earthquake standards and be upgraded to continue to prepare students for nursing, science, technology, engineering, math, and job training skills. Further, nearly two-thirds of respondents indicated that they believe Pasadena City College is well-run and serves the community’s needs.

“I am very proud of the job our faculty and staff do, and am thrilled that the communities we serve agree that the PCC team is doing a great job,” said Rajen Vurdien, the college’s superintendent/president. “We must ensure that our students—including returning veterans and high school students—can continue to have access to excellent, affordable education when earning college credits towards a two-year degree, a certificate to improve their job skills, or transfer to a four-year institution.”

When asked about a potential education bond measure to address college needs, as much as 71% of likely November 2016 voters would support a bond of up to $888 million. Any potential bond measure proceeds would be required to be spent locally on college projects, and by law would be subject to strict accountability requirements, independent annual financial audits, and review by a Citizens’ Oversight Committee.

A summary of the survey results is available for download.