Aug 22, 2024 | Community, News
COOS BAY, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College invites community members to join us for a mid-cycle review of the College’s 10-year Master Facilities Plan. Southwestern will host an open house from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, Sept. 9, 2024 at the Hales Center for the Performing Arts lobby, on the Coos Campus, 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay.
Members of the public will have an opportunity to visit with planners and college staff, view conceptual schematics, ask questions, and share thoughts. The College held a similar session at the Curry Campus in July.
Input from students, staff and the community members is valuable in helping adapt facilities to serve future needs on both campuses, with a vision toward leading and inspiring lifelong learning on the south Oregon coast.
The facilities plan provides guidance on possible building renovations and use, historical significance and designations, and transportation/circulation. Other topics for discussion will include athletic facility needs and proposed improvement to Fairview Hall to accommodate advanced manufacturing, machining, and apprenticeship. There also will be an opportunity to review the College’s proposed improvements to the Coos Campus trail system, with future segments identified for development, including improved connection to Coos Bay’s John Topits Park.
In updating the plan, the College is striving to manage its facilities with a long-term view toward providing the foundation for economic, social and environmental sustainability of the campuses.
Following the Master Plan open house, the College will host a public celebration and officially open the newly renovated Coaledo and Sumner Halls from 4:30 to 6 pm.
Coaledo Hall will features a new lab for the forestry and agroecology programs, space for heavy equipment simulator training, and a computer science lab. Sumner Hall will house the paramedicine program and a state-of-the art dental assisting suite, rejuvenating a program in dental health.
Aug 20, 2024 | Community, Curry Campus, News
Coos Bay, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College is offering free GED® and Adult Basic Education classes fall term 2024. These classes prepare individuals to take the GED® exam and update skills to enroll in college or career training programs. Students enrolled in these classes can build a pipeline to enter college, training programs, and jobs in high-demand career areas.
We will have three options for GED® and Adult Basic Education classes next term:
- MorningGED®Class – Monday through Thursday from 9am-11am
- AfternoonGED®Class – Monday through Thursday from 12pm-2pm
- EveningGED®Class – Tuesday through Thursday from 5pm-8pm
All classes will be live and in person on the Coos Campus. The afternoon class will also be live and in person on the Curry Campus.
For students who cannot make it to either campus, classes are offered via Zoom during all three sessions. Fall term starts September 16th and ends November 27th.
To register for orientation and classes, go to https://swoccapce.org/ and click GET STARTED. For questions, please email Adult & Pre-College Education at apce@socc.edu or call 541-888-1593.
Aug 19, 2024 | Community, News
COOS BAY, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College will officially open its newly renovated Coaledo and Sumner Halls with a public celebration on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024 on the Coos Campus, 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay.
The College invites the public, students, and community partners to meet our faculty and tour new labs from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Coaledo Hall will feature a new lab for the Forestry and Agroecology programs, space for heavy equipment simulator training, a computer science lab, and student collaboration spaces. In Sumner Hall, the College is pleased to unveil a hands-on ambulance systems lab and classroom for the paramedicine program. The renovation also allows the College to open a state-of-the art dental assisting suite, rejuvenating a program in dental health.
The College invested $5.5 million in the project, utilizing 100% grant funding from the state of Oregon and the U.S. Economic Development Administration. This work helps the College revitalize Career Technical Education (CTE) programs vital to the region’s economic recovery and long-term vitality.
“The College is committed to providing our students with flexible learning spaces that inspire collaboration and innovative thinking,” said President Patty Scott. “We also made wise use of taxpayers’ money, saving two outdated buildings, effectively transforming 18,000 square feet of instruction space into top-quality labs and technology-rich classrooms.”
Southwestern is the leading provider of job training and college transfer degrees on the south Oregon coast. This project will help the College sustain that work and increase its ability to meet the needs of industry partners seeking professionals in forestry, forest and wildland fire management, and watershed restoration. It also ensures a continuing flow of health care professionals who will step into high-demand dental and paramedicine jobs.
Opsis Architecture of Portland designed this new teaching space. Scott Partney Construction of North Bend managed the overall construction, while leveraging the skills of other local subcontractors including Tri-County Plumbing and Reese Electric.
Aug 19, 2024 | Alumni, Community, News, Staff & Administration
Inspiring tomorrow’s firefighters, paramedics, food producers, and dental professionals
Southwestern is pleased to deliver year after year on our 64-year commitment to provide our students with exceptional teaching and learning environments.
Come fall term, we will celebrate completion of a $5.5 million project to modernize 18,240 sq. ft. of space in historic Coaledo Hall and nearby Sumner Hall on the Coos Campus. This project culminates five years and $43 million of infrastructure investment to update buildings, energy systems and teaching space on both the Coos and Curry Campuses.
Built in 1965, Coaledo Hall served as the College’s science lab building until it was taken out of service in 2021 with the opening of advanced laboratories in Umpqua Hall. Today, Coaledo will become a new flexible learning space with technology-rich labs for Forestry and Agroecology.
The development closes the loop on creating a holistic center for Forestry and Agroecology students. They now can move with peers between collaborating in the classroom environment to working in the campus’ urban forest/wetland environment and food production gardens.
A renovated Sumner Hall nearby, the site of former nursing labs, remains dedicated to training tomorrow’s allied health professionals. It will serve as the home for a re-envisioned Dental Assisting program and an ambulance simulation lab and classrooms to serve students pursuing careers in Fire Science, EMS and Paramedicine.
Overall, this work helps the College hire and retain highly skilled faculty. It ensures residents from the south coast have access to more affordable college education and high-skill job training equivalent to that offered in metro areas. Ultimately, the result is a more stable workforce, and economically healthier communities and families.
This current project was funded with a $2.75 million capital grant from the Oregon Legislature matched with $2.75 million in grant funds from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
Julie Ryan
Julie Ryan returns to Southwestern as the EMS Program Director and Assistant Professor of Paramedicine. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Linfield University and is a Nationally Registered Paramedic and an Oregon Licensed Paramedic. Previously she was a member of the Reach and Treat Team, providing advanced life support and technical rescue in wilderness environments, and holds Rope Rescue Technician and Advanced Swift Water Rescue certifications. Ryan served as a Flight Paramedic, a Paramedic for Bay Cities Ambulance, and most recently as a Firefighter/Paramedic for Cascade Locks Fire and EMS. With thirty years of EMS experience, she brings invaluable knowledge and lived experience to the table.
Madi Ogle
Madi Ogle grew up in Sandpoint, Idaho, and attended Boise State University earning an Associate of Science degree. In 2020 she enrolled in SWOCC’s Dental Assisting Program. Madi deepened her love for dental health, excelling in the program, and working as a licensed Oregon Expanded Functions Dental Assistant. While working in the field she was inspired to pursue other career opportunities and progressed through various roles at Southwestern: Campus Store, Student Success Center, and then to the Financial Aid office as the Student Employment Coordinator. Now in her new role as the Dental Assisting Instructor she brings a unique perspective and commitment to the education of dental professionals.
Michael Seldon
Michael Seldon brings over thirty years of career experience in emergency services disciplines including structural/municipal firefighting with the Coos Bay Fire Department, hazardous materials team technician, emergency room trauma technician, and ambulance-based emergency medical technician. He holds certifications in firefighter 1 and 2, fire officer, fire instructor, incident safety officer, vehicle extrication, heavy rescue systems and practices, pumper and aerial apparatus operator, and SCBA maintenance and repair. Seldon earned an Associate of Science degree in Public Fire Service and graduated from the fire academy at Rancho Santiago College in Santa Ana, California. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Media Communications – Radio/TV/Film from Long Beach State University.
Aug 5, 2024 | Curry Campus, News
COOS BAY, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College will be hosting a financial aid workshop on the Coos Campus (1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay) on Wednesday, August 14, 2024. This event is free and open to all. It will take place on the third floor of Tioga Hall in the Tutoring Center from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
The first 23 people to arrive will receive a $10 Gas/Grocery card.
CURRY COUNTY RESIDENTS: Join us via zoom from the Curry Campus, Room 232 (96082 Lone Ranch Parkway, Brookings). The first eight people to arrive will receive a $10 Gas/Grocery card.
Financial aid and TRIO advisors will be available to assist people with submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is the first step in securing funding to pay for the costs associated with going to college. Applying for federal and state aid can be time consuming and difficult. The Financial Aid staff at Southwestern will provide current students, prospective students, and the community assistance with navigating this process.
The workshop offers hands-on assistance from trained professionals who will be available to help you navigate the FAFSA from beginning to end. Our staff will also be able to access any successfully submitted FAFSAs that we have received to review them for errors and assist you with making corrections to the form.
It is important to submit your FAFSA as soon as possible. Fall term classes begin on September 16, 2024.
For more information contact Stevie Jennings, Director of Financial Aid at Southwestern via email at stevie.jennings@socc.edu or by calling 541-888-1615.
General information regarding financial aid can be found on our website: HERE.
Jul 15, 2024 | Curry Campus
BROOKINGS, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College invites residents of the College district to learn about and offer comments on the Mid-Cycle Review to the College’s master facilities plan 2020-30.
Southwestern is hosting an open house from 2 to 3:30 p.m., Monday, July 29, 2024, at the Curry Campus, 96082 Lone Ranch Parkway, Brookings.
The plan guides the College as it develops and adapts programs serving students and community members on the Curry and Coos campuses, with a vision toward leading and inspiring lifelong learning on the south Oregon coast. In reviewing and updating the plan, the College is striving to manage its facilities and campuses with a long-term view toward economic, social, and environmental sustainability.
Approaching the halfway point, the College wants to review the plan with stakeholders and listen to input on potential updates. Members of the public will have an opportunity to visit with planners and college staff, view schematics, ask questions and share thoughts.
Topics for discussion include program needs and space use, open spaces, accessibility, signage, lighting, technology, and other areas.
For more information, please contact Anne Farrell-Matthews, Communications Administrator at 541-888-7612 or amatthews@socc.edu.
Jul 15, 2024 | Community, Foundation, News
BROOKINGS, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College invites residents of the college district to learn about and offer comments on the mid-cycle update to the College’s master facilities plan 2020-30.
Southwestern is hosting an open house from 2 to 3:30 p.m., Monday, July 29, 2024, at the Curry Campus, 96082 Lone Ranch Parkway, Brookings.
The plan guides the College as it develops and adapts programs serving students and community members on the Curry and Coos campuses, with a vision toward leading and inspiring lifelong learning on the south Oregon coast. In updating the plan, the College is striving to manage its facilities and campuses with a long-term view toward economic, social, and environmental sustainability.
Approaching the halfway point, the College wants to review the plan with stakeholders and listen to input on potential updates. Members of the public will have an opportunity to visit with planners and college staff, view schematics, ask questions and share thoughts.
Topics for discussion include program needs and space use, open spaces, accessibility, signage, lighting, technology, and other areas.
For more information, please contact Anne Farrell-Matthews, Communications Administrator at 541-888-7612 or amatthews@socc.edu.
Jul 3, 2024 | Community, Curry Campus, Foundation, News
Coos Bay, OR – The community is invited to join the inaugural SWOCC Foundation Classic, hosted by Bandon Dunes Golf Resort and the Bandon Dunes Charitable Foundation. The event is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, at Bandon Dunes’ NEW course, Shorty’s (19-hole, par 3 course).
The SWOCC Foundation classic will welcome 20 teams, with four golfers per team. Individuals are welcome, too, and will be placed on teams. Tee times open every 15 minutes starting at 8 a.m., and golfers can select tee time preferences based on availability. This is a walking event.
Cost is $200 per person, or $750 per team. Funds raised go to support scholarships for students attending SWOCC Coos and Curry campuses. Event sponsorships also are available. For details on sponsoring, contact SWOCC Foundation at foundation@socc.edu, (541) 888-7209 or at Event Sponsor Registration and Event Individual Registration.
The SWOCC Foundation Classic is designed as a fun, low-key golf classic for golfers of all skill levels and ages. Meet SWOCC’s 2024-25 golf team athletes and new coach Kristopher Wood, a SWOCC alum. Curious about Shorty’s? Designed by Rod Whitman, Dave Axland and Keith Cutten, the new course features 19 “short” holes, rolling through natural dunes and shore pine terrain. Golfers can expect to spend about two and a half hours playing through the course. Learn more about the course here -> https://bandondunesgolf.com/golf/golf-courses/shortys/
In addition, golfers can make a full day of activity at the resort and enjoy additional time at Bandon Dunes’ 50-acre Practice Center, which includes two practice ranges, a putting green and Charlotte’s, the 9-hole, par-3 practice course.
For more information about the event and supporting scholarships, please contact the Southwestern Foundation at 541-888-7209 or 541-888-7211, or email foundation@socc.edu.
Jul 3, 2024 | Community, News, OCCI News
Coos Bay, OR – Diners and community members are invited to once again indulge at the Oregon Coast Culinary Institute (OCCI) as it brings back its highly anticipated summer lunches and restaurant service. These events provide students with valuable real-world experience as they prepare to enter the culinary field.
Over the course of select dates during three weeks in July and August, these student-run events will offer various dining experiences for the community. Each week features a different type of dining, allowing students to utilize OCCI’s new food truck and gain experience in a restaurant setting.
Weekly Dining Experiences:
To make your reservation for a Week 2 or Week 3 luncheon, please email shawn.warren@socc.edu or call 541-888-1540.
Week 1 (July 23-25): “Food Truck Extravaganza” and La Patisserie Bakery
Enjoy lunch options from OCCI’s new food truck and pizza oven, with freshly baked delights available from La Patisserie bakery.
No Reservations Necessary: Indoor seating is on a first-come, first-served basis; seated orders will not be taken.
Dates: Tuesday, July 23, Wednesday, July 24, and Thursday, July 25
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Week 2 (July 30 – Aug. 1): Summer Restaurant and La Patisserie Bakery
Dine at tables and order from a three-course menu, with freshly baked delights from La Patisserie bakery also available.
Reservations Highly Encouraged: Reservations start at 11:00 a.m. with final seating at 1:30 p.m. No groups over eight people. Walk-ins are not guaranteed and depend on available seating.
Dates: Tuesday, July 30, Wednesday, July 31, and Thursday, August 1
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Week 3 (Aug. 6-8): Summer Restaurant and La Patisserie Bakery
Dine at tables and order from a three-course menu, with freshly baked delights from La Patisserie bakery also available. Note: this menu will be different from the menu available on Week 2.
Reservations Highly Encouraged: Reservations start at 11:00 a.m. with final seating at 1:30 p.m. No groups over eight people. Walk-ins are not guaranteed and depend on available seating.
Dates: Tuesday, August 6, Wednesday, August 7, and Thursday, August 8
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
We hope you join us for these unique dining experiences! Your participation supports the next generation of culinary professionals. For more information about OCCI and the degrees and certificates offered, visit www.socc.edu/occi.
Jun 17, 2024 | Community, News
COOS BAY, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College invites 7th to 12th grade students to join us for four days of hands-on “Natural Disaster” activities with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) professors and student researchers. Our summer STEAM Academy will run from Monday, August 12th through Thursday, August 15th, 2024, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. We’ll begin each day in Umpqua Hall’s lecture room (184) on the Coos Campus (1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay).
A cool escape room, a guided hike at the South Slough Reserve, watching “Force Five!”, a weather Discovery Dome planetarium show (a digital theater space that immerses students on an adventure) are just a few of the awesome things we have planned!
Lunch, snacks, and transportation for the field trip will be provided. The cost is $50 per student. Spots are limited to 15 so register soon. Scholarships are available.
For more information, registration, and scholarships contact Krystal Hopper Meyers, STEAM Pathways Assistant, at 541-888-7416, or krystal.hopper@socc.edu.
