Quincy, CA – From witnessing a reproductive lab sample collection in the Equine lab, to observing Environmental Studies students falling a damaged tree, the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges system were treated to a true hands-on learning experience during their recent visit to the Feather River College (FRC) campus.
Recently, the Board of Governors conducted a tour of rural colleges in Northern California, and Feather River College was a stop on this tour. The goal of the tour was to learn more about how these smaller, more rural colleges operated, and also to learn about the challenges they face being located in such rural areas.
“We were honored to have so many leaders from the California Community College system dedicate the time to come visit our remote and small campus community. Despite the effort involved in traveling to FRC, they unanimously said they were glad they came and hoped to return in the future; expressing both appreciation and improved understanding about how FRC serves our community and provides an incredible education for our students”, commented Dr. Derek Lerch, Vice President of Instruction at Feather River College.
Dr. Kevin Trutna, President and Superintendent at the College, also commented that, “The Board of Governors’ participation in some of the hands-on programs at FRC was an incredible experience to witness. Watching Board President, Hildegarde Aguinaldo, ultrasound a pregnant mare under the tutelage of student-workers really sent the message that an FRC education is unique, prepares graduates for a wide-range of career options, and allows students to learn in an environment unmatched at other colleges.”
While the FRC campus tour only lasted a few hours, the College was prepared to highlight a few of its more prominent programs that directly involve student employees. And while the campus tour was mostly directed at hands-on educational opportunities, the FRC Administration team ensured that the Board also had a chance to visit the on-campus student housing facility. During this stop on the tour, the Board was able to hear directly from students about the struggles of limited housing in our rural area, and how it impacts their educational goals.
“After the recent devastating wildfires, competition for a limited supply of available housing options for students is a reality that the Board of Governors witnessed directly as they heard first-hand experiences from students about the importance of stable and predictable housing to increase their chances of success in college”, stated Dr. Trutna.
After the student housing facility stop on the tour, the group headed to the Agriculture & Equine facility to experience a live reproductive lab sample collection, and to also conduct an ultrasound on a pregnant mare. Each of these demonstrations were conducted with the aid of student workers who were here not only because this was a demonstration, but because this is their day-to-day work responsibilities on campus.
Following the Agriculture & Equine demonstration, the Board and accompanying visitors headed to an Environmental Studies lab that featured students in the newest bachelor’s degree program fall a damaged tree. Students from the Ecosystem Restoration & Applied Fire Management program discussed the dangers of these damaged trees to campus and our region, and how they can directly affect wildfires. The Board of Governors was in awe to learn that FRC students directly supported efforts to mitigate wildfires in and around our campus community by taking active roles in falling trees, conducting prescribed burns, and helping make our entire region a safer environment for all to enjoy.
When speaking to a few members of the Board and their guests, they all commented the exact same thing, “I cannot believe you all have students conducting this important work for your campus and community. You have amazing programs here and should feel proud of your hard work”. A statement that is a testament to all of the hard work and efforts from students, staff, and faculty of the various programs available at Feather River College.
Dr. Carlie McCarthy, Vice President of Student Services, commented on the experience that, "It was an honor to host the Board of Governors, Chancellor Christian, and her team. Their visit provided an opportunity to showcase our students gaining hands-on workforce skills through our Bachelor’s degree programs and to share the difficult realities we face in expanding student housing and addressing aging infrastructure, while advancing student-centered initiatives. This visit highlighted the importance of social justice programs such as Rising Scholars, the value of career education in preparing our local workforce, and the critical need for affordable student housing. I am grateful that they had the opportunity to meet some of our outstanding students, too!”
In addition, the Board also heard about the successful FRC Rising Scholars/Incarcerated Student Program (ISP) and the upcoming obstacles that face this important program, which has been established since 2007. Along with firsthand testimony as to the power of Student Services programs that are continuously providing students with greater access to affordable education. All in all, it was a very successful tour of the beautiful Feather River College campus and its facilities.
The tour concluded with a small debrief session in which all in attendance shared the same opinion, that it was a meaningful tour of the campus and although brief, it certainly helped paint a picture of the Feather River College experience. The Board of Governors and their guests represent a diverse group of inspirational leaders and decision makers in the California Community College system. Feather River College can only hope that the impact made on this brief tour is everlasting and helps shed some light on the challenges rural colleges continue to face, while also demonstrating how resourceful and impactful a small but mighty college can be.
