The COVID-19 pandemic brought much change to the world and to West Hills College Coalinga. Over the past two years, our college has implemented programs and services to help our students as they pursue academic goals amid a worldwide shutdown and public health crisis.
Noteworthy accomplishments of our college that have helped students through these unprecedented times include but are not limited to the following:
- Upgrades to classrooms and filtration systems to make sure students and staff are safe
- Creating flexible learning environments that have allowed students to ZOOM into class when needed
- Providing free medical assistance to students through our West Hills Timely MD app
- Holding regular canned food drives, community clothing swaps, and vaccine clinics on campus
This academic year we welcomed students back on campus and are proud of their resilience and achievements. We are equally proud of our staff, who have remained committed to our students and to our district vision “the relentless pursuit of student success.”
Even in changing and unstable times, our staff remained steady and flexible. They helped students through uncharted territory and provided ways for students to succeed, even when they could not meet in person.
We have come full circle here at WHC Coalinga. As the 2021-2022 academic year comes to an end, we are thrilled to celebrate commencement with a large in-person event on May 26th. I look forward to welcoming families of graduating students and members of our community to attend and honor our students.
As you read through this edition of our magazine, you will meet students who persevere and push through adversity, graduates who are choosing to make the world better, and staff working to bridge the gaps students face on and off our campus. I hope these stories inspire you just as much as they have inspired me.