Catalog 2025-2026

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Mission, Goals and Accreditation

West Valley College Mission

Mission Statement

West Valley College provides inclusive, accessible, transformative education to empower students to create positive change in their lives and communities.

Vision Statement

Aspirational Goal
Empower generations of learners through education and service to community.

Vivid Description
West Valley College stands as a premier institution of higher learning in the heart of Silicon Valley. Our dynamic, rich learning environment relies on three primary components: Fiscal Leadership, Responsive Programming, and Proactive Community Relations. As one of 116 California’s community colleges, we ensure access and create pathways to success for all. Our commitment to students is manifest in the following:

  • Fiscal Leadership: Through responsible fiscal stewardship, we produce economic prosperity to create the conditions for students’ success. The college is embedded in the economic and social fabric of the community.
  • Responsive Programming: The college operations function at a high level to promote innovation and adapt to the needs of the community. We cultivate cutting-edge programs that respond to evolving local industry, social, and economic needs, preparing students for tomorrow’s challenges. Responsive programming transforms individuals and communities of all nationalities and cultural backgrounds, contributing to awareness, civic responsibility, and social advancement.
  • Proactive Community Relations: We forge vital partnerships with the communities of Saratoga, Campbell, Los Gatos, and surrounding cities, weaving together K-12 schools, universities, non-profits, corporations, businesses, philanthropic initiatives, and comprehensive student services into a tapestry of opportunity.

Acknowledging and building on our rich heritage — beginning with our profound respect for the Muwekma Ohlone people, the original stewards of this land — we commit to being a catalyst for positive transformation in our community. For over centuries, this land has witnessed transformation, from tanneries and mineral springs to agricultural abundance and technological innovation. This legacy of adaptation and growth guides our vision for the future.

In an era of profound social, political, and technological change, West Valley College stands ready to meet the moment. It requires us to come together as elected officials, trustees, entrepreneurs, executives, non-profits, elders, faculty, students, classified professionals, managers, coaches, counselors, and librarians to enact systemic change and progress for the benefit of our students.

Together, we build more than a college; we cultivate a community where learning empowers, where individuals from varied backgrounds, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values are fully embraced, and where every student finds their path to excellence and prosperity. The college is committed to leading with love, empathy, and service, as we remedy injustice and promote academic excellence. We will achieve the vision when generation to generation of students prosper.

Values Statement

  • West Valley College values inclusivity, actively cultivating a vibrant community that is not only welcoming but also fully accessible to everyone.
  • West Valley College values compassion and encourages the community to lead with kindness, empathy, and care.
  • West Valley College values excellence and creates an environment where high-quality teaching and learning thrive.
  • West Valley College values service to our community while holding ourselves accountable to excellence and continuous growth.

Approved by the Board of Trustees on May 20, 2025 and by the College Council on March 13, 2025.

West Valley 2025-2027 Strategic Educational Continuity Plan

Strategic Objectives

    1. Create seamless college entry and early experience that successfully engage and retain students in their chosen educational pathways.
    2. Develop the infrastructure to strengthen academic pathways and enable applied learning experiences that lead to valuable post-graduation outcomes.
    3. Foster transparent communication, collaborative and evidence-based decision-making, and strategic partnerships to build a sustainable, integrated, organizational ecosystem.

 

West Valley College Institutional Learning Outcomes

Originating from our mission, values, and commitment to student learning and success, the following institutional learning outcomes form the foundation of West Valley College’s focus and vision. These eight competencies represent the outcomes of a West Valley College education.

I. Critical Thinking and Information Literacy

The student will be able to:

    1. Differentiate facts, influences, assumptions, and opinions to draw reasoned conclusions.
    2. Identify critical issues and apply investigative and analytical thinking to develop supporting arguments and a conclusion.

II. Quantitative and Qualitative Reasoning

The student will be able to:

    1. Utilize quantitative and qualitative models to make predictions, draw conclusions, and make decisions that are logical and feasible.
    2. Collect, organize, analyze, and process research data in a clear, synthesized format.

III. Effective Communication

The student will be able to:

    1. Articulate well-organized thoughts, ideas, and opinions in coherent form demonstrating standard written English or the target language.
    2. Articulate well-organized thoughts, ideas, and opinions in coherent form demonstrating oral proficiency.

IV. Technological Competency

The student will be able to:

    1. Identify, use or describe contemporary technologies specific to academic and/or workplace settings.

V. Personal Responsibility

The student will be able to:

    1. Assess his or her knowledge, skills, and abilities to set achievable goals.
    2. Manage personal health and/or well-being.
    3. emonstrate dependability, reliability, and accountability.

VI. Social Responsibility

The student will be able to:

    1. Demonstrate an awareness of civic, political, and/or social issues and explain the role of the individual in addressing these issues.
    2. Apply ethical principles to personal, academic, professional and/or community issues.

VII. Global Awareness and Diversity

The student will be able to:

    1. Explain the sensitivity and skills needed to live and work in diverse local and global communities.
    2. Explain how one or more of the following affects life experiences and social responsibilities: ability, race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality, and other markers of social identity.

VIII. Creative Problem Solving

The student will be able to:

    1. Produce an original creative response that synthesizes research, planning, and practice.

 

Accreditation

West Valley College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, 10 Commercial Blvd., Suite 204, Novato, CA 94949 (415) 506-0234 an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.

Last Updated 6/30/25