Statement Concerning the Value of Cultural Competence at CRC

CosumnesRiverCollege is a comprehensive community college within the Los Rios Community College District with a diverse student and staff population. We strive to provide an environment where cultural competence is the norm. We hope that the definition of cultural competence and the brief description of our students will assist you as you prepare your application for a potential interview. Please be ready to respond to questions and to demonstrate evidence for the value of cultural competence and experience of working with and serving diverse communities and populations.

Definition of Cultural Competence

Culture implies an integrated pattern of collective behavior, including habits, customs, values, beliefs, and institutions. Competence implies the capacity to function effectively.

Cultural competence is the skill of interacting positively with all people - embracing their race, gender, class, religion, sexual orientation, age, culture, ability, or physical abilities. CosumnesRiverCollege pursues values, attitudes, and practices that promote healthy, constructive interactions in a diverse community. Cultural competence is an ongoing process ofinstitutional, professional and personal development through assessment and revision.

To promote cultural competence and create a truly democratic learning environment, CRC values:

1)Diversity and pluralism

2)Continuous personal and professional development, assessment and revision

3)Awareness of the dynamics of cross-cultural interactions

4)The ongoing pursuit of teaching strategies and student services that better serves diverse populations

5)An environment of inclusion, equity, and justice

Student Demographics (Fall 2008)

  • Enrollment at the CRC campus is approximately 14,500 students.
  • CRC serves a very diverse community including many students of mixed heritage. The ethnic compositionincludes: 29.6% European American, 30.9% Asian American, 14.8% African American, 16.6% Latino, .8% Native American and 7.3% other.
  • CRC serves the younger as well as the older student with 58.2% of the student population under the age of 25, and 14.4% over the age of 39.
  • The ratio of female students to male students is 57.3% female, 42.7% male.
  • CRC students come from varied economic backgrounds with 29.4% of students reporting incomes that are considered below poverty and 34.2% of students reporting incomes that are considered middle income.
  • 54.1% of CRC students attend during the day and 22.0% of students attend during the evening, with 23.9% of the students attending during the day and evening. 11.4% of our students are enrolled in online courses and other courses that have no regular meeting time. Most students attend part time with 30.0% taking fewer than 6 units, 35.3% enrolled in 6 to 11.9 units, and 34.7% enrolled in 12 or more units.
  • Most students attend part time with 29.1% taking fewer than 6 units, 35.4% enrolled in 6 to 11.9 units, and 35.5% enrolled in 12 or more units.