The first semester, 139 students responded to the public notice that college classes were to be offered in the buildings of Glendale Union High School at Broadway and Verdugo. The college was an immediate success and by 1929 the student population increased to 435, with 27 faculty members.
Through the years Glendale Junior College continued to grow. It moved to the present site in 1937 with the support of a bond election and funds matched equally by a WPA grant. Total cost for purchase and construction of the new 59 acre site was $390,000.
In 1971, as the college became more responsive to the needs of the greater Glendale community, the Board of Education officially changed the name to Glendale Community College District.
Fast forward to 2018 - Glendale Community College is a dynamic institution with more than 25,000 students. They are enrolled in college-credit at the Verdugo Campus, continuing education at the Garfield Campus, community services classes held throughout the community, and the Professional Development Center (PDC) located in Montrose. The college serves an ethnically diverse student body with no single group forming a majority.
The faculty has used its energy to develop a wide ranging curriculum intended to prepare students for the 21st century. Student services faculty provide invaluable academic, career, and financial counseling to students. Today the goal of those farsighted citizens of Glendale has been achieved. Higher education is available to all who come to Glendale Community College.
Each year 40-50 students clubs give students opportunities to explore special interests and serve the campus community. Students may choose from an array of clubs typically organized around the four themes: academic achievement, cultural, religious, and special interests. Each organization has a faculty or staff advisor who provides guidance during meetings and supervises club activities. We provide clubs with a variety of services including:
The GCC Career Center mission is to provide encouragement and guidance to students at various stages of the career development process, to inspire them to realize their full potential, and to prepare them for the dynamics of the modern work environment.
Career counseling represents one of the core support services available to GCC students. It is a process designed to empower individuals with self-knowledge and position them to make a sound career decision with confidence. Our professionally trained career counselors are experts at guiding students in making the best educational and career choices and enriching their knowledge of the world of work.
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2019. By rating institutions on a scale from 1 to 5, on multiple studies-related questions, we found the top educators in the world.
Learn more about the Global Student Satisfaction AwardsThe J. Walter Smith Center contains offices for the Associated Students of Glendale Community College (ASGCC), the Office of Student Affairs, and student club offices. Also, there is a conference center with meeting rooms that members of the campus community may reserve for social and business functions. Arrangements for the use of Student Center meeting rooms may be made through the Office of Student Afairs.
The GCC Library occupies the 3rd and 4th floors of the Library Building. The Library entrance is on the 3rd floor of the building. The 1st and 2nd floors contain non-library facilities. Exterior ramps and a building elevator running between the 1st and 3rd floors provide access to the Library for individuals with accessibility needs.
There are 4 computers stationed on adjustable, wheelchair accessible tables which have specialized software to aid the visually and hearing impaired. Two of the computers are located on the 3rd floor next to study room 303. The other two are located on the 4th floor next to the 700's section.
Health Center Services are paid for through your Student Health Fee.
Daily services include:
Athletic facilities including, Sartoris Field, the college scoreboard, the Verdugo Gym and many other areas affecting student athletes.
GCC has over 50 student clubs and organizations that focus on a multitude of interests. If you do not find one of interest to you, you can start your own club!
The Associated Students of Glendale Community College (ASGCC) is the official student government organization on campus.
Glendale Community College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges.