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Ventura College Virtual Tour

Are you considering ventura college take a virtual tour of the campus below..

A visit to Ventura College is ideal, but virtual tours can act to refresh your memory or as a preview for your on-site tour.

Why a Virtual Tour?

Inevitably, on-campus tours of classrooms, libraries, dorms, and dining halls will start to blend. Jog your memory using the virtual tour and even explore the area surrounding the campus using the interactive mapping tool. If you're just beginning your college search, a virtual tour can be a great way to get a feel for a campus before your visit. Remember, when you do go, be sure to ask current students about their college life. A student perspective can be the most helpful way to gauge your future experience at Ventura College.

Use the resources below to start your virtual tour.

Using the Map

Click and drag the little orange person to a location on the map. Locations with panoramas appear as blue lines or blue dots when moving the orange person. The blue dots are panoramic views that you may swivel. The blue lines are paths that you can navigate along.

Panoramic View

You can "pan" or "swivel" the camera around by clicking on the image and dragging your mouse or finger. If you see a white arrow on the picture, you can click or tap on it to move in the direction of the arrow. This will also update the location of the little orange person on the map so you can get a better sense of where you are and what direction you are facing.

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College Visits Essentials: Making the Most of Your Campus Tours

College visits essentials.

Embarking on college visits and campus tours marks a significant milestone in the college search process. These experiences offer invaluable opportunities for prospective students to explore potential colleges firsthand, gaining insights into campus life, academics, and extracurricular opportunities. As you begin compiling your college list and narrowing down your choices, college visits can help you make informed decisions about your future.

In this article, we’ll delve into the essentials of college visits, offering practical college visit tips and a college visits checklist for maximizing your experience . We will cover everything from uncovering the questions you should ask during a college tour to understanding how to schedule and plan college visits effectively. And, we’ll look at things you may not have thought about, including having virtual college visits, conducting a self-guided tour, and navigating college campus tours safely and effectively.

We promise this article provides everything you need to know regarding the college visit process. Whether you’re just beginning your college search or fine-tuning your college list, these insights will help you navigate the complexities of the college visit process with confidence. 

Let’s get started!

Are College Visits Important?

When making one of the most significant decisions of your academic career, the role of college visits in the college search process cannot be overstated. College campus tours are a crucial part of the decision-making process, offering firsthand insights that can influence your college search.

First and foremost, college visits allow you to immerse yourself in the campus environment and explore academic facilities, dormitories, and recreational amenities. Whether you’re passionate about conducting research in state-of-the-art laboratories or participating in vibrant student organizations, visiting a college in person lets you assess whether it offers the resources and opportunities you seek.

Moreover, college visits offer the chance to interact with current students, faculty members, and admissions staff, providing invaluable perspectives on academics, extracurricular activities, and campus life. These personal connections offer unique insights you simply can’t gain from a website or brochure. 

Ultimately, the information and impressions gathered during college visits can significantly impact your college choice. By experiencing campuses firsthand, you can effectively consolidate your college list and compare your top colleges by understanding which colleges resonate with you. Before you make your final decision , you can use the information collected on the campus tours to demonstrate your interest in the college or university, increasing your chances of acceptance. 

What Should I Ask On A College Tour?

While college visits and campus tours provide invaluable firsthand experiences , it’s essential to do your homework before stepping foot on any campus. Here’s one of our “pre” college visit tips–conduct thorough research beforehand to help you make the most of your visit. By asking the right questions , you can gather the information you need to make an informed decision about your college choice.

Questions about academics

One crucial aspect of pre-tour research is identifying academic programs and resources that interest you. Take the time to explore the college’s website and familiarize yourself with the range of majors, minors, and academic opportunities available. Here are a couple of questions you may want to ask:

• Can you provide more information about the [specific major/program]?
• Are there opportunities for undergraduate research or internships in [area of interest]?

Questions about campus life

In addition to academic offerings, consider campus life and student services that you would like to know more about. Research the college’s extracurricular activities, student organizations, and campus events to understand the social and cultural opportunities available. Here are other questions you may want to ask:

• What types of student organizations are active on campus?
• Are there opportunities for community service or volunteer work?

More college visit questions

Furthermore, consider other aspects of the school that might not be immediately obvious. Research housing options for juniors, including on-campus dormitories, off-campus apartments, and housing policies for upperclassmen. Also, consider things like parking availability and policies regarding cars on campus. Consider asking questions such as:

• What are the housing options for upperclassmen, and how is housing assigned?
• Is parking available on campus for students, and are there any restrictions on bringing cars?

Conducting thorough research, and making your college visits checklist, is essential for making the most of any college visit.

How Many College Visits Should I Do?

When determining how many college visits you should do, you’ll need to strike a balance between quantity, quality, and expense. While visiting as many colleges as possible may seem ideal, college visits can get pricey. Therefore, it’s crucial to personalize your college visit plan to ensure that you make the most of your time, energy, and financial resources.

Here are some steps you can take to help prioritize your college visits and ensure you are completing the right number of college campus tours:

Four Steps to Planning College Visits

1. start with a broad college list.

Have a wide range of colleges that interest you, encompassing various types of campuses such as big versus small, urban versus rural, and public versus private institutions. Consider including HBCU college tours or schedule one or two Harvard tours. Having a broad college list lets you gain insights into the diverse campus environments and refine your preferences accordingly.

2. Prioritize your top choices

Once you’ve identified your top 3-5 colleges on your college list, prioritize visiting these campuses. Consider planning multiple trips in various capacities if you’re highly interested in a particular school. For example, you can schedule an online UCLA campus tour. Then, schedule an in-person prospective student UCLA campus tour. You can even conduct a self-guided tour versus an official UCLA campus tour to have more flexibility in where you’ll get to go on campus. 

3. Balance depth with practicality

While visiting as many colleges as possible can be beneficial, consider the practicalities of your college visits checklist. Virtual college tours and information sessions can be valuable alternatives for colleges that are harder to visit in person. For instance, Harvard tours can be in-person or virtual. Therefore, if Harvard is on your list, plan your Harvard tours accordingly based on your availability and resources.

4. Consider special programs

If you’re invited to special programs for admitted students or specific academic departments, prioritize these college visits. Special programs through HBCU college tours or college visits for juniors often offer opportunities to interact with faculty, current students, and other admitted students, giving you a firsthand glimpse into life on campus.

Next, let’s discuss how to plan and schedule a college visit.

How To Schedule College Visits

Planning your college visits involves careful coordination and scheduling to ensure you make the most of your time on campus. From considering academic calendars to contacting college admissions offices, here are some college visit tips regarding scheduling your campus tours effectively.

Here are two of the most important things to keep in mind when working on the logistics of your campus visits. 

How to Work on Logistics of Campus Visits

Consider academic calendars.

Plan your college visits around academic calendars. Before scheduling your college visits, consider the academic calendars of the colleges you plan to visit. Check their websites to determine the dates of important events, such as orientation sessions, midterm exams, and holidays. This is important whether you are planning college visits for juniors, HBCU college tours, or any other kind of college visit.

Contact Admissions Offices

Contact college admissions for tour scheduling. Once you’ve identified potential college visit dates, it’s time to contact the admissions offices or go to the admissions website to schedule your campus tours. Most colleges offer guided campus tours led by student ambassadors or admissions staff. Additionally, many schools host information sessions that provide an overview of the college’s programs, resources, and admissions process.

Scheduling college visits: step-by-step

Let’s take a look at a hypothetical example to better understand the steps it takes to schedule a campus tour. Imagine you’re a high school student living in Chicago. You have already completed a University of Chicago tour, and now, you’re interested in scheduling a tour of the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles. As an in-state college, accessing the University of Chicago tour may have been simple. But let’s look at how you can navigate the scheduling process of an out-of-state college tour:

Navigating an Out-of-State College Tour

• Research USC’s academic calendar to identify optimal visit dates that align with your availability.
• Visit USC’s admissions website to find information about campus tours and information sessions. Determine whether USC offers guided tours, self-guided tours, or virtual college visits for prospective students unable to visit in person.
• Use the USC campus tours website to schedule your campus tour. In addition to scheduling an admissions tour and presentation, consider scheduling an academic department presentation.
• Upon confirmation of your campus tour reservation from USC’s admissions office, make travel arrangements from Chicago to Los Angeles. This includes booking flights, accommodations, and transportation to and from the USC campus.
• Plan your itinerary for your visit to USC. Consider attending guided campus tours, participating in information sessions, exploring campus facilities, and engaging with current students and faculty members.
• During your visit, bring your college visits checklist. Take notes, ask questions, and gather information to help you decide whether USC is the right fit for you.

Since the cost of college visits is a big factor to take into consideration during the planning process, let’s discuss it further.

Are College Visits Free?

As you begin to make your college visit list, you’ll need to understand the costs associated with college visits. While some campus tours may be free, others require careful budgeting and planning to manage expenses. 

College visits can incur various expenses, including transportation, accommodation, meals, and miscellaneous fees. While some colleges offer free guided campus tours and information sessions, others may charge a nominal fee for certain services or events.

Tips for managing the cost of college visits

To manage the costs associated with college tours effectively, consider the following college visit tips for budgeting and finding free visit opportunities:

Start planning your campus tours well in advance to take advantage of early booking discounts and special promotions. Research travel options, accommodations, and local amenities to identify cost-saving opportunities and plan your itinerary accordingly.

Utilize virtual college tours

Besides visiting colleges in person, explore virtual college tours offered by colleges and universities. Many institutions, such as Boston College and Harvard University , provide virtual college visits and information sessions that allow you to explore campus facilities, interact with admissions staff, and learn about academic programs from the comfort of your home at no cost.

Explore fly-in programs

Several colleges and universities offer fly-in programs. These programs typically cover travel expenses, accommodations, meals, and participation in campus activities, allowing students to experience campus life firsthand without incurring any costs.

Speaking of fly-in programs, let’s learn a little more about them.

Fly-in programs

Here are three great fly-in programs/opportunities for low-income students.  

1. QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Program

College visits for juniors are incredibly important. QuestBridge offers a College Prep Scholars Program for high-achieving, low-income high school juniors which, you guessed it, sponsors college visits for juniors. This program provides participants access to college admissions resources, mentorship opportunities, and fly-in college visits for juniors to top colleges and universities across the United States. Beyond giving fly-in college visits for juniors, QuestBridge takes it a step further and will help fund your attendance to top summer programs at some of the most prestigious colleges in the country.

2. Tulane University, PreviewTU Program

PreviewTU is a campus visit program at Tulane University that typically occurs in the fall. While open to all, students who identify as first-generation college attendees, LGBTQIA+, are from low-income backgrounds or rural/small-town residents, and/or students of color are particularly encouraged to attend. The program is offered both virtually and in person. PTU activities include campus tours, student panels, admissions and financial aid sessions, lunch with Diversity Fellows, and opportunities to connect with professors and support partners. Financially disadvantaged students may qualify for partial travel reimbursement stipends of up to $500 for themselves and one guest. 

3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Weekend Immersion in Science and Engineering (WISE)

MIT’s Weekend Immersion in Science and Engineering (WISE) is a three-day program for rising seniors to explore MIT life. It’s fully funded, covering transportation to and from MIT. Applicants from underrepresented backgrounds, including Black, Latinx, and Native American students, those from lower socioeconomic statuses, and first-generation students, are strongly encouraged to apply. WISE typically occurs in September. Participants reside on campus with MIT undergraduates, engaging in academic and campus life activities. They meet peers and faculty and attend college admissions and financial aid workshops. Applications are due in August, and the program generally takes place in October.

At this point, we’ve covered college visit tips for preparing for your visit. Now, let’s discuss what to do when you’ve finally made it to campus!

Things To Do On A College Visit

As shared earlier, college visits offer students a chance to get a feel for the college campus and community. Therefore, while on a college visit, it’s important to take advantage of all the things to do on campus and within the surrounding community or area. Here are 3 things to do on your college tours and college visits:

3 Things To Do on College Visits

1. attend information sessions and campus tours.

This may seem obvious but don’t bail on the planned tours and sessions. They’ll give you valuable information about the school and campus. These parts of the college visit are just as important as exploring on your own. Don’t forget to bring your list of questions and ask about anything that isn’t answered! 

2. Inquire about attending classes or talking to current students

Besides attending information sessions and campus tours, ask about the possibility of attending classes or speaking with current students during your visit. Observing a class in your area of interest can provide valuable insights into the college’s academic rigor and teaching style. Similarly, chatting with current students can offer firsthand perspectives on the overall student experience. 

3. Explore the campus

Don’t be shy when you’re visiting a college’s campus. Wander around and imagine yourself living or studying there. Check out all the different areas of campus. Basically, get a feel for the vibe of the school–trust your intuition and see if it feels like a fit.

Don’t forget to consider the area outside of campus. Evaluating the surrounding community of a college campus can provide valuable insights into the overall quality of life and opportunities available to students during their college experience. Think about the amenities and resources that are important to you. Consider adding these questions to your college visits checklist. Are there nearby music venues, art galleries, or cultural attractions that align with your interests? What transportation options are available, including airports or public transit systems? No detail is too small to ask about on your visit to campus.

When Should You Start Visiting Colleges?

Navigating the college search process is undoubtedly complex. Next, we will cover some tips on when to set up your first college visit. There isn’t a hard and fast rule to this question, but there are certainly some best practices when it comes to planning college visits.

It is never too early to begin visiting colleges. College admissions offices receive tour requests from students as young as 6 th grade. If you plan to visit a college any time before your 9th-grade year, it is important to remember that you may need to tour the college again before applying and certainly before enrolling.

Going on a college visit as a younger student can begin planting the seeds for what college is like. But very rarely will a college visit before high school provide you with meaningful admissions information that you will be able to retain and act on when it is time to submit your application.

College visits for juniors and seniors 

As you get closer to your junior and senior year of high school, college visits become more than just an opportunity to understand college more broadly. College visits for juniors and seniors can help students discover their preferences. At this stage of the college search process, students can begin to discern the type of college campus they might see themselves ultimately enrolling at.

Whether you are on a UCLA campus tour in California, a University of Chicago tour in Illinois, or a Harvard tour in Massachusetts , you can begin to explore your regional preferences. Additionally, experiences on HBCU college tours can give you some insight into distinct institutional types. Note how you felt about your HBCU college tours at institutions like Spelman College or Howard University compared to other universities. College visits do more than show you what colleges you might like, they also expose you to colleges that might not be a good fit.

Managing the logistics of college visits

Campus visits are often hard to arrange because of the time and resources they require. If you are planning to go on multiple college campus tours, you may find a strain on time and resources. A student who lives in Florida may find that attending a UCLA campus tour is much harder to plan than attending a campus tour at the University of Florida. Because of this, many families begin planning their campus visits far in advance. There are also opportunities to visit campus at the last minute. However, these trips typically align with other travel or are at campuses close to the student’s home.

In addition to prospective student visits, you may have the opportunity to visit campus as an admitted student. Admitted student college visits often include a more immersive experience than a college campus tour for a prospective student. Even if you have already visited campus, admitted student visits will often equip you with all the information necessary to make your final college decision .

College Visits During Coronavirus

The coronavirus pandemic resulted in additional access to college admissions information. During the pandemic, colleges and universities added an increased number of virtual college tours, online information sessions, and other virtual opportunities to learn more about colleges in the absence of in-person college campus tours. Virtual college tours allow students to access information at any time and refer to these virtual college tours when questions arise.

The pandemic also resulted in additional safety measures for college campus tours.  At the height of the coronavirus pandemic, college campus tours were completely halted. As campus tours resumed, colleges adopted mask mandates, reduced tour capacity, and made changes to tour stops. The largest safety measure during the coronavirus pandemic was COVID-19 testing prior to attending college campus tours.

While many of these safety precautions are a thing of the past, it is important to understand the heightened awareness around health that is still present on college campuses. Before you visit a college campus, it can be helpful to review their policies to confirm that there are no additional requirements for their campus tours. And, don’t be afraid to take personal precautions to take care of yourself, like wearing a mask on your visits.

What Colleges Are Open For Tours?

Thousands of colleges and universities across the country offer college tours . Most colleges offer campus tours throughout the academic year and in the summer. To learn more about the campus tour availability on a specific campus, you should visit the admissions or welcome center website. Some colleges also provide the opportunity for a self-guided tour which allows families to visit campus outside of the scheduled tour times.

Virtual college visits 

If you are unable to arrange an in-person college visit, don’t fret. There are several ways to experience a college without stepping foot on campus. Virtual college tours and virtual college visits allow students to experience a campus from the comfort of their homes. For example, if you are unable to attend the UCLA campus tour or the University of Chicago tour, you can sign up for one of their virtual college visits or virtual college tours.

In addition to virtual college tours and virtual college visits, social media has also offered opportunities for prospective students to explore a college campus from their cell phones. Following institutions on your college list on Instagram or TikTok can often provide a current student’s vantage point of their campus. Social media is one of the best ways to get to know a college virtually!

What Happens During A College Visit?

College visits come in all shapes and sizes. Most college visits include some type of campus tour. Campus tours can be led by a student ambassador or experienced as a self-guided tour. The first stop on college campus tours is typically the Office of Admissions or the Welcome Center. This introduction to campus usually provides basic information on the college and orients the guests with the rest of the tour.

Academics 

College campus tours introduce students to the academic buildings, student life opportunities, and residence life offered on the campus. Academic buildings on campus tours can include the school library, tutoring center, or architecture building. Understanding where your major classes are located can give you insight into the classroom and lab spaces available to students in your major.

College campus tours can also be enhanced by exploring additional personalized experiences. Some colleges will offer a general admissions information session as part of the campus tour. Other institutions might offer academic information sessions for students interested in majors like engineering, computer science, or business.

Student/residence life 

Student life opportunities can be found throughout the campus tour and are an important deciding factor in the college search process. College visits highlight the student organizations available for you to join. You may also find your tour guide pointing out popular hangout spots around campus. Student guides on Harvard tours might point out the Stone Hall Basement or Squash courts in the athletic complex. Student life opportunities also include campus events and traditions. Student guides on HBCU tours might talk about their epic homecoming celebrations.

Residence life also tops the list of the most popular campus tour stops. Residence life information includes touring a dorm and seeing the cafeteria. Facilities such as the campus gym and study spaces might also be included in the residence life portion of the tour.

What To Wear To A College Visit?

When you schedule your first college visit, it is unlikely that your email confirmation will include a dress code. The type of clothing you choose to wear may vary based on the type of college visit you are going on. As a rule of thumb, you should wear clothing that you feel confident in–and that you’d feel comfortable meeting admissions officers in. Considering the weather and walking requirements will also provide insight on what to wear. 

Beyond what to wear, let’s discuss what additional items should be included on your college visits checklist.

What To Bring On A College Visit?

College visits can often be long days in cities you are unfamiliar with. So, it is critical to think about the items you might need during the day. Check out this college visits checklist:

College Visits Checklist

• Notepad and pen
• Umbrella or poncho for inclement weather
• Phone to take pictures and videos
• Money to visit the school bookstore

All the items on the college visits checklist may not be necessary for every college visit. You should use your best judgment to discover if these items would be useful for the campus you are visiting.

College campus tours can be impacted by several variables. Campus visits are subject to weather, campus emergencies, holidays, and many other contingencies. Your college visits checklist may shift depending on any of the events above. Check out this resource as you are compiling your checklist.  

5 Tips for Maximizing Your College Visits

Throughout this guide, we’ve discussed the importance of college visits, when to begin planning college visits, and what to include on your college visits checklist. Before we wrap up, let’s discuss five college visit tips for maximizing your time.

5 Tips for College Visits

1. do your research.

Studying a college ahead of time allows you to better understand its programs, campus culture, and the opportunities it offers. Identify specific areas of interest, such as academic departments, extracurricular activities, or campus facilities you want to explore. Having a basic knowledge of the campus and how it aligns with your interests will allow you to focus on the more nuanced questions and observations once you arrive for your campus tour. 

2. Engage with the Campus Community

Talking to campus community members apart from your tour guide is one of the best ways to have an authentic experience during college visits. Campus community members include current students, faculty, and staff. Conversations with people who are on campus every day will give you firsthand insights into the college experience there. And, you don’t have to worry about whether someone is just telling you something because it is their job to do so (tour guides are great, but they are extensively trained to share specific information). Ask questions about academic programs, student life, support services, and anything else that will help you gauge if the campus is the right fit for you.

3. Attend Information Sessions and Campus Tours

Some students might think that arranging an unofficial tour will be more beneficial and honest. While you may receive some inside information that an official tour won’t provide, you will also miss out on some critical information. Always register for the official campus tours and information sessions to gain structured insights about the college. These sessions often provide valuable information not available on the website or in brochures. Meeting a current student or family friend for lunch or taking a self-guided tour after an official information session can give you the additional freedom you are seeking out on your college visits. 

4. Explore Beyond the Tour

After your official tour, it is highly recommended to explore campus on your college visits. Spend time wandering around the campus to get a feel for the environment and the student body. It is of growing importance to students that they like the town or city that their college is in. Visit the surrounding area of the campus to see what amenities and off-campus activities are available to students. If you are unfamiliar with the city, you might benefit from visiting some tourist attractions like museums, parks, or special events. Another great way to explore the environment around campus is going out for a simple lunch or dinner to get a better feel for the culture beyond the college campus. 

5. Document Your Visit

After going on several college visits, they may begin to all run together. Be sure to take notes and photos during your visit to help you remember what you liked and disliked about each campus. This is especially important for college visits for juniors and sophomores, as these students may have more time between their college visits and submitting the admissions application. Once your tour is over, reflect on each of your visits to compare the different colleges. You will need this perspective once you begin receiving admissions offers and are facing a finite time to make such an important life decision. After all, one or two details may be the difference between a college making your college list.

College Visits – Takeaways

College visits are an essential part of the college search process and creating a college list. Thankfully, planning an informative college visit is not as complicated as you might think. 

Successful college campus tours begin with doing your research early. This research might include location, academic offerings, and student life opportunities. Whether you are attending HBCU college tours, Harvard tours, or Boston College tours, feel free to look back at our college visit tips.  

During your college visits, do not forget to register for an official tour , engage with the campus community, and explore the environment beyond the campus tour.  Your college campus tours will be beneficial far after the visit has ended. Read through your notes and look through pictures of the campus when it’s time to fill out your college applications. We hope by the end of this guide, you feel prepared to plan and go on your college visits. For more resources, check out this college visit webinar on making the most of your visit and how college visits show demonstrated interest . And, after all those college visit tips, here’s one more for the road–have fun!

This article was written by senior advisor, Ashley Hollins and Chelsea Holley. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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California Campus Tours

Our campus tours are led by knowledgeable admissions counselors who will answer your inquiries about academic pathways at WesternU. Tours generally last 50-60 minutes and include:

• A walk through our main campus in Pomona, California
• A look inside our state-of-the-art classroom and lab spaces, tailored to your program of interest
• Spotlight of key student resources and support services
• Q&A and next-steps discussion with an admissions counselor

We recommend that you dress comfortably and be aware of the weather!

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If you require a reasonable accommodation through our Harris Family Center for Disability and Health Policy in order to participate in our campus tour, please contact the WesternU Office of Admissions at [email protected] or (909) 469-5335 at least 2 weeks prior to your scheduled tour date. Please note that we will make our best attempt to fulfill requests made after this date but cannot guarantee they will be met.

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By Visit Ventura

A Tour of the Ventura Botanical Gardens: Experience A Walk in Nature

We think it’s safe to say you haven’t had a complete vacation in Ventura without visiting the Ventura Botanical Gardens . Beautiful views, walkways lined with colorful flowers, and an opportunity for a peaceful moment surrounded by nature — there’s nothing quite like enjoying the Ventura Botanical Garden, and for good reason. 

To make the most out of your trip, request a completely free tour by one of the garden’s wonderful tour guides to take a deeper dive into the unique plants housed along the walkways and to learn more about the conservation and preservation efforts of the gardens. 

With 107 acres and over 120,000 plants in the ground that represent the five Mediterranean regions, there’s a lot to discover and enjoy. This is your guide to the Ventura Botanical Gardens so you can start planning your trip! 

Plan Your Visit to the Ventura Botanical Gardens

Ready to embark on a botanical adventure? Plan your visit to the Ventura Botanical Gardens today and discover the beauty of nature. With three unique gardens to explore, each offering a different slice of botanical paradise, the Ventura Botanical Gardens promises an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Plus, it seems like each week there is something new!

The Ventura Botanical Gardens is open Tuesday – Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bring your whole crew (even your leashed dogs on dog-friendly Wednesdays and Fridays) for an afternoon full of fun. 

Whether you’re a seasoned botanist or simply seeking a peaceful retreat amidst stunning scenery, the Ventura Botanical Gardens invites you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world.

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The Chilean Garden: A Tapestry of South American Flora

Start your tour through the Ventura Botanical Gardens at the Merewether Welcome Center where you’ll find a cute gift shop full of plants you can purchase, art, and pottery. Browse the rows of gifts for a souvenir for yourself or a loved one! 

Follow the painted flowers on the ground underneath a line of olive trees to the garden’s pathways. Step into the Chilean Garden and be transported to the diverse landscapes of South America. Go up the stairs and see the Chilean Soap Bark Tree, unusual because it provides compounds for both soap and the Covid 19 and shingle vaccines. 

Featuring an impressive collection of plants native to Chile (the executive director visits botanical gardens in Chile to cultivate the collection here in Ventura!), once completed, this garden will be the largest Chilean Garden outside of Chile. Stroll along winding pathways adorned with rare and endangered species under conservation. And don’t forget to take a break to enjoy the views on one of the many sponsored benches and sitting areas through the gardens. 

Whether you’re an avid botanist or simply appreciate the beauty of nature, the Chilean Garden promises an unforgettable experience and a great start to your nature walk through the Ventura Botanical Gardens. 

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The Mediterranean Garden and California Ramble

As you make your way up through the garden walkways towards the Rotary Plaza, make sure you sit under the giant eucalyptus trees for one of the best scenic views at the Ventura Botanical Gardens — where the city gives way to the ocean! 

Turn around and look up: you’ll see the Mediterranean Garden where there are 200 newly planted olive tree saplings, plus a rare palm species that was donated to the gardens by Ventura College. And in front of you is the California Ramble, the largest garden. This garden embraces native plants that have been here for generations as well as new and reintroduced species. All of the gardens replicate plant communities as you would see them in nature; from ceanothus and lemonade berry to California oak. In the spring, this garden abounds with brilliantly orange poppies and lavender lupine. 

The South Africa Garden: A Safari of Succulents

A little way beyond the Rotary Plaza is the South Africa Gardens which is broken into two areas. The first is the breathtakingly colorful fynbos collection with protea, ericas, Africa bulbs, and geraniums. If you’re looking for a spot that perfectly embodies a spring day, look no further than the Fynbos Collection in the South Africa Garden. 

Walk up along the path to the second collection in the South Africa Garden: the Karoo Collection. You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world here: views for miles and on a clear day, the Channel Islands National Park will look 3D. Marvel at the otherworldly forms of aloes here. Whether you’re a desert enthusiast or simply curious about the wonders of xeriscaping, the South Africa Garden offers a captivating glimpse into the world of succulents and desert flora.

The Summit Plateau, adjacent to the Karoo Collection is a beautiful space for weddings and other events. You can find out more about having your event at the Summit Plateau here .

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4 unique plants to check out at ventura botanical gardens, 5 ways to enjoy nature in ventura, great photo ops in ventura, ventura’s outdoors are getting attention, ventura botanical gardens are a hidden gem steps from downtown.

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Get to Know UCR

There's no better way to get a feel for life at UC Riverside than with a campus tour. Explore UCR's colleges, get to know our campus history and culture, and discover why UCR is home to bold and brilliant students just like you!

Prospective Student/Family Tours

Come to campus and bring up to four (4) guests. Register for a general campus tour and admission presentation. Options for a College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (CNAS) tours are also available. 

Book a reservation

Self-Guided Tour Map

Explore UCR on your schedule and at your own pace. Our self-guided tour map is full of landmarks and fun facts. If driving, a  parking pass will be required.

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High School and Community College Group Tours

Students can take a 60-minute, student-led walking tour to explore resources, academics, and student life.

Book a Reservation

Middle and Elementary School Group Tours 

Students can take a 45-minute, student-led walking tour to explore resources, academics, and student life.

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Science and engineering.

Visit interesting locations for students that enroll in:

• Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering (BCOE)
• College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (CNAS)

Humanities, Business, Education, and Public Policy

Visit the most-frequented locations for students in:

• College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (CHASS)
• School of Business
• School of Education (SOE)
• School of Public Policy (SPP)

Activities and Resources

Check out the locations where students study, get involved, and find everything they need to succeed at UCR.

• Student Recreation Center
• Housing and Residence Life
• Academic and Career Support
• The Highlander Union

After your tour, stay to explore more UCR!

Campus Dining

We’ve got your dining needs covered! Get snacks and more from Scotty's. Coffee is served at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Ivan's, and Starbucks. Get a bite in the HUB Food Court (with Chronic Tacos, Hibachi-San, and Panda Express), Subway, The Habit, Bytes, or Emerbee's. Enjoy all-you-care-to-eat dining in our Residence Halls.

UCR Library

Our libraries are home to many notable collections, including African American, Native American, Latin American, Chinese, and Sikh history and literature; science fiction, fantasy, and horror, manuscripts, comic books, fanzines, correspondence, and photography; as well as local history, agriculture, and medical education. 

UCR Botanic Gardens

Our Botanic Gardens  cover 40 acres in the foothills of the Box Springs Mountains, just east of the center of campus. The Gardens feature more than 3,500 plant species and thousands of specimens from around the world, and is utilized for teaching, research, demonstrations, and enjoyment and appreciation of nature. 

UCR Athletics

UCR is home to 17 men’s and women’s NCAA Division I teams. Catch a game, meet, or match while you’re on campus and cheer on the Highlanders to victory! Visit gohighlanders.com for team schedules and ticket information.

Located 10 minutes west of campus in Downtown Riverside, UCR Arts is home to the California Museum of Photography, the Jack and Marilyn Sweeney Art Gallery, and the Barbara and Art Culver Center of the Arts. Learn more about exhibits, events, collections, and film screenings.

The City of Riverside

Explore the vibrant cultural hub and economic powerhouse we call home, the City of Riverside . It offers the perfect balance of small-town friendliness and big-city fun with year-round festivals, museums, eateries, music venues, boba and coffee houses, and so much more. 

Getting to UCR

Here's all the information you need about getting to campus for your tour.

• UC Riverside is located at 900 University Ave., Riverside, CA 92521.  • If driving, check in at the University Kiosk  at 141 West Campus Drive for a parking pass (required). • For Group Tours, review and print out these  directions to UCR with loading/unloading instructions.

Parking is free with a confirmed Campus Tour reservation.

Please bring your confirmation email and check in at the Campus Tours Office if you don't have your confirmation email. Regular parking rates will apply. Cash, MasterCard, and Visa are accepted.

The Campus Tours Office is located on the first floor of the  Student Services Building  (see photo), east of Lot 1. Follow the path from flagpole. Pass the Student Success Center on the left, and the next building on the left is the Student Services Building, where the Campus Tours Office is located on the first floor. Look for the orange " Campus Tours " sign above the outside-facing front door. The building will be on your left. Look for the Campus Tours Office sign. 

Ontario International Airport (ONT)  is the most convenient air travel choice, located about 20 miles (32 km) northwest of UCR. By car, it takes 20 minutes to get to UCR from ONT in light traffic and up to an hour at rush hour. Bus and shuttle transportation options are also available.

John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA) to is 45 miles (72 km) southwest of UCR. By car, it takes 45 minutes to get to UCR from the airport, though that travel time can triple in rush hour traffic. Shuttle options are also available.

Long Beach Airport (LGB) is 60 miles (97 km) west of UCR. By car, it takes about an hour in light traffic to get to UCR and up to two-and-a-half hours in heavy traffic. Shuttle options are also available. 

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is 60 miles (97 km) east of UCR. By car, it takes 50 minutes to get to UCR, but that jumps to an hour-and-a-half at rush hour.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is about 70 miles (113 km) west of UCR. By car, it takes about an hour-and-15-minutes to get to UCR in light traffic, though that travel time increases to over three hours in the heaviest traffic. Shuttle options are also available.

Metrolink  is the regional rail system linking Riverside County to Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura counties. UCR is located near the  Riverside – Downtown Riverside – Hunter Park/UCR  stations, and  Riverside Transit Agency (RTA)  bus transportation is available from both stations to campus.

Amtrak is a national rail system that operates across the United States. The Riverside – Downtown station is accessible to campus via RTA bus.

Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) buses connect UCR to the surrounding communities as well as the Riverside — Downtown and Riverside — Hunter Park/UCR train stations.

OmniTrans provides bus service from ONT to campus.

If you’re driving to UCR, review our  driving directions prior to your visit. If needed, car rental facilities are available at all major airports.

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College tour season is about to kick off. Here are 10 tips from college tour guides to have a successful campus visit.

• As spring starts, colleges around the country welcome parents and students to campus for tours. 
• College tour guides want people to arrive on time, ask the right questions, and have fun.
• They also recommend students take the tour on their own, without their parents.

Spring break is right around the corner, and for many high school students and their parents, that means many will be hitting the road to tour colleges around the country.

To make the most of your visit, Business Insider spoke with college students and tour guides. They know the campuses like the back of their hands, and they know how to walk backward.

Here are the dos and don'ts of college tours from student guides.

1. Get there with no time to spare, but don't be late

You won't get points for arriving early, so try to arrive on time. But if you do happen to arrive late , there's no need to worry.

"If something comes up and you are late, ask your guide what you missed once the tour finishes," Skyler Kawecki-Muonio, a senior at Sarah Lawrence College, told BI. "They will happily fill you in."

2. Dress to impress, but don't sacrifice comfort

It's important to look nice, but you don't have to don a jacket and tie. Tour-goers should put their best foot forward with a sturdy pair of walking shoes , and don't forget to dress for the weather.

"At Fairleigh Dickinson, tours go out rain or shine, so make sure to wear clothes that will keep you warm," Emily Bone, class of '25, said.

3. Don't forget to sign in, but skip the CV

Most schools have a check-in desk where you'll receive a campus map and other literature. But don't bother furnishing schools with your portfolio.

"Students can leave their resumes at home," Henry Millar, a senior at William & Mary, said. "Tour guides generally do not have any sway in the admissions process whatsoever, so feel free to save the paper."

4. Pay attention on the tour, but do it solo if possible

Some schools offer the option of letting parents and kids take separate tours, which has advantages.

"Get excited about your child's potential future in college, but give them some space to see what they think of that school on their own," Nathan Weisbrod, a junior at Wesleyan University, told BI.

Students can comfortably ask questions without a parent present and compare notes afterward.

5. Ask all your questions, but avoid personal interrogations

This is the time to inquire about any aspect of campus life , and don't feel shy about speaking up.

"Tour guides love getting questions because it allows us to cater the tour, especially in small groups, toward the needs and interests of the families on that specific tour," Halle Spataro, class of '24 at Bucknell University, said.

But some topics are off-limits, so don't ask your tour guide about their SAT/ACT scores or what they wrote about in their essay.

6. Speak up, but let the student take the lead

Parents may be tempted to raise their hand again and again, but this tour is about the student, so there should be space to let them shine.

"Try to take the backseat — or the passenger seat — but refrain from driving all of your child's interactions," Julian Jacklin, class of '25 at Reed College, said. "Students who feel they can own that experience usually ask the most questions and engage with the tour more."

7. Say thanks, but don't leave with questions unanswered

Maybe your guide didn't hear you, or your kid was reluctant to speak up. You can still get the information you want before leaving.

"There's a lot of information students are getting that day and a lot of excitement with being in a new place, which can make people forget to ask certain questions," Lorenzo Mars, a junior at Pepperdine University, said.

Therefore, get your tour guide's email address so that you can follow up afterward.

8. You may know exactly what school is right, but keep an open mind

Don't be surprised if a city-living kid is suddenly intrigued by a small-town setting.

"The college search and college experience are all about getting to know yourself better and growing, so on a tour, students have to trust themselves and their judgment of the 'world' they've just stepped into," Thomas Elias, class of '24 at University of Scranton, said.

9. Take in as much as you can, but remember to have fun

Sure, preparing for the next four years can be scary and stressful. But it's also an exciting milestone, so enjoy the ride.

"These tours serve as great opportunities to learn more about colleges — along with their cities, culture, and people," Connor Gee, a sophomore at the University of Mississippi, said. "Have fun with it!"

10. Weigh the pros and cons of the school, but don't stop there

Your tour may be over, but you can still learn other ways to immerse yourself in college life .

"See if the school offers additional experiences, like eating in the cafeteria or attending a class," Emily Balda, class of '24 at Seton Hall University, said. "Consider it 'food for thought.'"

If you enjoyed this story, be sure to follow Business Insider on Microsoft Start.

Santa Paula High School educator Megan Hernandez heads to Auschwitz on teaching fellowship

Megan Hernandez, a Santa Paula High School teacher, found her love for history growing up learning about her grandpa's experiences fighting in World War II.

"I have always loved history," she said. "And hearing his stories, I love to learn about it, especially through him. He was my No. 1 supporter throughout my life. My lifelong best friend."

This school year, Hernandez will be one of 40 teachers from around the United States selected to participate in the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Foundation Fellowship. This yearlong program includes a weeklong trip to Poland.

High school educators teaching English, history, social studies or related subjects who have not visited Auschwitz-Birkenau are eligible to apply to the program. In 2024, selected fellows are joining the program from Oregon, Idaho, Washington, Southern California, Colorado, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Utah and Connecticut.

Hernandez, 37, has been a Santa Paula High School teacher for over a year and teaches several classes of world history, including Advanced Placement European history, to sophomores as well as an academic support elective AVID class to freshman.

The history teacher grew up in Ventura. During her own time in high school, she said she fell behind and didn't do well. Right out of school, she became a hairstylist and worked around Ventura County for about five years before deciding to change careers and going to Oxnard College.

She recalled her first class at the college with Professor Kevin Hughes who taught history in a way that made her like she "was there" to witness it.

"I was just like if I would have had this in high school, maybe I would have learned more. So, I was just inspired to become a teacher through him," she said.

About 13 years ago, she moved from Ventura to Santa Paula to be closer to her grandfather, Arthur LeValley. He died in 2016 at almost 99 years old. She was one of his primary caretakers near the end.

"He always kind of sheltered me from the bad stuff when I was really little, but towards the end of his life, he started telling me a little bit more about his experience overseas," she said. "I have recordings on recordings of hearing him talk. I've been interested in archiving them because there's only so many people who experienced World War II left."

She later moved to other cities in the county for work and personal reasons but found her way back to Santa Paula last year. She lives in her grandfather's home with her husband now.

At Santa Paula High School, Hernandez also leads the AVID Club and is the sophomore class adviser. Nancy Nasr, assistant principal at Santa Paula High School, said that Hernandez has a solid rapport with her students and is "almost like the mama bird in the classroom."

"Seeking opportunities to get up close and personal with history so that she can come back and bring that to her students speaks volumes about the type of educator that she is," Nasr said.

The fellowship includes an online program of coursework on the Holocaust and traveling to Poland this summer to visit Krakow and Warsaw as well as the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. The immersive visit is meant to elevate Hernandez's understanding of the Holocaust.

When she comes back, the history teacher is expected to use her new experience and fellowship resources, including a documentary movie, a specially designed curriculum and access to guided remote tours of Auschwitz-Birkenau to prepare lessons for her students.

"Megan has impressed us with her depth of understanding of the gravity of the Holocaust, its meaning in world history, its lessons for humanity, and her commitment to teach this material to her students," Maria Zalewska, executive director for the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Foundation, said in an emailed statement.

The New York-based foundation works to preserve the remains of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp as well as to promote education about the site during the Holocaust as the largest German Nazi concentration camp.

Previous experiences also impacted Hernandez's commitment to learn more about the Holocaust. She recalled visiting the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum in Simi Valley when she chaperoned students to attend a talk by Holocaust survivor David Lenga on Holocaust Remembrance Day in April 2023.

The talk came with the opening of a new exhibit presenting Holocaust artifacts from around the world titled, "Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away."

"I just cried pretty much the entire time of his story," she said. "It was heartbreaking to hear what happened to him."

She saw that the students were affected, too.

"My students, they were just shocked to hear how children were treated, because (Lenga) started off his journey as a child, and they were just about their age," she said. Lenga died in January at age 96.

Dua Anjum is an investigative and watchdog reporter for the Ventura County Star. Reach her at [email protected] . This story was made possible by a grant from the Ventura County Community Foundation's Fund to Support Local Journalism.

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European Union criticizes Russia for removing Estonian buoys, demand an explanation from Moscow

BRUSSELS (AP) — The EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell says the removal of 25 Estonian buoys by Russian border guards on a river separating the Baltic country from Russia was “unacceptable.” Early Thursday, Estonian border guards noticed that their Russian counterparts had removed the floats that Estonia had installed on the Narva River to prevent boats from accidentally crossing the border. Borrell on Friday demanded an explanation and said that the incident “is part of a broader pattern of provocative behavior and hybrid actions by Russia, including on its maritime and land borders in the Baltic Sea region.”  Estonia also dubbed Moscow’s action unacceptable but said its response “remains calm and clear-eyed.”

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2023-2024 Academic Catalog

The study of English offers a basic understanding of reading and writing skills and an appreciation of literature. The more practical skills offered by the study of English—effective reading, writing and thinking —are applicable to all education, careers, and civil responsibilities.

Credit Courses

This is a writing course that emphasizes critical reading, expository and argumentative writing, and mastery of library research techniques. It includes instruction and practice in critical thinking; analytical reading and evaluation of written work, including at least one book-length work of significant literature; and communicating and supporting ideas in organized, coherent essays. Students are required to write a minimum of 5000 formal words, including a research project, based on essays, literature read in class, personal experience, and college-level research.

This course introduces representative works from major literary genres and offers instruction in analytical, critical, and argumentative writing, critical thinking, research strategies, information literacy, and proper documentation through the study of literary works. This course develops students’ close reading and analytical writing skills and promotes appreciation and critical understanding of the cultural, historical, and aesthetic qualities of literature.

This course offers practice in critical thinking and writing, centered on a course theme and based on analytical evaluation of primarily non-fiction texts. It also offers instruction in the writing process, research strategies, information literacy, and documentation. Students submit a final portfolio of their best work.

The student will learn to write coherent, well-developed expository essays using a variety of rhetorical modes; to summarize and analyze essays as models for writing; and to conduct research and write a research essay.

This is a college-level reading course designed to help students improve their reading comprehension and ability to do critical analysis. They will develop advanced vocabulary skills and improve their reading speed and comprehension in assignments involving lengthy and difficult college-level texts and scholarly articles.

Introduction to the craft of creative writing through the study and analysis of the works of established and peer writers. Students will practice writing in various genres and will be introduced to the workshop method.

This course is an in-depth study of the literary forms -- short story, poetry, and drama -- with practice in writing original works, and with special emphasis on criticism of students' works by instructor and students.

This is a course for students who wish to improve their skills as poets, authors of fiction and as nonfiction writers.

This is a basic introductory course in writing for the film and electronic media. Emphasis is on preparing scripts in proper formats, including fundamental technical, conceptual and stylistic issues related to writing fiction and non-fiction for informational and entertainment purposes in film and electronic media. Includes a writing evaluation component as a significant part of the course requirement.

This course is a study of creative nonfiction with an emphasis on critical reading, analysis, interpretation, and creative writing. The student will study the principles and methods of creative nonfiction, submit original pieces for class discussion, and learn to use the workshop format to further their work. A critical analysis of student and master works will address personal, social, political, and/or cultural issues.

This course is a study of poetry with an emphasis on critical reading, analysis, interpretation, and creative writing. The student will study the different forms and elements of poetry.

This course focuses on the analysis and interpretation of representative short stories and novels. Students will study the connection between content and form in fiction, and compare and contrast the approaches, content, and style among various writers, cultures, and time periods. Structure, style, theme, character, setting, and tone will be emphasized.

This course introduces representative works of children’s and adolescent literature and film, develops students’ close reading and analytical writing skills, and promotes an appreciation for the aesthetic qualities of literature and film created for children and adolescents.

This course presents a survey of British literature in its cultural framework from the Celtic epic tradition to the late 18th century, covering the Heroic Age, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and Neoclassicism.

This course surveys British literature from the late eighteenth century to contemporary British and post-colonial texts.

This course introduces students to America’s literary traditions from their beginnings to the second half of the nineteenth century. Topics will include the literature of Puritanism, reason and revolution, transcendentalism, romanticism, the Civil War and its related subjects, abolition and slavery. Multicultural contributions to early American texts include those of the primary groups--Native American, African American, Hispanic American writers--and commentators on the young republic. Readings will encompass both the traditional canon and more recent, multicultural sources.

This course introduces students to a wide range of American authors and their relationship to major literary and intellectual movements from the second half of the nineteenth century.

This course is a beginning study of dramatic theory. Plays from various time periods will be studied and analyzed as literary works in the historical context, traced through their production history, considered for their relevance and importance for today's artists and audiences, and analyzed for their production possibilities. The course will emphasize critical reading, analysis, interpretation, and creative writing. The student will submit original pieces for class discussion and learn to use the workshop format to further their work.

In this course, students will draw connections between traditional and contemporary literary genres as they read William Shakespeare's plays and critically analyze film adaptations of these plays. Students will read and analyze a selection of Shakespeare's histories, comedies, tragedies, and romances in the context of Elizabethan drama. Then they will view a variety of cinematic interpretations of these plays and compare and contrast such elements as plot, character, theme, staging, and critical and directorial interpretation.

This course is an introduction to the study of film, especially feature-length commercial films. Emphasis will be on creative and critical interpretation and evaluation of film techniques and effects.

This course provides additional study of film as a medium for dramatic presentation. Emphasis will be on creative and critical interpretation of films. Films seen and evaluated in the introductory film course will be different from films presented in this course.

This course is a comparative study of selected works, in translation and in English, of literature from around the world, including Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and other areas, from antiquity to the mid or late seventeenth century.

This course is a comparative study of selected works, in translation and in English, of literature from around the world, including Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and other areas, from the mid or late seventeenth century to the present.

This course is an in-depth study of the literature of the African American experience in the United States.

This course is an introductory survey course in Mexican American/Chicana/o literature covering traditional and contemporary literary styles and forms. The course will explore various genres including, but not limited to, poetry, ballads, short stories, novels, drama, and essays, and will engage in literary analysis of these materials. The course will emphasize a critical understanding of the literary texts within the context of economic, political, social, and intellectual elements of the culture of the Mexican American/Chicana/o community.

This is a survey course on the ethnic American experience in the United States, focusing primarily on the works of African American, Asian American, Chicano, Latino, and Native American authors. Literary genres will include poetry, drama, short fiction, and the novel. Literary works will be examined within their cultural, historical, and social frameworks.

This course is an examination of the images, roles, and identities of women in literature, focused on the contributions of women to a variety of literary genres including prose, poetry, short fiction, drama, and novels. It explores the particular cultural, historical, political, and social issues that have influenced women and society.

This course offers specialized study opportunities for students who wish to pursue projects not included in the regular curriculum. Students are accepted only by a written project proposal approved by the discipline prior to enrollment.

Noncredit Courses

The student will learn to write grammatically correct sentences, to develop coherent paragraphs, and to read and analyze short passages as models for writing.

Critical reading course focusing on the effective use of critical thinking in a cross-disciplinary framework. Emphasis on the development of critical reading skills of interpretation, analysis, and evaluation of a variety of academic texts across disciplines.

• English, Associate in Arts for Transfer

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Agriculture

About program, call us for more information (805)-289-6430.

Program Purpose : Students participating in the Agriculture program will apply knowledge of plants, animals, soils, and climates to environmental settings with an understanding of basic principles of soil fertility and water quality. Students will predict plant growth outcomes by applying basic principles of botany, and be able to recommend management strategies in the use of Earth’s natural resources, including the ability to recognize, interpret, and recommend control strategies for common plant pests and diseases, and understand the implications of the use of herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, and integrated pest management principles used in Agriculture, Landscape Management, and Natural Resources Management. 

Program Description :  The Ventura College Agriculture program seeks to prepare students for future careers within the agriculture industry through hands-on experiential learning and curriculum designed to engage students in all aspects of agriculture, from the field to the fork.

The program allows students to earn an Associates degree (AS) or Certificates of Achievement (COA) in the areas of Agribusiness, Plant Science, Food Safety and Veterinary Technology. The AS degrees in Agriculture Business and Plant Science also comprise the core undergraduate work required for transfer to CSU agriculture Baccalaureate programs.

Graduates from the Ventura College Ag program will be prepared to enter numerous sectors of the growing agribusiness industry, which provides the products and services related to production, processing, marketing, and distribution of food products and services. Professionals in this industry bring strengths from the integration of business, science, and technology.

Agriculture: California is home to the largest food and agricultural economy in the nation. California's farmers and ranchers have made this state the leader in agricultural production for over 50 years. With 350 crops and an agricultural economy that exceeds $28 billion, the rest of the world looks to California to see what's next in agriculture. Our courses in the Agriculture program focus on landscaping, natural resources, and the business of agriculture.

Programs Offered:

• Agriculture Field Supervisor
• Agriculture Business
• Agriculture Plant Science
• Food Safety
• Veterinary Technology
• Pest Control Adviser Preparation

Career Opportunities:

• Public schools
• Non-profit organizations
• Financial institutions
• State and federal agencies
• Nature preserves
• Community organizations
• Sustainable development

Degrees and Certificates Offered:

• Associate in Science Degrees
• Certificate of Achievements

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