In light of recent news reports about the possible temporary closure of Bakersfield College’s southwest center, leaders at Fresno Pacific University reiterate the university’s commitment to Bakersfield and its students in the area.
“Please be assured that FPU staff and administration are working with Bakersfield College, as well as others, to ensure high-quality classroom space remains available to our students,” said Jon Endicott, Fresno Pacific’s vice president of enrollment management. “We do not expect that any classes this fall semester at our current location will change or be moved. We will continue to provide details as they become available regarding classroom space and student services to our Bakersfield students.”
Bakersfield College and FPU currently share space at 11000 River Run Blvd. The Bakersfield Californian reported November 2 that Bakersfield College’s lease of that property is in flux. (See the full article at bakersfield.com/news/bakersfield-college-may-temporarily-close-southwest-center-in/article_b431007c-dd30-11e8-99e2-87a3dffbe141.html). This uncertainty could potentially have an impact on FPU students, as the university was planning to sublease classroom space and offices from Bakersfield College at the River Run site next Spring.
FPU has had a center in Bakersfield since 1998, with the current Bakersfield Campus opening in 2009. Programs at the 20,000 square-foot facility include the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts, the Master of Arts in Administrative Services and the Master of Arts in Pupil Personnel Services.
Fresno Pacific continues to work with Bakersfield College as plans finalize. “Our first choice is to sublease from BC at either the present location or its new location. If they are not able to accommodate us in April, we will have accommodations put in place, hopefully by December. We continue to be committed to programs in Bakersfield,” Endicott said.
Students with questions are encouraged to call the Bakersfield Campus at 661-617-4500.