Nov 23, 2024  
2023-2024 Student Handbook 
    
2023-2024 Student Handbook [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Welcome to Odessa College


Faculty and staff at Odessa College are committed to assisting you in completing your educational goals. You may plan to learn a skill or trade and go directly into the work force, or you may plan to complete your general education requirements and transfer to a four-year institution. Some of you may be taking classes for your own personal enrichment.

Whatever your reason for being here, you are important to Odessa College.

Please use this handbook as a resource for information on services and activities that are available to you. Also in the handbook is information on your rights and responsibilities as a student.

If you are unable to find the information you need in this handbook, please ask a faculty member or other college personnel for direction. Best wishes for a successful experience here at Odessa College.

Odessa College Mission Statement

Odessa College shall lead the way in preparing its students and community for the future. The College District offers exemplary courses, programs, and services to assist students in achieving their educational goals and becoming lifelong learners, community builders, and global citizens. Odessa College shall empower its employees to model excellence in their service to students, colleagues, and the community.

Odessa College Vision Statement

Odessa College strives to become the top rated community college in the nation for student success. 

Philosophy of Odessa College

Odessa College exists for students. The college, with its faculty and staff, is committed to excellence in its services, programs, and practices. It affirms equal access to all aspects of the institution for the diverse population it serves. The institution approaches all endeavors with the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.

Equal Opportunity at Odessa College

No person shall be excluded from participation in, denied benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity sponsored or conducted by Odessa College on any basis prohibited by applicable law, including, but not limited to race, color, age, marital status, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or status as a qualified disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran.

Odessa College Purpose Statement

The purpose of Odessa College, as prescribed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, is to provide:

  1. Career and technical programs up to four years in length leading to or certificates, associates degrees or baccalaureate degrees.
  2. Career and technical programs leading directly to employment in semi-skilled and skilled occupations.
  3. Freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences.
  4. Continuing adult education programs for occupational or cultural upgrading.
  5. Compensatory education programs designed to fulfill the commitment of an admissions policy allowing the enrollment of disadvantaged students.
  6. A continuing program of counseling and guidance designed to assist students in achieving their individual educational goals.
  7. Workforce development programs designed to meet local and statewide needs.
  8. Adult literacy and other basic skills programs for adults.

Role of Odessa College

Odessa College is an open door two-year institution offering quality career, technical, and academic courses for certification, associate and baccalaureate degrees. Additionally, the College offers continuing education, remedial and compensatory education, and provides guidance and counseling programs. Odessa College primarily serves individuals located in our service area and insists on excellence in teaching, research, and public service.

Odessa College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate and  baccalaureate degrees. Odessa College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Odessa College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org)