CIS Department Philosophy

The Computer & Information Science (CIS) department at Cuyamaca College strives to provide the highest quality learning experience with state-of-the art technologies in response to the eclectic needs of a diverse student population. The department believes that maximal learning is the result of a convergence of conceptual understanding and personal experience. We are committed to providing the necessary technical tools and up-to-date hardware such that each student has sufficient experience in the implementation of the acquired skill set. This occurs in a small classroom environment so that there is ample opportunity to benefit individually by the instructor's assistance and knowledge. Recognizing that our students represent a myriad of backgrounds, we endeavor to address all learning styles and modes of information delivery. To help students succeed in a rapidly evolving technical industry, we focus on the development of a sound infrastructure of knowledge and understanding that will support life long learning. Our courses are designed to complement and reinforce each other such that students develop a well rounded conceptual foundation.

In order to provide the best education possible, it is imperative that we continually evaluate and update our curriculum as well as our expectations of student performance. Our courses establish high expectations for student achievement and actively facilitate critical thinking and problem solving. They prepare students for employment or advancement in the local employment market and for transfer to four year institutions of higher learning. The specific skills and software covered will be determined by their predominance in the computer industry as well as the degree to which they generalize. We recognize the rapidly changing nature of this marketplace and view curricular decision making as a dynamic process based upon data collected from the consumers, i.e., employers and transfer institutions. Our focus is on defining a set of skills that work together to form an employable or transferable student.

The CIS department recognizes our responsibility to communicate with and link to a variety of other systems. As a part of our effort to teach in response to industry needs and demands, we connect with businesses, industries, and associations as much as possible. We participate in regional Business and Industry Advisory Committees, we attend a variety of industry events, and we are members of industry organizations. The department endeavors to identify and procure resources beyond those provided by the State of California; we are constantly seeking grant opportunities and are very interested in partnerships with industry that effectively serve the needs of both partners. Above all else, we believe in the value of education. We are actively involved with the Grossmont Union High School District in encouraging those students to attend college and we are open to providing them with college credit for courses taken in high school. We are eager to expand our transfer agreements with four year colleges and universities and encourage all of our students to continue their education beyond Cuyamaca College.

Finally, the CIS department is committed to supporting and nurturing the technical and teaching abilities of it's instructors. We too have to maintain a skill level corresponding to the developments taking place in the computer/technical community. In order to do this, we provide the greatest possible support and resources to attend retraining and retooling workshops. We endeavor, on a daily basis, to work with our colleagues in a spirit of cooperation and respect and do all that is possible to support each others' personal and professional growth.