FAQ

1. When was Fresno City College founded?
   
   Fresno City College was established in 1910 and is the first community college in California and the first distinct community college in the United States.
   
   
2. How many students does Fresno City College serve?
   
   Fresno City College provides a student-centered environment and vast educational resources to more than 22,000 students each academic year. Over 40 degree tracks can be completed in 2 years. The nationally recognized Leon S. Peters Honors program places students at UC campuses and prestigious universities nationwide. Students who attend Fresno City College obtain lifelong learning skills that enable them to achieve success in numerous fields including business, civil service, education, law, military service, healthcare, the arts, etc.
   
   
3. What is the significance of the OAB to the City of Fresno and the educational community?
   
   The historic Old Administration Building holds a position of unique historical and educational significance to the San Joaquin Valley. Completed in 1916, the building was the first permanent structure on the Fresno State Normal School campus. In 1921, Fresno Junior College relocated to the site and shared the campus with Fresno State until 1948. Fresno City College purchased the campus and, from 1956 to 1976, utilized the classrooms, offices and auditorium in the building.
   
   
4. How large is the building?
   
   Located on 2.3 acres in the northwest corner of the FCC campus, the OAB is an expansive building with two outdoor courtyards totaling over 100,000 square feet. Classroom space, offices and the auditorium are approximately 70,000 square feet.
   
   
   
5. How much money is really needed to open the OAB?
   
   $41 million is needed to complete the entire project. $30 million will stabilize the entire building and will renovate the south and west wings of the building. $4 million of the funds raised during the campaign will be primarily used for the auditorium, which cannot be funded by the state.
   
   
6. How will the money raised by the internal campaign be used?
   
   The $1 million from the internal campaign will be used to furnish and equip wings A and B and for the renovation of the auditorium.
   
   
7. What was the original intent of Measure E as it relates to the OAB?
   
   The Measure E funds are intended to be used for the renovation of the building including seismic retrofit, structural, mechanical and electrical upgrades, and fire/life safety and access code compliance. The building will include administrative, classrooms, faculty and campus organization offices, auditorium, music/choral rehearsal space; staff workrooms and restrooms. The existing walls will remain intact within the new space configuration
   
   
8. Why is more money needed after Measure E?
   
   From the onset of the Measure E campaign, it was made clear to the voters that $25 million would not be enough for the OAB renovation project. The $25 million for the OAB, along with the other district-wide Measure E projects, put the total bond measure at $161 million—a significant amount of money, especially for a first-time bond ballot effort. The voters approved the Measure with the understanding that the $25 million would provide the funds needed to stabilize the building and bring it up to code. Additional funding would be needed for the interior, enhancements and the auditorium. To that end, the District Foundation conducted a feasibility study to assess the viability of a capital campaign. The Board of Trustees also reallocated an additional $5 million to the project from surplus Measure E funds from another project, bringing the current level of funding for the OAB to $30 million.
   
   
9. Why did we begin with an internal Campaign? Why was that so important?
   
   They say that “charity begins at home,” and as members of the FCC family, we took the opportunity to set the tone of the external campaign by demonstrating to the external community that we are committed to this project. FCC will be the primary beneficiary of what will be a fantastic AND functional building for all of us, and our students. In addition to the practical addition of much needed classroom space, the OAB will serve as a charming, elegant cultural and artistic venue for the entire community. The OAB will once again be a major point of pride for FCC.
   
   
   
10. Why $11 million vs. $10 million vs. $8 million? Why do the numbers keep changing?
    
    The amount of the total funding needed has ranged from $10 to $11 million primarily because of inflation. Increases in construction costs for concrete, steel, copper and labor will impact the total cost of any project; the OAB is no exception. It is not uncommon in construction to experience an increase beyond the original figure.
    
    
11. When will the OAB open?
    
    Plans are to open the OAB in Fall 2009. The entire building will be structurally sound and will meet all earthquake codes. The west and south wings will be fully furnished and operational. North and east wings will be completed as additional funding comes available (via state funding, future state and/or local facilities bonds, or additional donations).
    
    
12. When is the projected ground breaking?
    
    Groundbreaking is scheduled for Spring/Summer 2007.
    
    
13. When will the building be fully opened?
    
    The north and east wings will be completed once the funding is secured from the state. We have submitted Final Project Proposals to the state for consideration. We are now “in line” to receive funding for the project. We have applied for approximately $7 million in state funding.
    
    
14. What will money raised during the external campaign be used for?
    
    Funds raised during the external campaign will be used primarily for the renovation of the auditorium.
    
    
15. What types of classes will be offered in the renovated OAB?
    
    The opening of the OAB will enable many departments to offer more classes for students. As an example, there will be four large group instruction or LGI classroom spaces that will be made available to various divisions and departments on campus. Additional space will also be used for a dance studio and music rehearsal room.
    
    
16. Which areas of the college receive “secondary benefits”?
    
    All academic areas of the college will benefit with the opening of the OAB in 2009. For example, several sections of math classes will be moved to the OAB. As a result, additional laboratory space will be available in the Math, Science and Engineering Building to allow for scheduling of more class sections of biology.