Statement Concerning the Value of Cultural Competence at CRC
Cosumnes River College is a comprehensive community college within the Los Rios Community
College District with a diverse student and staff population. We strive to provide an environment
where cultural competence is the norm. We hope that the definition of cultural competence and the
brief description of our students will assist you as you prepare your application for a potential
interview. Please be ready to respond to questions and to demonstrate evidence for the value of
cultural competence and experience of working with and serving diverse communities and
populations.
Definition of Cultural Competence
Culture implies an integrated pattern of collective behavior, including habits, customs, values, beliefs,
and institutions. Competence implies the capacity to function effectively.
Cultural competence is the skill of interacting positively with all people - embracing their race,
gender, class, religion, sexual orientation, age, culture, ability, or physical abilities. Cosumnes River
College pursues values, attitudes, and practices that promote healthy, constructive interactions in a
diverse community. Cultural competence is an ongoing process of institutional, professional and
personal development through assessment and revision.
To promote cultural competence and create a truly democratic learning environment, CRC values:
1) Diversity and pluralism
2) Continuous personal and professional development, assessment and revision
3) Awareness of the dynamics of cross-cultural interactions
4) The ongoing pursuit of teaching strategies and student services that better serves diverse
populations
5) An environment of inclusion, equity, and justice
Student Demographics (Fall 2008)
 Enrollment at the CRC campus is approximately 14,500 students.
 CRC serves a very diverse community including many students of mixed heritage. The ethnic
composition includes: 29.6% European American, 30.9% Asian American, 14.8% African
American, 16.6% Latino, .8% Native American and 7.3% other.
 CRC serves the younger as well as the older student with 58.2% of the student population under
the age of 25, and 14.4% over the age of 39.
 The ratio of female students to male students is 57.3% female, 42.7% male.
 CRC students come from varied economic backgrounds with 29.4% of students reporting incomes
that are considered below poverty and 34.2% of students reporting incomes that are considered
middle income.
 54.1% of CRC students attend during the day and 22.0% of students attend during the evening,
with 23.9% of the students attending during the day and evening. 11.4% of our students are
enrolled in online courses and other courses that have no regular meeting time. Most students
attend part time with 30.0% taking fewer than 6 units, 35.3% enrolled in 6 to 11.9 units, and
34.7% enrolled in 12 or more units.
 Most students attend part time with 29.1% taking fewer than 6 units, 35.4% enrolled in 6 to 11.9
units, and 35.5% enrolled in 12 or more units.