Rio Hondo College (RHC)

Rio Hondo College (RHC) is a two-year community college located in Los Angeles County, in the city of Whittier. Rio Hondo, or RHC, provides a range of students with new skills and career training, lifelong learning, academic programs leading to an associate degree, and academic programs that prepare students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities.

In addition to granting associate degrees in more than 40 subject areas, it also grants technical and professional certificates in roughly 47 subjects. Top professional and vocational programs at RHC include Fire Technology, Environmental Technology, Nursing, Emergency Medical Technician, Drafting, Automotive Technology, and more. RHC has the largest college-based Administration of Justice Program in California, training police offers for 40 jurisdictions. Community service classes are available in subjects such as computer skills, and online classes are offered through Rio Hondo's "Virtual College."

History

Rio Hondo College was founded in 1963, and the first students were enrolled for the 1963-1964 academic year.

Academics 

The academic calendar for RHC follows a semester format with fall, spring and summer "primary" terms. Within each term or semester, RHC offers shorter 8-week modules.

Colleges and Schools 

The academic units of Rio Hondo College are organized into instructional divisions, which are:

• Arts and Cultural Programs
• Behavioral and Social Sciences
• Business and Economic Development
• Career and Technical Education
• Communications and Languages
• Continuing Education
• Health Science and Nursing
• Mathematics and Sciences
• Physical Education
• Public Safety / Administration of Justice

Student Life 

The Associated Student Body Senate (ASB) is the primary organization at Rio Hondo College for all extracurricular student activities on campus. The ASB is managed by Student Senators, who vote weekly on how to spend funds for student clubs and activities. RHC students are encouraged to join the Senate and/or a student club or organization. Students may also work with the ASB to start a new club. The ASB provides many activities and events that provide opportunities for leadership and involvement. 

ASB program services include emergency student loans, a discount ticket program, housing program, and commencement information. 

Other student services at Rio Hondo College include a library, veteran's services, a transfer center, career center, fitness center and child development center. Local high school students can enroll in RHC classes as part of the college's outreach services. 

As part of the "Go Rio" program, full-time students in good financial standing can get a discounted transit pass that is honored by all of the above transit operators in Los Angeles County. Students who drop below 12 units at any point during an academic semester are not eligible for the GO RIO program.

Traditions 

The school colors for Rio Hondo College are yellow and black. The school mascot is the roadrunner, and the athletic teams are nicknamed the RHC "Roadrunners."

Athletics 

A member of the Foothill Athletic Conference, the Rio Hondo College Athletics Department participates in several intercollegiate sports, including: 

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Soccer
• Swimming
• Track and Field
• Wrestling 

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Volleyball
• Water Polo

Community Life

There are many cultural events, art programs and music and theatre performances at Rio Hondo College that are open to the community. Some events require advance reservations, so community member are encouraged to contact RHC via the Cultural Events Hotline at: (562) 908-3492.