Classes have moved to the newly completed campus on Fairview Road.
This artcle was written by BenitoLink intern Meghan Lee. Lea este artículo en español aquí.
Since opening on Jan. 27, Gavilan College’s campus in Hollister has expanded the services in the community. Administrators say that enrollment has nearly doubled, from 473 students in the 2024 spring semester to 879 in the current semester.
Judy Rodriguez has been the instructional site director of the Hollister campus for 28 years. She said that the new, larger building accommodates a wider range of course offerings than the old site did in the Briggs building in downtown Hollister.
“Students are so appreciative and they’re acclimating to the new campus. They’re excited about being able to take science classes here,” Rodriguez said.
Jaime Rosales is a communications major at Gavilan, where he serves as a peer mentor. He started taking classes in Hollister in 2015, and said the difference between the old and new facilities is huge.
“It’s a big leap forward, I’ll tell you that much. State-of-the-art stuff, huge compared to the other one, it’s a lovely site,” Rosales said. “It hasn’t been without its issues. There’s things to iron out still as far as the building goes. But everything’s been working as it should.”
The campus now offers biology and chemistry classes, which were unavailable at the Briggs site. It also has a cafeteria, library, food pantry and community room. Rodriquez said these new resources are for the whole community, not just students.
“Having a community room that can be used for meetings and workshops provides an opportunity to build relationships with outside entities and opens the door to welcome our community,” Rodriguez said.
Rosales said he hopes to see the campus grow even more.
“Growth is always good. It means people are going to school, so that’s pretty exciting,” Rosales said.
Gavilan’s Board of Trustees is considering a short-term update for the campus using what remains of Measure X bond money: either a chain link fence around the developed property, or an outdoor athletic facility.
Gavilan Capital Projects Director Serafin Fernandez will be consulting with his team and community members to assess the need for larger projects and secure funding for them.
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