Following an announcement by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office of the arrest of a former Ventura College coach, officials at Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) believe the investigation of the men’s basketball program at Ventura College will soon come to a close. “This has been a long and arduous process for everyone, but we are confident the District Attorney’s Office has conducted a complete and thorough investigation of this matter,” said Dr. James Meznek, Chancellor.

VCCCD has been investigating allegations of misconduct by athletes and coaches in its intercollegiate sports programs at Ventura College, Oxnard College, and Moorpark College. VCCCD hired an independent, third-party investigator immediately upon learning of the allegations in late 2007 and has been working closely with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office to resolve the matter.

Chancellor Meznek commended the Board of Trustees for taking action that enabled staff to strengthen administrative processes and fiscal controls. The Board of Trustees wants to assure the public they are taking these issues seriously, and they appreciate the hard work and cooperation of those involved in the investigation. The ethical standards and values of VCCCD are non-negotiable, and the Board and Administration will take additional, appropriate actions pending the outcome of the investigation.

Dr. Robin Calote, President of Ventura College, is looking forward to the future for students involved in athletics. “Intercollegiate sports competition is typically recognized as a positive contribution to college life. We are making every effort to strengthen the contribution our intercollegiate sports programs make to the overall educational experience of students and the sense of community that college sports creates throughout Ventura County. VCCCD’s intercollegiate sports programs are intended to provide an opportunity for students to learn and experience life lessons of commitment, honesty, integrity, and following the rules of sportsmanship. VCCCD is working hard to put systems in place to ensure this happens in all cases.”

The Ventura County Community College District is a partner in the 110-campus California Community College system. The District’s three colleges, Moorpark, Oxnard, and Ventura, offer programs in general education for transfer to four-year universities, occupational and career technical fields, developmental programs, community service and continuing education, and provide opportunities to engage in co-curricular campus activities. For more information, please visit us at www.vcccd.edu.