During the 1930s Pasadena Junior College suffered from
the economic depression affecting the entire country. Pasadena
was not as hard-hit as some other areas in Southern California,
however, its schools began to feel the impact of the Depression
in 1930 and by 1933 the economic crisis forced a reduction of
$509,000.00 in the school-wide budget. Everyone was affected by
the cutback.
1930 Parent Education began as
a part of Extended Day, under leadership of Pauline Gartzman
and Dr. Gertrude Laws.
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There was a significant increase in attendance at PJC, as the
thirteenth and fourteenth grades as twelfth grade graduates were
unable to find jobs or afford to go to four-year colleges. Junior
college classes were filled to capacity while simultaneously the
number of teaching personnel was decreased. Economy measures affected
nearly all aspects of the college. The library temporarily suspended
purchases of new books and journals and, as expenditures for equipment
and upkeep diminished, so did the efficiency of the science, music
and physical education programs. The guidance program was the
most adversely affected as the number of counselors was reduced
from seven to five. This meant that there was approximately one
counselor for every 300 students.
Salary reductions were imposed on the faculty to help meet the
emergency.
New Rules and Regulations
As the college grew, there were new rules and regulations. Early
in February 1930, a new grade "point plan" was introduced:
"Grade points are earned by grades at the end of each semester.
As are three points per unit, Bs two, Cs one,
Ds none, and Es and Fs minus one point per unit."
In order to graduate on time students needed to earn an average
of two grade points per unit.
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Huntington Hospital School of Nursing
became Nursing Department of PJC.
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Attendance also was factored into grade point calculation. For every
ten unexcused absences, three points were subtracted. PJC was a
closed campus in 1930 and students caught off campus more than three
times during school hours were expelled.
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C Building,
Horace Mann Building entrance and steps,
view from NW |
| Neighborhood north of campus
with snow-covered mountain in background |
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music hall |
| Industrial arts building |
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library, interior |
| machine shop |
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