It’s hard to know everything available on the Moorpark College campus. It’s a big campus and students commute to and from school. Useful tools and fun activities can be missed in the rush of classes and homework. To help remedy this, here are a few features of Moorpark College that should not be missed.

Moorpark College Home Games

It’s no secret that Moorpark College has a variety of sports teams. From its hopeful men’s football team to its state finalist women’s basketball team, those looking to support fellow students have a wealth of options. Admission to all Moorpark College home games is free with a Moorpark College Student ID. So whether it’s watching the women’s volleyball team take on Pasadena City College on Sept. 11 or both the men’s and women’s soccer teams face off against El Camino College two days later, admission is free to those with a valid Student ID. To purchase a Moorpark College Student ID, students can pay $10 for one that lasts a semester or $15 for one that lasts a year. Those looking for a schedule of events can find the Moorpark Athletics calendar here.

Moorpark College Jams – KMCJ

Moorpark College has a radio station run by the students of the FTVM department. Available over the air on campus at 101.5 FM and online through Mixlr, KMCJ is available 24/7, with live programming Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Most importantly, most of what is heard on air is programmed by students. In an email, Moorpark College Radio and Audio Faculty Jason Beaton emphasized that the main goal of the radio station is to have students program the content that runs on KMCJ. For anyone looking for something fresh and new, give KMCJ a try.

Teaching Zoo

For those interested in nature and the exotic, Moorpark College has a zoo. Situated along the northwestern side of the Moorpark College campus, America’s Teaching Zoo is home to to the college’s Exotic Animal Training & Management Program. On weekends, the zoo is open to visitors from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is staffed by EATM students. Visitors are free to stroll around and observe the animals normally, but at noon and 2:00 p.m. the zoo puts on animal shows in the zoo’s Wildlife Theater. During shows, handlers bring out animals to show the audience up close while explaining fun facts about each animal. Outside of those times, handlers also conduct Meet & Greets, where they walk around the zoo with animals. Visitors are encouraged to approach the handlers to ask questions and get a closer view.

When asked what sets America’s Teaching Zoo apart from other zoos, second-year EATM student Sophia Paden emphasized the interactivity of their wildlife shows and Meet & Greets, but specifically praised the passion of the students who staff the zoo. As Paden put it, “I think what’s so unique about our zoo compared to other places you can visit is our students are so passionate about our animals.”

Admission is free for students with a Moorpark College Student ID, while standard admission is $9 for adults and $7 for seniors and children over 2 years old. Admission is free for children under 2 years old.

MakerSpace

The MakerSpace is perfect for those looking to express their creative side. Essentially, the Makerspace is a network of locations across campus filled with equipment for students to work with. Facilities include high-tech equipment such as 3D printers, laser cutters and computers, as well as more traditional power and hand tools. Makerspace staff members are available to assist students in creating designs and bring them to life with the equipment. Makerspace Faculty Coordinator Clare Sadnik is in charge of the three Makerspace locations across campus where students come in at all times to work on projects. In regards to specific projects, Sadnik noted that “The most popular are stickers. Absolutely the No. 1 thing students like to make.” Those looking to learn more can head to CC144.

Moorpark Performing Arts

The productions of the Moorpark College theater department are a great choice for the theatrically inclined. Coming hot off their summer production of Little Shop of Horrors, the theater department will be putting on a production of The Last Days of Judas Iscariot. Auditions have been held and the cast list has been posted. Judas will be played by Jesse Sulka, while Jesus and Satan will be portrayed by Robert Santiago and Ian Bowers. Anyone interested can direct questions to the Moorpark College box office at (805) 378-1485 or via email.