» » News » City College cuts classes

City College cuts classes

State budget problems affect course schedule

Oswaldo Hernández-Hernández | Staff Writer
hernane5@imail.losrios.edu

Although tuition fees did not increase this semester, City College and its student body are feeling the effects of California’s budget shortfall with canceled classes and more students fighting for spaces in the classes that remain open.

Under Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s budget proposal, released Jan. 9, the Los Rios Community College District would face an approximate cut of $15.4 million, and an approximate $3 million budget cut for City College. As a result, City College is canceling many classes with low enrollment this semester.

According to the department chair of Physical Education, Health and Athletics Division Connie Zuercher, before the end of the fall 2008 semester, the Office of Instruction asked deans to cut course offerings.

“I believe we ended up having to cut approximately seven to eight classes [within my division],” said Zuercher.

“The college only has the resources to offer a certain number of sections, and if we don’t have the resources to keep all of the classes we have to make the decision about canceling,” said Chris Iwata, dean of Humanities and Fine Arts. “We do not like to cancel classes. We like to serve as many students as possible, but we don’t have a choice in many cases.”

According to Iwata, there are options left for those students whose classes were canceled. Students can enroll in another class section, substitute the class and take it next semester, or even check if the class they need is being offered at other Los Rios colleges. City College student Justin Wong has recently had a few of his own classes cut.

“I really didn’t care, I just went out and found another class,” said Wong.

Paul Frank, political science professor, also had a few suggestions.

“Even if the students’ personal schedule does not allow them to take another class at the same time, students may opt to take online or televised courses, which are flexible and would allow them to replace the class that was canceled.”

In an interesting twist of fate, reduced state funding may actually drive up the number of students who enroll in community college.

“The UC and CSU system are facing major budget cuts as well, so they are cutting freshmen enrollment,” Frank said. “So many students are coming here to continue their education.”

According to Frank, the Los Rios Community College administration is not planning to increase tuition fees or cut more course offerings, and he stays confident that the district will be able to manage any situation for the benefit of all.