For the first time ever, the Ventura Community College District has implemented a new registration process allowing students to register for 2006 summer and fall semester courses at the same time.

The Ventura College Registrar Susan Bricker said the registration changes were made to better serve the students.

“We are hoping one positive effect is that our continuing students will take advantage and plan their schedules a head of time,” said Bricker. “All three campuses struggle to provide counseling over the summer, when it is the busiest. We are hoping to get academic planning done early, and hopefully attain more students.”

The VCCCD made the registration changes in hopes to increase the declining enrolment. With the new process, students can go to summer school and plan for fall simultaneously.

Continuing VC student Krista Blankenbiller, 19, said she found the new process took time to get used to.

“It was confusing at first,” said Blankenbiller. “I almost had to delete everything and start over, but overall it was easy.”

The community colleges in the district said they cannot foresee any major problems with the new process, but OC Registrar Joel Diaz said remembering all the drop dates may be tough for the students.

“If you don’t drop by the deadlines you will still owe even if you don’t attend the class,” said Diaz.

Open registration begins May 8, permitting people to enroll in summer and fall classes using the VCCCD WebSTAR online system. Starting May 15, students can register in-person at their campus Admissions and Records Office.

The first summer session of four-week long courses begins May 22. Students have until May 24 to add or drop courses for a full refund.

The second session of six-week and eight-week long courses starts June 19, and the deadline to register is June 22. The varying drop dates are available in the Admissions and Records Office or online by clicking on the course CRN number link.

Fall semester begins Aug. 21. For more information contact the campus Admissions and Records Office at Ventura College at (805) 654-6457.