The month long summer class session has always been a chance for students to get the units they need quickly. However, this opportunity will come to an end starting summer 2010.
On Sept. 8 at the Ventura County Community College District board of trustees meeting during the budget update portion, it was revealed that the first summer session will be temporarily suspended.
The board is required to make cuts wherever they can because of the diminishing state budget and specifically, cuts to California schools.
Chairmen Robert Huber announced that the Ventura County Community College District has a record low budget. Cuts are being seen throughout all three colleges–with classes being cancelled and teachers being laid off.
Grace Craig, a 17-year-old communications major at Moorpark College, said that she was counting on taking classes in the first session and is not sure if she will be able to adjust to the 6-8 week period.
“I am shocked, it’s something that I was relying on,” said Craig. “I was planning on taking classes in the first session, but now I’m probably not going to take any in the summer.”
The suspension of the 4-week long session is not permanent, however, and the 6-8 week session will continue to be offered to students.
Pam Eddinger, President of Moorpark College, explained the details of the budget cuts and why the school has to drop this session.
The Ventura County Community College District reached the maximum number of students that the government will pay for and is now currently offering classes to approximately 3,000 students that are not being paid for by the state at all, which costs the school around $4,565 per student, according to Eddinger.
Eddinger said that the school simply cannot afford to go over the limit anymore and that is why they are choosing to drop the first summer session.
“(The) 4-week summer is a value-added part of our schedule, there is no doubt of that.” said Eddinger. “In times of budget difficulties, however, we must make choices to protect the core.”
Ryan Krebs, the president of the Associated Students at Moorpark College, offered this advice to students who had counted on the 4-week session.
“Start planning right now the classes you need to graduate, meet with a counselor,” said Krebs.”Then get the classes as soon as registration opens.”
