WEBBTIDE 2001-2002 @ SHORELINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Volume 37 No.15 May. 10 - May. 23, 2002 [ ARCHIVE ] [ FEEDBACK ] [ HELP ]
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College tuition increases 12 percent this fall

.
      It is coming and bigger than anticipated. On April 18 the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) approved a tuition increase of 12 percent beginning fall 2002. The tuition hike comes in response to the three- percent budget cuts to Community College programs. As part of the operating budget under House Bill 1314, the increase remains active until June 2003. The legislature would have to pass another bill to extend it.
      The SBCTC reluctantly approved the increase by a 6-1 vote with Board Member Paul Hutton casting the dissenting ballot. The Associated Press reports SBCTC Executive Director Earl Hale saying, "A 12 percent increase is a pretty good increase, but the colleges are faced with a succession of reductions." During an interview, Hale is further quoted as saying, "This is something we don't like to do, but the alternative is to cut class schedules or something equally drastic" The SBCTC raised tuition 6.2 percent last year.
      David Ammons of the Associated Press reports the tuition increase will generate nearly $8 million over the next year. Yet, that is less than half the deficit left by the legislative cuts. In addition, campuses face instructor salary increases and rising costs not covered by the budget.
      SBCTC Spokeswoman, Lorna Sutton said, "With the budget cuts, the salary raise and the increasing enrollment demand, the colleges needed more money." The board has authority to raise out-of-state tuition as well. Out of state students, who traditionally pay a premium significantly more than in-state students, are subject to a four percent increase in the coming fall.
      A new addition accompanying tuition increases is the introduction of per credit graduated schedules. This quarter, a student taking between 10 and 18 credit hours paid $581. Under the graduated schedule, total tuition including building and maximum S&A fees for 10 credit hours will be $630.50. The total increases by $6.10 per credit up to 18 credit hours.
      According to Ammons, community colleges account for 60 percent of students seeking higher education in Washington. With growing enrollment that population could grow to 120,000 next year. But more students paying a higher tuition cannot fill the void from the legislative cuts.
      President of Shoreline, Dr. Holly Moore, indicates the school has no choice in implementing the SBCTC edict. The State Legislature makes recommendations to the SBCTC, which, in turn implement policy for the college system. "This is the worst thing that could have happened to the community college system," says Moore. "The mission of the community college system," explains Moore, "is to provide affordable higher education to the public."
      Tuition increases and budgetary cuts are counteractive to the system's mission. The current economic downturn brought more students into the educational system in general. Because of the influx, resources are experiencing scarcity and difficult decisions are being made. Moore is working in conjunction with Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Representative Jay Inslee (D-WA-1) to increase funds available for Pell grants by $500 per year. But, concerns are still warranted.
      Moore expressed concern for income earning and second-year students. Income earning students may suffer the impact of tuition increases most significantly. These students who earn a wage which eliminates them from financial aid packages, yet have additional obligations outside of school, may have difficulty meeting the growing tuition base.
      Second year students and those returning to Shoreline, face the challenge of finding scholarships available to them. Many scholarships are geared toward the first year of a student's collegiate career. Moore has expressed grave concern for both types of students, "Some of theses students may find themselves priced out of the market." Although, Moore further explained, "Many scholarships go unused. So, students will have to become more creative in pursuing those funds." Moore also suggested the possibility of expanded work-study programs through state and federal allotments.
      Although some reports depict the state legislature pressuring schools to recruit more students, Vice President for Student Services, Dr. Jim Perez, contradicts those statements.
      "State Colleges are subject to enrollment targets which determine the schools funding within a two-percent band," Perez said. "Schools at allotted funds within two percent above or below target."
      Perez said, "We have anticipated an influx of students due to two factors: First, the economy: when fewer jobs are available, people go to school to retrain. Secondly, 'The Baby Boom Echo': the children of the 'Baby Boomers' (children born after World War II) are reaching college age and we're seeing the results on campus."
      Enrollment targets are determined on case by case basis. Perez explains Shoreline has fallen short of enrollment targets the past year or so. This is attributed to the opening of the Cascadia campus and the closure of the Shoreline library. In the current year however, the enrollment target has been met. Thus securing funding for the current period.
      Shoreline has approached the budgetary and tuition issues with a proactive and long-term perspective. Eventually, a reversal of the economic down turn will occur. In the meantime, Perez and his office develop means to minimize the impact on students. Searching for solutions, Student Services elicit historic input. The 82-02 committee, organized by President Moore, seeks the experience of students and faculty which, during the recession of the early 80s, faced similar challenges.
      Perez analyzed "program by program and service by service" in anticipation of the legislative cuts and implemented measures to maximize efficiency. "To avoid layoffs, we've scrutinized open positions for their essentiality and to determine whether they are absorbable," Perez said.
      Other measures included systematically shutting down buildings during winter break. A program Shoreline intends to continue during subsequent breaks. "The more we could save prior to these cuts," Perez said, "the more we can minimize the impact on our students now."
      "Our number one concern is servicing our students," Perez said. The most valuable resource in delivering that service is quality instructors. To preserve the quality of instruction, expenditures such as travel, equipment, and facilities improvements are being evaluated. Whether staffing levels are threatened by these cuts is undetermined since Shoreline's budgetary numbers are still being calculated.
      "All options are being considered," said Perez, "including scheduling."
      The heaviest attendance is between 9 a.m. and noon. Student attending part-time with other obligations may find afternoon, early evening or weekend classes better fit their schedule. Using alternate schedules would improve efficiency in staffing and use of school facilities.
      Student Services maintains an awareness of the student population and tries to keep a pulse on student needs. A more structured evening program, expansion into weekend instruction, and online registration developed from student demand.
      The quality of education is a primary concern among the student population. SBA Legislative Director, Delores Madrid, has indicated that as students, "We are paying more and more money for tuition for less services, and that's not fair to students."
      SBA actively encouraged students to contact their state representatives to voice concern about raising tuition. Unfortunately, contacting state representatives was unsuccessful. On campus Madrid takes part in a planning group oriented on afternoon student concerns. An issue the group is tackling at the moment is the schedule availability of core requirements for afternoon students.
      Moore and Perez placed the impact on students, including the availability of facilities, as their foremost concern when implementing new policy. Addressing the issue of increased class size, Dr. Perez said, "Classes won't necessarily be bigger, our facilities won't accommodate that. The College will be flexible in the variety and delivery of services offered."
      With more students on campus the option of adding more bodies to the classroom is not terribly appealing. As an option, if sufficient demand exists, an additional section of a class will be entertained.
      Students are encouraged to voice their opinions and concerns. Public officials and College administrators cannot act in the student populations best interests unless those interests are heard.
      Dr. Perez is available by appointment in his office on campus, FOSS building room 5200 (206) 546-4641, or via email at jperez@ctc.edu.
      SBA offices are located in the PUB building, room 952 or by phone (206)546-4541.
      Senator Cantwell can be reached via her web site, http://cantwell.senate.gov/contact/index.html or toll free at 1(888) 648-7328. One can write the senator at her Seattle offices at, 915 Second Avenue, Suite 3206, Seattle, WA 98174 or call (206) 220-6400
      The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges can be reached via email at chough@sbctc.ctc.edu or by writing to: Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, 319 SE Seventh Avenue, PO BOX 42495 Olympia, WA 98504-2495. Information is available by calling (360)753-2000
      Jay Inslee's email address is jay.inslee@mail.house.gov. One can write to Inslee's Washington office at 21905 64th Avenue West, Suite 101, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043 or phone: (425) 640-0233.

.

by Ty Garfield

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College tuition increases 12 percent this fall
.	It is coming and bigger than anticipated. On April 18 the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) approved a tuition increase of 12 percent beginning fall 2002. The tuition hike comes in response to the three- percent budget cuts to Community College programs. As part of the operating budget under House Bill 1314, the increase remains active until June 2003. The legislature would have to pass another bill to extend it. The SBCTC reluctantly approved the increase by a 6-1 vote with Board Member Paul Hutton casting the dissenting ballot. The Associated Press reports SBCTC Executive Director Earl Hale saying, "A 12 percent increase is a pretty good increase, but the colleges are faced with a succession of reductions." During an interview, Hale is further quoted as saying, "This is something we don't like to do, but the alternative is to cut class schedules or something equally drastic" The SBCTC raised tuition 6.2 percent last year. David Ammons of the Associated Press reports the tuition increase will generate nearly $8 million over the next year. Yet, that is less than half the deficit left by the legislative cuts. In addition, campuses face instructor salary increases and rising costs not covered by the budget. SBCTC Spokeswoman, Lorna Sutton said, "With the budget cuts, the salary raise and the increasing enrollment demand, the colleges needed more money." The board has authority to raise out-of-state tuition as well. Out of state students, who traditionally pay a premium significantly more than in-state students, are subject to a four percent increase in the coming fall. A new addition accompanying tuition increases is the introduction of per credit graduated schedules. This quarter, a student taking between 10 and 18 credit hours paid $581. Under the graduated schedule, total tuition including building and maximum S&A fees for 10 credit hours will be $630.50. The total increases by $6.10 per credit up to 18 credit hours. According to Ammons, community colleges account for 60 percent of students seeking higher education in Washington. With growing enrollment that population could grow to 120,000 next year. But more students paying a higher tuition cannot fill the void from the legislative cuts. President of Shoreline, Dr. Holly Moore, indicates the school has no choice in implementing the SBCTC edict. The State Legislature makes recommendations to the SBCTC, which, in turn implement policy for the college system. "This is the worst thing that could have happened to the community college system," says Moore. "The mission of the community college system," explains Moore, "is to provide affordable higher education to the public." Tuition increases and budgetary cuts are counteractive to the system's mission. The current economic downturn brought more students into the educational system in general. Because of the influx, resources are experiencing scarcity and difficult decisions are being made. Moore is working in conjunction with Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Representative Jay Inslee (D-WA-1) to increase funds available for Pell grants by $500 per year. But, concerns are still warranted. Moore expressed concern for income earning and second-year students. Income earning students may suffer the impact of tuition increases most significantly. These students who earn a wage which eliminates them from financial aid packages, yet have additional obligations outside of school, may have difficulty meeting the growing tuition base. Second year students and those returning to Shoreline, face the challenge of finding scholarships available to them. Many scholarships are geared toward the first year of a student's collegiate career. Moore has expressed grave concern for both types of students, "Some of theses students may find themselves priced out of the market." Although, Moore further explained, "Many scholarships go unused. So, students will have to become more creative in pursuing those funds." Moore also suggested the possibility of expanded work-study programs through state and federal allotments. Although some reports depict the state legislature pressuring schools to recruit more students, Vice President for Student Services, Dr. Jim Perez, contradicts those statements. "State Colleges are subject to enrollment targets which determine the schools funding within a two-percent band," Perez said. "Schools at allotted funds within two percent above or below target." Perez said, "We have anticipated an influx of students due to two factors: First, the economy: when fewer jobs are available, people go to school to retrain. Secondly, 'The Baby Boom Echo': the children of the 'Baby Boomers' (children born after World War II) are reaching college age and we're seeing the results on campus." Enrollment targets are determined on case by case basis. Perez explains Shoreline has fallen short of enrollment targets the past year or so. This is attributed to the opening of the Cascadia campus and the closure of the Shoreline library. In the current year however, the enrollment target has been met. Thus securing funding for the current period. Shoreline has approached the budgetary and tuition issues with a proactive and long-term perspective. Eventually, a reversal of the economic down turn will occur. In the meantime, Perez and his office develop means to minimize the impact on students. Searching for solutions, Student Services elicit historic input. The 82-02 committee, organized by President Moore, seeks the experience of students and faculty which, during the recession of the early 80s, faced similar challenges. Perez analyzed "program by program and service by service" in anticipation of the legislative cuts and implemented measures to maximize efficiency. "To avoid layoffs, we've scrutinized open positions for their essentiality and to determine whether they are absorbable," Perez said. Other measures included systematically shutting down buildings during winter break. A program Shoreline intends to continue during subsequent breaks. "The more we could save prior to these cuts," Perez said, "the more we can minimize the impact on our students now." "Our number one concern is servicing our students," Perez said. The most valuable resource in delivering that service is quality instructors. To preserve the quality of instruction, expenditures such as travel, equipment, and facilities improvements are being evaluated. Whether staffing levels are threatened by these cuts is undetermined since Shoreline's budgetary numbers are still being calculated. "All options are being considered," said Perez, "including scheduling." The heaviest attendance is between 9 a.m. and noon. Student attending part-time with other obligations may find afternoon, early evening or weekend classes better fit their schedule. Using alternate schedules would improve efficiency in staffing and use of school facilities. Student Services maintains an awareness of the student population and tries to keep a pulse on student needs. A more structured evening program, expansion into weekend instruction, and online registration developed from student demand. The quality of education is a primary concern among the student population. SBA Legislative Director, Delores Madrid, has indicated that as students, "We are paying more and more money for tuition for less services, and that's not fair to students." SBA actively encouraged students to contact their state representatives to voice concern about raising tuition. Unfortunately, contacting state representatives was unsuccessful. On campus Madrid takes part in a planning group oriented on afternoon student concerns. An issue the group is tackling at the moment is the schedule availability of core requirements for afternoon students. Moore and Perez placed the impact on students, including the availability of facilities, as their foremost concern when implementing new policy. Addressing the issue of increased class size, Dr. Perez said, "Classes won't necessarily be bigger, our facilities won't accommodate that. The College will be flexible in the variety and delivery of services offered." With more students on campus the option of adding more bodies to the classroom is not terribly appealing. As an option, if sufficient demand exists, an additional section of a class will be entertained. Students are encouraged to voice their opinions and concerns. Public officials and College administrators cannot act in the student populations best interests unless those interests are heard. Dr. Perez is available by appointment in his office on campus, FOSS building room 5200 (206) 546-4641, or via email at jperez@ctc.edu. SBA offices are located in the PUB building, room 952 or by phone (206)546-4541. Senator Cantwell can be reached via her web site, http://cantwell.senate.gov/contact/index.html or toll free at 1(888) 648-7328. One can write the senator at her Seattle offices at, 915 Second Avenue, Suite 3206, Seattle, WA 98174 or call (206) 220-6400 The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges can be reached via email at chough@sbctc.ctc.edu or by writing to: Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, 319 SE Seventh Avenue, PO BOX 42495 Olympia, WA 98504-2495. Information is available by calling (360)753-2000 Jay Inslee's email address is jay.inslee@mail.house.gov. One can write to Inslee's Washington office at 21905 64th Avenue West, Suite 101, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043 or phone: (425) 640-0233.	.
by Ty Garfield