Recently, the Santa Monica Community College attempted to implement a 2-tier payment plan for courses offered. Although put on hold for the moment while the legality of such plan is determined, the issue will arise again. If this plan is implemented students would pay more money to enroll in courses that are high in demand (e.g., English, math). This is a result of budget cuts according to the administration. However, the burden is being placed on students. There has to be a better way. Even more, if schools begin charging more money for these in-demand courses (courses that students must take to graduate), then lower-income students would be greatly affected. It is a struggle to pay for school already. The increase in cost would be detrimental to this group of students, diversity at the institution, and the entire student population.
Any thoughts?
To read the article, go to this link:
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-0405-pepper-spray-20120405,0,6834089.story
I agree, it will definitely place low-incomere (more likely to be minorities) at risk, which will negatively impact low-income and minority student enrollment. It seems as though California is having a lot of issues regarding diverse student enrollment at community and four-year colleges. I hope this "2-teir" payment plan will be done away with. Education should be available to all, regardless of income or status, and making students pay more for required courses is outrageous.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who started at community college I really feel this is a step in the wrong direction. I also think that this would really could impact retention rates on larger university or more expensive university campuses as many students rely on community colleges to take classes over the summer. All in all BAD idea
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