A recently published survey by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO) indicates that student enrollment is expected to increase by approximately 2.5 percent this fall semester. It is also reported that there is a 5 percent increase in the number of course section offerings this fall across the state’s college system.
California’s community colleges saw funding cuts of $1.5 billion between the years 2007-2008 and 2011-2012. As a result, course offerings declined by almost 24 percent and enrollments declined by approximately 600,000 students at institutions across the state. However, with the approval of Proposition 30 last year, Brice W. Harris, chancellor of the California Community Colleges, said institutions can better-serve students because they are financially stable.
With the funds promised by Proposition 30, community colleges in California received an additional $210 million in 2012-2013 and will receive another $600 million in the 2013-2014 state budget.
“After four years of declining revenues and course reductions, we are pleased to finally be adding sections and restoring access for our students,” William H. Duncan, president of Sierra College, said in a CCCCO press release. “With the passage of Prop. 30, we have been able to restore 254 sections, which represents more than 6,500 seats for students who will now be able to continue their education.”
