Setting the number right

In the coming semester, teachers will be asked not to allow more students into their classrooms than the set amount, according to Tom Rosdahl, president of the Academic Senate.

"In the past, teachers were encouraged to enroll more students in limited classes, however, this will change in the future," said Rosdahl.

The district has given Pierce College an enrollment target. Therefore, if more students enroll in already full classes, the college will lose sections.

Rosdahl gave an example of how this broke down.

If there are 350 students in 10 classes (35 students per class), then all sections could stay in their proper place. However, what Pierce College can't have are 400 students in 10 classes (40 students per class). Therefore, Pierce College is forced to either reduce the number of students attending the school or eliminate sections (which would lead to eight classes offered).

Pierce's solution is to encourage faculty members not to accept more students than the size amount.

"The district is saying 'you can have so many students at Pierce College'. The only way you can do this is have less students in the spring [semester]," said Rosdahl.

He was bothered by the situation.

"Either way you can't win," said Rosdahl. "It just doesn't make sense."

Nabil Abu-Ghazaleh, Vice President of Academic Affairs, will be on the agenda at a committee meeting on Oct. 26 in the College Services Conference Room. He's scheduled to discuss the issue of "over enrolling" and the reasons behind the districts decision.

---

afuller.roundupnews@gmail.com