Proposed budget outlines 90unit cap for subsidizing students

Gov. Brown’s proposal a ects community colleges

Michaia Hernandez / Roundup mhernandez.roundupnews@gmail.com

The number of units community college students can take to receive subsidy from the state’s General Fund will be limited if Gov. Jerry Brown’s budget proposal for the 2013-14 fiscal year gets approved by the California legislature.

Were Brown’s proposed budget to be approved before its June 15 deadline, students with more than 90 units—30 units over amount required to transfer or graduate—would pay the full, unsubsidized per-unit fee of $190.

Barbara Anderson, Dean of Academic Affairs, said that though the measure will affect students who switch majors and attendees who choose to go to back to school for lifelong learning, it will benefit higher education students in general.

“I think [the measure will encourage students] to get down to business and move on with their dreams in a focused and effective way,” she said. “Think of the time spent earning those 30 units. Thirty units is a Master’s degree.”

Pearlman said the schools’ funding is dependant on the state’s decisions.

“There could be some more adjustments. Which direction [they go in] probably depends on how the state budget goes,” Field said. “On budget, we don’t get anything certain . . . It is always year-to-year.”

Upcoming adjustments to the state’s budget will be announced in late July, according to Field.

Though the budget also would also let community colleges may grant waivers to exempt students, the state wouldn’t fund the schools for these exemptions.

The 90-unit cap is being proposed in an effort to “shorten students’ time-to-degree, reduce costs for students and the state, and increase access to more courses for other students,” according to the Brown’s budget.

 $3000 tuition discount for the first 30 units taken at an on -site location

 Up to 30 additional college credits for advanced training in Child Development if needed (Certified Learning)

 Accelerated Bachelor of Science degree program; new classes start every eight weeks

 Once a week meeting in 8 week sessions, Saturdays8am12pm.

 Potential completion of degree in as little as 8 -12 months.

 Courses taught by experienced professionals in the field

 Financial Aid available for those who qualify

 Yellow Ribbon certified for Veterans

 UI&U is fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association (www.ncahlc.org, 800.621.7440)

For more information, please

Julia Lynch/Site Coordinator (818) 770-9375/ Julia.lynch@myunion.edu

Teri Lucas, Admissions Director Ext. 1714, teri.lucas@myunion.edu

Students have expressed discontent with the proposed policy. More recently, representatives from California’s community colleges convened in Sacramento earlier this month to protest against budget cuts and the 90-unit cap.

On the other hand, Pierce student Gasia Yeremian, a 23-year-old American Sign Language major who has accumulated an estimated 70 units over her three years in college, agrees with the proposal.

“Where else will they get the money?” Yeremian said.