More than a Not all classes are created equal

New law allows higher fees on select priority transfer classes

Caleb Johnson Roundup Reporter

Gov. Jerry Brown approved Assembly Bill 955 Oct. 10, which will offer additional core classes at six California community colleges during the summer and winter intersessions at a significantly higher cost per unit.

AB 955 will add extension courses for general education classes that will cost the same per unit as non-residents on campuses, which the Legislative Counsel of the State of California says cost around $200 per unit.

Pierce College, along with all schools in the LACCD, are not currently offering these courses.

The six schools that are a part of the preliminary pilot program are: College of the Canyons, Crafton Hills College, Long Beach City College, Oxnard College, Pasadena City College and Solano Community College.

Reactions to the bill are mixed – some think it would be great and reduce the load of students trying to get core classes, while others believe it would create precedence for unfair singling out of certain students.

Cynthia Herbst, an American Sign Language instructor at Pierce, is curious to see if the bill will alleviate crowding in normal classes by opening up the additional classes for those who can afford it.

“I say give it a shot and see what happens,” Herbst said. “I have a feeling it will only open another avenue for taking classes.”

One additional benefit is that Veterans can write off the cost for these classes under the Post9/11 GI Bill, a bill that provides certain veterans financial support in education and housing for their service post 9/11.

But Yeprem Davoodian, a communications studies professor at Pierce, who used to work at Santa Monica College and saw the beginnings of the bill there, is against the idea of preferential treatment for some students over others.

“It’s hard for our students to pay for it now,” Davoodian said. “Every student should have equal access and not be weeded out because they can’t afford it.”

Omid Haghnegahdar, a student at Pierce, believes the bill doesn’t make much sense cost-wise for community college students, as some can’t afford to go elsewhere for their education.

“If it is self-sustaining, then there isn’t a problem,” Haghnegahdar said. “If you’re paying that much though, you might as well be going elsewhere.”

The community college campuses included in the bill have the option to set pilot programs in place to see how the bill will fare within the schools, with students and with staff in a real environment. After this trial period, schools will be able to decide if they want to put the same programs into effect on their campuses.

Film Club // Online

is intended to replace their current offices located next to the Great Hall.

During the Day of Politics on Oct. 24 I was saddened to see my colleague Prof. Denise Robb refuse to allow our students to debate the “Obamacare” mandate. She repeatedly stated in a loud voice that it’s “established law!” - as if that declaration, by itself, was an “argument” for ending discussion. Many regulations have been “established law” in our country through the decades - including racial segregation and slavery. Just because something is “established law” doesn’t place it beyond discussion - or even beyond repeal. We should encourage students to examine both the truthfulness, the politics behind, and the long term consequences of any standing state, local, or federal law.

Several students standing nearby - these weren’t students taking my classes. but simply in the audience - expressed a strong desire to discuss Obamacare in that public forum - and with the RoundUp present. They were clearly frustrated by what was a one-sided presentation - or sales pitch, if you will. They wanted to air their opinions about the supposed “benefits” of the new law, and challenge the young undergraduate who was invited to summarize the mandated program to our students.

Dr. Pam Brown Economics Professor Pierce College

-DOUBLE thumbs up-

UP: Thinking pink

Numerous Pierce College events and students dressed in pink to bring awareness to breast cancer during the month of October.

UP: Vintage market

For the first time in decades, a vintage goods market will take place in parking Lot 7 on Sundays, Nov. 4 and Dec. 15.

-Poll Results-

What schools are students transferring to?