CCA Treasurer: Don’t Harm Higher Education Students
CTA/Community College Association Treasurer Ron Norton Reel has told members of the Assembly Higher Education Committee that taking steps recommended by a recent report from the Institute of Higher Education Leadership Policy (IHELP) group would harm students and undermine the colleges’ traditional mission.
Reel testified that the proposals to boost student fees would “close the door” of the community colleges on deserving but economically disadvantaged students. Any fee increases would overwhelm the capacity of the state to provide financial aid. Reel also challenged assertions by the report’s authors that the community colleges have not been “matriculating” enough students. He cited statistical flaws in the IHELP research. Reel also pointed to the study authors’ failure to recognize that many students enroll in the colleges to acquire or update job-related skills that do not require a degree.
Reel also pointed out that the community colleges help students earn certificates in a variety of programs, in addition to sending large numbers of students on to four-year colleges.
In his testimony delivered on February 27, the CCA leader reminded lawmakers that the community colleges educate students for a fraction of the costs incurred by the other higher education segments. Reel said that community college costs for a full-time equivalent student were $15,324 dollars less than costs at the UC system and $6,066 dollars less than costs at the CSUS.
Reel urged lawmakers to increase their oversight of community college management to assure that the system was using its fiscal resources effectively.
At the same time, Reel listed some of the notable figures educated at the state’s community colleges. They include Actor/Director Clint Eastwood (Los Angeles Community College), Actor/Producer Tom Hanks (Chabot College), News Person Joan Lunden (American River College), and Baseball Great Jackie Robinson (Pasadena City College). Reel also cited one of his own students, Anthony Zucker, the creator of powerful television dramas including CSI Las Vegas, CSI Miami, and CSI New York.