It’s official: Our enrollment for the Spring 2009 Semester is at the highest
point in our 48-year history. A record 19,316 students enrolled as of Census
Day (Feb. 9). That’s 7.8 percent higher and 1,390 more students than 17,926
who enrolled for Spring 2008. In addition, units were 7.1 percent higher
in a comparison of Spring 2008 to Spring 2009.
The higher enrollment is a sure sign of increasing public awareness of
community colleges as foremost providers of workforce training and an
affordable way to gain new job skills on the path toward a university
degree. Another reason for the historically high enrollments is the
current fiscal downturn.
“Because of the poor economy, more people are returning to school for
additional training or a new career,” said Dr. Sunita Cooke, Grossmont
College president. “In addition, since the UC and CSU schools are
accepting fewer students and raising fees, many are turning to
community colleges to further their education and prepare
themselves for a brighter future.”
The burgeoning student population has proven to be a double-edge
sword because of the state’s budget crisis and limited funding
for enrollment growth.
“We are serving more students with fewer state dollars, which has
not been easy,” said Cooke. “There have been cost-cutting measures
and sacrifices all around. The idea of curtailing educational access
and cutting out opportunities is painful to everyone. We are facing
challenging times in dealing with higher demand, record enrollment
with fewer classes and less money to teach students.”
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