In all our courses and programs at Ohlone College, our faculty helps students build their critical thinking skills and become more self-directed in their learning and in life. The current budget crisis in California is providing you with an unwelcome, but real-world situation that is giving you the opportunity to practice your critical thinking skills. The task is to get your classes for the spring 2010 semester
and eventually achieve your longer-term education goals. Community colleges receive state funding based on student enrollment. Because of the budget crisis, the state is cutting the number of students they will pay us for. Thus, colleges are being forced to serve fewer students, principally by reducing the number of class sections offered. In the spring 2010 semester, we will have 10 percent less classes than spring 2009. We also know that we will have a much higher demand for classes because of the higher unemployment rate and the reductions in enrollment and acceptance within the CSU and UC systems. This coming summer 2010 semester, we anticipate a 50 percent reduction in class offerings. As a current, continuing student at Ohlone, you have a leg up on new and former students when you register for spring 2010. Continuing students are allowed to begin registering in mid to late Nov, whereas new and former students will not be able to register until Jan 4. To maximize your chances of getting into the courses you need, the following steps are strongly recommended:
• Meet with an Ohlone counselor
NOW to help you with your planning
• Make sure all your financial obligations to the college are paid or you will not be able to register
• As a continuing student you will receive a registration appointment email for spring term. Make sure your email address is accurate NOW by updating your profile on Web Advisor and look for this appointment time.
• New student registration is going to be delayed until Jan. 4 to provide continuing students more time to register, but you still need to act fast to get the classes you want and need.
• Plan exactly which courses you want to take. Use the ‘my preferred sections’ in Web Advisor to pre-select your classes, and also monitor other classes for availability.
• Register as soon as you are eligible. Try to register for your whole schedule, do not delay, do not procrastinate.
If you have friends who are new or former students, let them know they need to be ready to register on Jan. 4. Tell them they need to apply to Ohlone on-line NOW. If they need to take the placement test, they should do that this fall. Give them the same advice we have shared with you about making sure your contact information is accurate. Plan ahead, see a counselor, clear any outstanding debt and register as soon as possible. And speaking of Ohlone counselors, they are invaluable guides as you navigate these tough waters in planning to define and meet your educational goals. Please take advantage of this important service provided by the college. The counseling office is located on the third floor of Building 7. Be proactive.Be self-directed. Be prepared and act quickly.
By Jim Wright
VP of Academic Affairs
and
Ron Travenick
VP of Student Services
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