COCC raises tuition, cuts programs

Students would see a large tuition increase, closing of college centers and elimination of distance learning classes under proposals announced Wednesday, December 11, at the Central Oregon Community College Board of Directors meeting as part of an update of the college's plan to reduce its annual operating budget by approximately $3 million for the 2003-04 year.

The Sisters College Center is also under the ax.

"Determining these cuts has been a difficult, wrenching process," said College President Bob Barber.

Previously, the college announced the elimination of up to 40 positions next year to help adjust to the shortfall. On Wednesday, the board heard that an increase of $5 per credit, or $225 per year for a full-time student, would raise about $550,000 toward covering the deficit.

This increase would raise tuition from $48 to $53 a credit, or from $2,160 to $2,385 for a student taking 15 credits per term. This would be a 10 percent increase over the current rate and a 35 percent increase in the last four years.

In addition, budget proposals outlined at the board meeting include closing college centers in Sisters, La Pine, Madras and Prineville as part of a restructuring of what the college calls Regional Programs -- those services currently offered through Community Education and the Center for Business and Industry.

As head of the study team that is looking at the regional programs, Jim Jones, vice president and chief financial officer, pointed out that the college would continue to offer services such as community education classes, Business Development Center counseling and programs and business training activities -- but only on a "cost recovery" basis.

Rather than fund a full-time center and full-time staff in each community, however, the college would have a centralized staff coordinating activities throughout the district. The college would then rent space in schools, libraries, churches and other locations.

Barber noted that while these plans are just proposals at this time, the overall budget that he has outlined just covers the $3 million deficit -- and that may not be enough for the next fiscal year.

"We have now talked about cuts in faculty positions and instructional programs, in administrative and classified staff positions, in services and activities throughout the district and in other college programs," Barber said.

"We have also looked at possible revenue increases, and we have developed a budget that will accommodate the reduction in funding. What it means, however, is that if we take any proposed cut off the list, we have to replace it with something else. We can't just decide to reinstate a program or position."

For more information call the president's office at 383-7201.