COCC continues to thrive in Sisters

Ronni Duff at work at COCC's space in the SOAR facility. photo by Jim Mitchell Central Oregon Commmunity College (COCC) is alive and well in Sisters. Despite the closing of the college's Sisters Center in June 2003, COCC continues to serve the community in new classroom space at the Sisters Organization for Activities and Recreation (SOAR).

COCC is currently offering 27 classes in Sisters for winter term. Ronni Duff, Sisters coordinator, says the classes are well attended because, "We are really listening to what the community needs. That is one of the reasons I am even here (in Sisters) -- to hear what the community wants."

A survey was done recently through the Sisters COCC Advocacy Group. As a result, new instructors are being hired from the community.

Duff said, "We are starting to feel some energy back and we want people to know that we're still here."

Overall, Central Oregon's attendance dropped significantly in 2003 when many of the centers in outlying communities were closed for budgetary reasons. This year's enrollment is up 27 percent, close to the 2002 level.

The survey showed a need for more academic classes: languages, music and art. The dominant age group for participation is in the 50 to 70 range.

Starting in January 2005, COCC will run a Small Business Management Course at the Sisters Athletic Club. The fee of $495 includes monthly classes, individual counseling, financial analysis, growth planning, and fitness sessions. The class extends through the calendar year.

According to Duff, "COCC counselors will work directly with businesses to help them achieve what they want to achieve." A second-year program is planned for 2006. Further information is available at the COCC Business Development Center at 383-7290.

The Lunch and Learn program continues to be very popular. Programs for the coming term include: American in Paris, Honduras, The Muslims and Islam, Trimarins from Japan to Russia, Antarctica and Trekking in Pakistan.

Computer classes have been particularly successful. Most have already filled up for winter term.

Duff, in her official role as "Program Support," is at her SOAR desk two days a week. She sees her job description as: 1. Learn what the community wants and, 2. Promote COCC's programs. She feels that her job is not to sit behind a desk but to get out into the community.

The classroom COCC shares with other SOAR classes contains 11 computers available for classes plus an instructor's station complete with projection system. COCC has supplied the computers and other teaching aids, but tries to make classes self-supporting.

If signup for a class is below minimum, the instructor is usually offered pro-rata pay in order to keep the class on the schedule. COCC has lowered the minimums for many classes. They now run some classes with seven or eight students, whereas two years ago they would have cancelled the classes.

COCC is still challenged with finding more space during the day.

Registration for winter begins December 6. Call 383-7270 or register online at www.cocc.edu.