Enrollment is holding steady at Gavilan College despite a
reduced number of class sections and a tuition increase over last
fall. This week, students are squeezing into about 100 fewer
classes than last fall at Gavilan College
’s main campus, as the result of state budget cuts. The passage
of the state budget in late July also resulted in a $7 increase in
the amount that students pay per unit.
Enrollment is holding steady at Gavilan College despite a reduced number of class sections and a tuition increase over last fall.
This week, students are squeezing into about 100 fewer classes than last fall at Gavilan College’s main campus, as the result of state budget cuts. The passage of the state budget in late July also resulted in a $7 increase in the amount that students pay per unit.
Gavilan’s student body in Morgan Hill grew from 597 to 791 since last year. The campus is now more visible than ever since it moved into the new city community and cultural center, Monterey Road at Dunne Avenue early in the year and offers an expanded schedule of classes, day and evening, for both full time and part time students.
Meanwhile, enrollment numbers held steady, filling many classes above capacity. As classes filled, students rearranged their schedules to accommodate classes with space available, making for a more even distribution of enrollment over class sections at the three Gavilan sites. Other students tried to join a full class on the good graces of the instructor.
“I think our instructors are pretty accommodating,” said Joy Parker, director of enrollment. “They’re willing to work harder to accommodate more people but they’re not going to allow it to get too bad.”
Monday was the final day for students to take advantage of late registration. Classes started Tuesday, Aug.19.
The number of students enrolled was 4,747, which is on par with last year’s 4,800 students last fall, Parker said. That number is expected to increase as some classes start later in the semester.
“We have to make the best with what we’ve got,” said Denise Besson-Silvia, an instructor in the communication studies department.
Besson-Silvia let between six and eight additional students into each of her five classes.
