Overfilled classes worry college students

Community college students returned to school Monday but found themselves in overfilled classrooms, long lines, and scrambled to make changes to their course schedules.

Sunny Cooke, president of Grossmont College, said the college has reduced its fall 2010 course load by 20 percent compared to two years ago. He contributes the cuts to the state budget deficit.

"Right now it would be impossible to build a schedule. To become a full-time student," said Cooke.


Andrea Yeager has enrolled in some classes at Grossmont College. She said she's working hard to get enough classes so she can continue to receive financial aid, but the possibilities are not looking in her favor.

"I'm probably about the twentieth person on the waiting list and there are 50 people already enrolled," said Yeager. "Not a good chance I'm going to get it. I'm looking for whatever classes I can get that are open, even if they are not part of my major, just whatever I can take."

According to community colleges, they have done the best they can with the budget offered. They haven't been able to fill vacancies in their teaching staff. One professor said it is the worst year he's seen in his 10 years of teaching.

"We have fewer classes than before and more people who want to crash the class," said City College professor Enrique Davalos. "I have a waiting list of more than 25 people trying to get into class."

Students who did not register for classes early enough have been forced to wait and see if professors will allow for extra students in their class. Davalos said he is only offering five additional spots per class.

"The demand for classes from students is just unprecedented," said San Diego City College president Dr. Terrence Burgess. "That's a consequence of a variety of factors."

An increased number of students are flooding community colleges and it's due to a range of reasons. The unemployed, those in dead-end jobs, and students who planned to attend 4-year universities but couldn't get in are trying to take classes at community colleges.

"It is hard, I'm trying to crash all my classes and haven't gotten any yet," said Rudy Zapada, a San Diego City College student. "Now I have to reschedule all my classes."