Many Bakersfield College students, currently in the process of registering for the spring semester, say that some general education sections are not available.
The selection and the amount of sections are a main concern. What are the criteria?
“The sections are based on history and demand,” said Ed Knudson, vice president of student learning at BC. “The number of enrollment and the availability of adjuncts (part-time instructors) is the criteria. We are in the process of advertising and recruiting help to meet the needs of our students. We are more than happy to look into and meeting any need or concern that our students bring to our attention.”
There is a need for students to do their homework, school officials say. There are counselors, advisors, planning and research that they can use to alleviate their concerns.
“There is no college that can meet and accommodate all scheduling demands,” said Sue Vaughn, director of admissions and records. “There is not enough tax money to ensure high demands of preference or favorites. We have many sections available. Our students need to be a little creative and not try to cram all of their units on a Monday and Wednesday morning, or a Tuesday and Thursday morning. We do have evening classes.”
According to student Barry Cadena, “I have tried over and over again to register in the jewelry-making class, and it is always full.”
Vaughn went to her computer and found that as of Nov. 30 there were only two people registered. “Are the students doing their research or asking the chair about some of their issues they are having with some of the favorites?” she asked.
According to Christina Anthony and Will Chandler, biology class is hard to get into.
“I need the 9 a.m. class,” Anthony said. “If I take a later lab class, it will interfere with my other classes.”
However, Chandler preferred the late class that was full but settled for the 9 a.m. class.
Not all students are bothered by not getting the section they want.
“Because my daughter is enrolled in Bakersfield College day care, I’m on campus from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It doesn’t matter if one section is not available; I’ll just choose another,” said Amber Miller, veterinarian technician student.
However, there are no alternatives for a class of only one section.?According to Sandra Cherryholmes, “In business law there is only one section, 8 a.m. If the class is full, you have to wait for the next semester.”
Depending on which subjects you are taking, some students are complaining that sections are overlapping or they all have the same times.?”I will have to wait until next semester,” said Erica Banks. “Many of the sections are overlapping or the same time. There are no other time slots.”