2008 Woodie Awards
EDITORIAL
Colleges hitting crisis point
Date created: 3/24/04 Section: OPINION
- < prev Page 2 of 2
Perhaps the most ridiculous aspect to Gov. Schwarzenegger's proposal would be that 10 percent of incoming UC and CSU freshmen be diverted to community colleges. While this may help these institutions save money, it would place perhaps an insurmountable burden upon community colleges. Since as far as anyone knows, no new funding will be coming the CC's way, there will be no way to accommodate the onslaught of excess students. Without the funds to maintain the schools, pay the teachers, or run the programs and classes needed, the actuality of this happening is next to impossible.
If such proposals actually come to pass, California legislators are ensuring dead-end careers to hundreds, maybe even thousands, of people because having a higher education is absolutely necessary for having a better paying job. Despite what students are told about CC's being a quick, two-year affair, this is usually not the case. And while attending a UC or a CSU does not necessarily guarantee a successful future, such four-year institutions put degrees in the hands of students quicker than CC's do.
The Skyline View supports the students that protested these potentially damaging cuts and increases. Indeed, the state has its priorities confused-it should be increasing funding and decreasing tuition, not the other way around. Higher education should be available to everyone who wants to take advantage of it, not only those who can afford it.
If such proposals actually come to pass, California legislators are ensuring dead-end careers to hundreds, maybe even thousands, of people because having a higher education is absolutely necessary for having a better paying job. Despite what students are told about CC's being a quick, two-year affair, this is usually not the case. And while attending a UC or a CSU does not necessarily guarantee a successful future, such four-year institutions put degrees in the hands of students quicker than CC's do.
The Skyline View supports the students that protested these potentially damaging cuts and increases. Indeed, the state has its priorities confused-it should be increasing funding and decreasing tuition, not the other way around. Higher education should be available to everyone who wants to take advantage of it, not only those who can afford it.
