Fullerton Faculty keeps with their campaign

Three more faculty members attended the North Orange County Community College District meeting last night to speak on behalf of their programs and against more class cuts.

Sharon Portman an English as a Second Language professor pointed out that since 1991 the amount of international students paying for tuition has increased to 400 which translates into $1 million in revenue. She told of how she went to the Dean to ask to add one more section for an English class because there were too many students trying to add and after laughing the Dean said no.

Stephanie Piazza a professor with the Reading department said 69 percent of students test at a developmental reading level (third or fourth grade) going into college. What aggravates the problem is the textbooks being written at a 15^th grade level (college junior). She added 500 students have been turned away in the last 6 years from Reading classes.

Brandon Floerke an English Instructor raised the point that even having a lot more sections, the English classes are still not attending to all students that need them. The department came to the agreement that in average every instructor has had to turn away at least 25 students, even "non-prime slots" like night and Friday classes. Students, out of desperation, are signing up for classes one level below just so they can meet full-time status.

Later in the meeting Chancellor Ned Doffoney during his report said that it was not factual to say there has been talk of schedule cuts for Fullerton College saying "I have no idea where this rumor originated."

In his report, Fullerton Faculty Senate President Dr Marcus Wilson questioned the 'rumor' comment by the Chancellor saying that during a meeting Fullerton College Board of Directors had decided on additional 12 percent cuts which translates into 1000 units or 330 classes cut ending with "I'm hoping someone corrects me."

All Board members in their reports mentioned how proud they were of the demonstrations done across the state and especially the one put together at Fullerton. It was well organized and peaceful. Fola Odebunmi United Faculty Representative said it was "very classy." A sentiment echoed across the room.

Trustee Tony Ontiveros said even though LEO is recommending tuition be raised to $40/unit and the state is putting pressure for it "the District will say no."

More change orders for Fullerton's Stadium construction were issued to Roselti Arquitecture company, the second to work on the project, the change order was to prolong their contract. It was noted that additional change orders will be coming. This comes after, on the Jan 26 meeting, it was asserted that no more change orders would be asked for on this project.