COSTA MESA : Fewer OCC Classes, but Enrollment Up

Despite budget cuts forcing a 30% reduction in summer school class offerings, Orange Coast College has increased the number of students enrolled in its first summer session.

After closing mail and telephone registration this week for the eight-week session that begins June 17, the college reported a 1.2% enrollment increase. Records show 5,683 students have signed up for 405 classes in the first session. Last summer, 5,613 students enrolled for 527 classes offered in the first session.

Orange Coast is among several community colleges in Orange County scheduled to cut summer classes due to budget cuts. Orange Coast, Golden West, Fullerton and Cypress colleges announced the biggest cuts--from 30% to 50%--while Rancho Santiago kept its cuts at 5%.

Last summer, OCC saw an increase in student enrollment throughout the three sessions offered. This year, however, administrators are not expecting a substantial increase.

“Because we’ve substantially reduced the number of course sections we’re offering this year, I don’t expect us to maintain this enrollment increase as the summer session draws nearer,” said Sue Brown, dean of admissions and records.