Colleges : Cut in State Funding Forces Rio Hondo to Limit Classes

A reduction in state funding has forced Rio Hondo College to limit student enrollment, possibly closing out classes to students who do not apply early, college officials announced.

Normally, the school opens new classes as needed to accommodate overflow enrollment. This year, however, the school will offer only those classes already listed on the schedule. Once those classes are full, no more students are likely to be accepted.

As a result, officials have encouraged students to apply immediately rather than wait until fall. The state has funded Rio Hondo for about 8,500 full-time students.

“This is a very difficult decision for us,” college President Alex Sanchez said of the enrollment cap. “We feel we have an obligation to meet the educational needs of our community. At the same time, we must be fiscally responsible.”