California College Woes

In response to “Jobless Graduates Hard Hit by New Fee,” Nov. 24:

With all the talk about job retraining being necessary to carry the United States into the 21st Century, I find it appalling that fees have been increased so drastically at California community colleges for college graduates. As a post-baccalaureate student, my fees will increase by 1,000% next semester--from $75 to $750. Add approximately $300 for textbooks and the total comes to $1,000 per semester. What was not mentioned in the article is the fact that post-baccalaureate students will also be given lowest priority for enrollment in classes, ensuring that those of us with degrees will not be able to get the classes we need.

Although the majority of students at community colleges are undergraduates preparing to transfer to a four-year college, many students are, like me, graduates trying to gain the skills necessary to compete in a changing job market. Regarding Warren Fox’s statement that a decision was made to charge higher fees for those “who have already had a bite of the apple,” I would respond that in today’s world, having a college degree hardly guarantees a living wage. As a UC Berkeley honors graduate I can attest that there are few positions available that will pay a salary enabling me to provide for myself and my future children.

ALISA SABSHIN

Los Angeles