As Economy Declines, College Enrollment Rises

Looking at books stacked at the Ventura College bookstore, first-year student Janet Gross stood transfixed. It was only the first day of school, and already the 47-year-old student felt overwhelmed.

After working nearly 30 years as a medical offices manager, she has returned to school to fulfill her dream of becoming a nurse.

“It’s exciting,” Gross said. “But I’m a little scared. This is a whole new world for me.”

Gross joined a long line of fresh-faced high school graduates who officially brought their summer vacations to an end Monday.

And this year, even more students are making the trek to county community college campuses. Enrollment is up at campuses in Ventura, Moorpark and Oxnard, averaging a 4% increase over last year.

A slowing economy is partly responsible for the increase, school officials said. Employees eager to prove their worth in the face of layoffs often go back to school to expand computer and technology skills.

One of the most popular classes offered by the district is a computer networking program sponsored by Cisco Systems Inc., said Patricia Kistler, director of public affairs for the college district.

“We see in the news every day that layoffs are happening here or there,” she said. “And it’s usually those not as skilled that go. So when the economy is doing well, people don’t think about school. Then when stuff happens, they come running back.”

Campuses are prepared for the swell in student population, Kistler said. Some have even added classes and part-time professors.

“We’re happy with the pace,” said Cathy Garnica, public information officer for Oxnard College. “We’ve got a lot of students, yet we have enough parking and classes for everybody.”

The enrollment increase comes just as Gov. Gray Davis has slashed funding for building improvements and library supplies. The cuts mean the Ventura County Community College District will receive about $3 million less than expected, putting necessary improvements on the back burner.

“That really got us in the gut,” Kistler said. “When you have a college built in 1925, like Ventura was, then you’ve got to put in new plumbing, you need new wiring because of computer classes. . . . You can’t just go on and on.”

The Moorpark campus saw the largest jump in enrollment, 5.1% over last year. Oxnard had a 3.3% spike, and Ventura College’s rose 1.3%. College administrators, however, say totals will probably be even higher because students can still enroll through the end of this week.

Between the hustle of buying books and the bustle of adding and dropping classes, students appeared oblivious Monday to the swelling student population.

Student Karyn Vorhees, 22, of Ventura, was more alarmed at the cost of this semester’s textbooks: $318. Her baby-blue backpack bulged with half a dozen books on literature, algebra and world religion.

“I don’t even get to wear any of this stuff,” lamented Vorhees, as she struggled to walk. “It’s just a bunch of books.”

Some students said that even though it was the first day of school, typically known for long lines in the bookstore and registration office, the crowds have not been too bad. Making some difference, school officials said, is a new feature allowing students to enroll online.

“It’s so great,” said 18-year-old Rebekah Wyatt, who remembered the crowd she endured at the administration buildings last year. “But with the computer, there are no lines and it’s so easy. It’s wonderful.”