Future is bright for California Community College students

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Starting next week, thousands of students will head back to school at junior colleges throughout the Valley.

On Thursday, one in particular got a special visit from the state chancellor, as students rushed to register for their classes this fall.

"When you look at our future, really things are much brighter," said California Community College Chancellor Dr. Brice Harris.

In his state-of-the-state address at FCC, Harris said, campuses up and down the state now have the resources they need to restore some of the cuts made back in 2008, when the state was faced with one of the worst financial crisis it's seen in years.

"With the passage of Prop 30 we're seeing money for classes restored and this college and this district are going to grow which is wonderful news for the folks in the Central Valley," said Harris.

Starting Monday, FCC will offer nearly 115 additional course offerings both online and in the classroom. It's also increasing access to higher education on the outskirts of town with about five dozen more classes at its Herndon Campus, formerly known as the Clovis Center.

"We're all very excited about being able to have the freedom to invite more students into our classrooms and help them be successful," said Academic Senate MaryAnn Valentino.

This year, Harris says there's an increased focus on student success.

"We're trying to do a better job on the front end, trying to provide more online educational planning, enhance counseling and admission support, trying to make sure they get in the right classes in the first place," said Harris.

Right now, Harris said, he's working to get a bond measure on the ballot to help the state's aging community colleges refurbish, restore and build new facilities as campuses plan to take in more students in the next few years.

"So there are a myriad of recommendations, actually 22 that we're trying to implement up and down the state," added Harris.

In addition to adding classes, the increase in funding has also allowed FCC to provide more student services. For the first time in nearly seven years, campus officials said the library will be open on Saturday's from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

It's also extending the hours in the student services, counseling, administration and records and financial aid offices on Tuesday and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.