In down economy, enrollment rises

Applications to Orange Coast College have shot up this year, but the school won’t be getting any more money to accommodate the extra applicants, officials said.

OCC’s applications rose by 17% last year, said Dean of Enrollment Services Kristin Clark. That’s far more than the usual few percent rise, but something to expect in a recession, she said.

“It’s significant, but we weren’t very surprised,” Clark said. “That’s kind of the trend going on with California community colleges. It’s indicative of the economy: When the unemployment rate is up, our enrollment and applications go up.”

Community colleges are where many unemployed people turn to try to get the training to find a new career, Clark said. But at the same time, those aiming at state’s four-year colleges are facing a clampdown on admissions, so they too turn to community college, she said.

OCC essentially admits all qualified applicants, but that doesn’t mean all those admitted will get classes. The college’s head count is just less than 22,000 and is allowed to rise at 1% a year, Clark said. The extra applicants this year will likely struggle to get into classes, she said.

“What often happens is students go all the way through the admissions process, then they go to register and that’s where the rubber hits the road,” she said. “It’s very difficult because it sets up an unrealistic expectation.”

Second-year student Anthony Nguyen said that the extra crowding made him a bit nervous.

“It was hard enough last semester to get into my biology class,” he said.

How can a determined student make sure not to be left out in the cold? Be early and be responsible, Clark said.

“Be the first person in line to register, pay attention to all your deadlines, hang onto your seat, and take your classes very seriously,” she said. “We’re saying you should be serious. Don’t register for more than you can handle. Free up that seat and free up that next semester for someone else.”