State increases fees
On July 28 Governor Schwarzenegger signed AB 2X, the education trailer bill to the 2009-2010 state budget, setting the community college enrollment fee at $26 per unit effective for the fall 2009 term (an increase from $20 per unit). Districts are now required to charge the increased enrollment fee.
According to the Community Colleges Chancellor's office, the increased enrollment fee applies to students who have previously registered for the fall term as well as new registrations.
Fall classes start Aug. 17 at Napa Valley College. Registration is in progress.
Students who have registered and paid for classes at the previous $20 rate will be billed for the additional $6 per credit unit by the Business Office.
The fee increase for students who have previously applied for financial aid and qualified for a Board of Governors Fee Waiver will be fully covered and no further action on their part is required. Students who have not yet applied for financial aid can contact the Financial Aid office for information on assistance which may be available to pay for fees, books and other expenses.
California Community College fees remain among the lowest in the nation.
Sections cancelled
Napa Valley College, like other state-funded institutions, is impacted by the state budget crisis. It is anticipated the college will have a budget shortfall of $3-4 million. Napa Valley College has been implementing many cost savings efforts to minimize the effect on students. However, because of the magnitude of the state budget crisis, NVC must cut approximately 50 sections of credit classes. The college is also cutting 20% of the noncredit offerings. Since fall registration is in progress, class cuts are being kept to a minimum. In order to support students most effectively, every attempt is being made not to cancel core requirements, such as general education and degree and certificate programs (except if a class is low enrolled).
The college set priorities to protect classes for transfer and general education requirements, degree and certificate core courses, basic skills (credit and noncredit), courses funded completely by grant funds and online classes, as possible.
Sections which were reviewed for cancellation included personal enhancement and program enhancement courses, electives, multiple sections of the same course and courses that are unlikely to enroll 15 students based on past enrollment patterns. Sections scheduled off-campus, where rental fees are paid, were also reviewed.
Letters are being sent out and calls made to those students who registered in July for a class that has now been cancelled. Enrollment fee refunds will be automatically processed for any cancelled classes.
Students who need help in finding alternative classes should see the NVC website at www.napavalley.edu and check Web Advisor or visit the Counseling Department.
“Even with the cuts we are facing, I sincerely believe that Napa Valley College will continue to be an exceptional college that provides quality instruction. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns,” said Sue Nelson, vice president of Instruction.
Fall parking information
This fall construction continues at the college on previously funded bond projects. The college has added overflow parking lots and will have additional staff to help direct traffic at the start of the semester. Students are urged to learn where overflow parking areas are located and check for updated parking information by visiting the NVC website at www.napavalley.edu. Students are also urged to arrive on campus early for classes (45 minutes recommended) and to use signage and traffic control staff to help them with parking. “Please consider public transportation or alternate forms of transportation such as carpooling and bicycles,” said Oscar DeHaro, vice president of Student Services, urging students to please be patient about parking during the first few weeks of the semester. Parking enforcement will not start until Aug. 31. Parking permits are available online.