Budget concerns, graduation information and the possibility of new construction on campus sparked a myriad of thoughts and comments at Pierce College’s Academic Senate meeting on Monday, March 10 in Building 600.
Transfer Center Director Sunday Salter emphasized the need for students to submit a petition to graduate, either through their portal or with a counselor. She strongly encouraged students to seek a counselor when submitting a petition, as errors can occur in the process.
“When there are errors, students need to be communicated with,” Salter said. “A counselor has to be involved in the process when errors occur because it’s confusing if not explained properly.”
With recent budget concerns, counseling hours have been reduced.
“Be very patient when trying to see a counselor because it’s going to become increasingly more challenging to do so,” Salter said. “It’s a very laborious process to get these degrees verified and evaluated on time.”
In addition to these challenges, Pierce is facing financial difficulties, according to Academic Senate Treasurer Kalynda McLean.
The college is currently projecting a deficit of $4.9 million, an improvement from the previous month’s projection of $10 million.
“We have a budget problem,” McLean said. “We don’t have funds for the types of activities we have planned as a campus and that has to be addressed as soon as possible so that we could continue to maintain the standard of excellence that we are committed to.”
Pierce College President Ara Aguiar addressed efforts to secure funding for the possible development of a lake on campus, with the help of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. The project would serve as irrigation for the campus and an accessible water source for the fire department.
The project could also provide a new lab space for the Center for Sciences and be used by other nearby schools for specific programs.
“There’s going to be a huge process to this, this is long term,” Aguiar said.
While still in the planning stages, Aguiar hopes the proposal would transform the campus and support broader community goals.
The next Academic Senate meeting will be held Monday, Mar. 24, at 2:15 p.m. in Building 600.
