Cleanliness, counseling and class cancellations were the topics of discussion at the Academic Senate meeting, held at Building 600 on Monday, May 5.
President Ara Aguiar discussed the budget deficit for the following year in a senate meeting in Building 600.
“Next year, everyone should know that it is estimated that all of the colleges will be in a deficit of around $64 million,” Aguiar said. “We are going to see ways to reduce the assessment on campus and try not to affect our students. At this point, when online, in person, we have to be very efficient so that we can meet the needs of our students.”
English Professor Curt Duffy suggested that increasing online classes could improve the quality of enrollment, with an ongoing budget deficit. Duffy also raised the need for in-person classes and their significance while addressing the class cancellation policy.
The Academic Senate approved a resolution calling on the administration to prevent the cancellation of in-person classes before the first day of the semester.
“I’m a longtime supporter of online education,” Duffy said. “However, most of our students need the benefits of in-person classes. They do better with a professor in front of them, giving direct guidance and providing feedback and attention from their peers.”
Associated Student Organization President Jasmine Minchez raised concerns about the sanitation issues on campus.
“A student reached out to ASO to voice her frustration with the cleanliness of the bathrooms,” Minchez said. “She came to us and sent an email with pictures showing menstrual products overflowing onto the bathroom floor.”
Academic Senate Treasurer Kalynda McLean said cleanliness is essential for students on Campus.
“Sanitation, especially in the restrooms, is incredibly important for all of us, as a college community, and particularly for students,” McLean said. “It impacts their ability to be comfortable on campus and focus on their classes.”
Counselor Danielle Lendor discussed the reduction in counseling hours for the Fall 2025 semester.
“Overall, there will be about 161 fewer hours in general counseling and 113 fewer hours in special programs, including the two full-time faculty members,” Lendor said.
Transfer Center Director Sunday Salter said that the decrease in counseling hours might have an impact on students.
“Students will not be able to see counselors,” Salter said. “If they are unsure of their goals or their plans, they will feel lost and won’t get answers. They won’t be able to meet their goals, and it’s totally just awful.”
The next Academic Senate meeting will be on May 12, in Building 600.
