Half of Summer Session Canceled

The Los Angeles Community College District Board of Trustees unanimously voted Wednesday to cancel the entire district's second summer term, which means 250 classes equaling 7,000 seats will be left empty.

Valley President Sue Carleo said the district's decision could save the college around $1 million, a portion of the nearly $10 million estimated deficit.

"This is not a choice [the district] wanted to make," she said. "The Board of Trustees acknowledged [the budget] clearly a concern and it was a necessary choice."

When news of the decision circulated around campus Thursday, students began to realize the effects of the ruling.

"I'm losing time," said nursing student Alberto Nieto. "Classes I could have done in five weeks will now take three months and I'm already backed up

Carleo said she recognizes the difficulty the students face but indicated the first session will continue as scheduled.

Despite the saving of the first term, student Jose Estrada, the incoming president of the Tau Alpha Epsilon, Valley's honor society, echoed a common sentiment about the district's actions among students.

"It's really sad students are paying for what elected officials have done," said Estrada. "This is a huge set back for students who want to succeed."

According to Carleo, students should not be afraid to voice their concerns to state legislators.

"The students are the ones that will be affected most," she said. "Legislators don't hear [campus administrators] because we work here."

Carleo emphasized the importance of student activity because the size of the deficit will require more cuts, including the possible elimination of the winter intersession.

Valley Manager of Public Relations Jennifer Fong and Carleo urged students to register for the few remaining Summer I classes and fall classes. Fong said a link on the college Web site will be available, where students can find out more information on the cancellations.