Tuition fees assumed to increase next year
Next school year there is assumed to be a $5 per credit tuition increase at Central Oregon Community College, according to a statement by COCC’s director of college relations Ron Paradis.
The announcement was made during the COCC board of directors meeting, Jan. 12.
Other assumptions included, “a three percent growth in the number of faculty and staff positions, a three percent enrollment increase, and 18 other assumptions in areas such as state aid, property tax revenue and expenses such as salary increased, insurance and PERS cost, etc.,” according to the statement.
The increases are part of a proposed funding formula policy, which “is a response to the continuing erosion of funding per full time equivalent student as statewide enrollment soars while fund stagnates or declines,” according to a board meeting packet published Jan. 12.
These assumptions could still change. The board will make a definite decision in either the March or April board meeting.
Despite the increases, next school year will still be “$400,000 out of balance,” according to Paradis’ statement.
Instructional dean to resign
Instructional Dean at Central Oregon Community College MaryJeanne Kuhar will be leaving COCC the last week of February to be the dean of the Florence Campus at Lane Community College.
“After five years in the role I am ready for a new challenge,” wrote Kuhar in an email.
Kuhar will be missed, wrote Karin Hilgersom, COCC’s vice president for instruction, in an email.
“Although I have worked with MaryJeanne for less than a year, her work ethic, commitment, and skillful management has been incredible,” wrote Hilgersom. “I am also happy for her, because she has chosen an adventure that sounds exciting, and no doubt, the students of Lane Community College will benefit by her terrific work and her presence there.”
COCC is currently in the process of searching for a new instructional dean.
“I am confident that although this transition is a challenge that we will make it through the next couple of quarters intact while searches for Instructional Dean replacements are underway,” wrote Hilgersom.
Kuhar worked a total of 11 years at COCC. Her other positions included part time instructor and full time faculty member.