The Telescope

Issue Date: 5/10/10

Changing the curriculum

By Kelley Foyt

Media Credit: Brittany Stockham

Following a cut of 225 classes that took effect this semester, the Palomar Governing Board has approved the removal of an additional 37 accredited courses starting in the fall. In addition, there were 23 new courses approved for the fall curriculum.

The changes come at the same time as discussion about a shift to Palomar offering upper-division courses in addition to the programs that it already offers.

"I'm not certainly opposed to it, in specific discipline. It's open to conversation. However, I don't want to dilute the work that we're doing in our lower division - work in preparation for a bachelor's degree," Palomar President Robert Deegan said.

Overall, students viewed the change as being new, but beneficial.

"I think Palomar College is the best community college in, well, the country. If it (Palomar) wants to have them (four-year degrees), it should," Jordan Sheline, a Palomar student who is working on general education, said. "I'd probably take advantage of the offer."

Another student, Amy Genduso, said she wouldn't take advantage of the offer because she is finishing up her degree in anthropology, but thought the idea was valuable.

"It could be potentially good. Admission is more selective in 4-year schools, so it's harder to get the degrees we need. But I'd need more information to be sure," Genduso said.

The thought of a one-stop shop for a bacholor's degree at Palomar was tempting for Elaja Starks, an oceanography major.
"It would be pretty cool. I might still transfer, but it's a lot easier for people to have everything here," Starks said.

Deegan said this would be controversial, because the state would have to fund Palomar equivalent to a California State University or University of California school.

It is very early to determine whether Palomar will offer four-year degrees. The concept of a community college offering four-year degrees is relatively new. Last year, 95 community colleges in 11 states offered bachelor's degrees, according to ABC news. The transition has occured over the last decade, according to the article "Something New: A 4-Year Degree at a 2-Year College" from the New York Times.

San Diego Assemblyman Marty Block wants community colleges to offer four-year degrees in specific areas like nursing, according to Block's official website.

"[Block] has put forward legislation to start a pilot for that," Deegan said.

Continued...

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