Pima College Restricts Summer Class Offerings for Students

Pima Community College (PCC) is set to implement significant changes to its summer class offerings, reducing the number of campuses providing these courses. Following a notable decline in summer enrollment, PCC will now offer math, history, and English at only two campuses and science classes at three. This shift primarily impacts students on Tucson’s economically disadvantaged south side.

Officials cited a sharp enrollment drop—in 2012, summer enrollment was approximately 11,000, but it fell to around 8,500 last year, a 23 percent decrease. This decrease in demand has led to class cancellations due to insufficient registrations. With these declining numbers, the full range of summer classes across all campuses is no longer an option.

“We must find ways to be as efficient as possible while serving our students to the best of our ability,” said Lisa Brosky, vice chancellor for external relations. She acknowledged that, if starting from scratch, the college might only establish two campuses under current enrollment and budget conditions.

Under the revised summer plan, core classes in math, history, and English will be available exclusively at the West and Downtown campuses. Science courses will also be offered at the Northwest Campus, but not at the East and Desert Vista campuses, which serve the southern region of the city. Career and technical programs will continue unaffected at their respective campuses.

Some faculty members express concern that these changes could disproportionately impact lower-income students, increasing their transportation burdens. David Morales, a math instructor, stated, “PCC is severely limiting access to higher education for its south-side community.” While school officials mentioned plans for a shuttle service, specifics remain unclear.

Students also have online course options. A recent survey indicated that about 25% of over 1,000 respondents anticipated transportation issues, though only 12 reported that these would severely hinder their class participation.

PCC Chancellor Lee Lambert emphasized that adjusting offerings aims to benefit students while addressing budget challenges. He noted that as enrollment declines and state funding remains uncertain, difficult decisions are unavoidable. The precise financial impact of the summer cuts is not yet established, with Brosky mentioning minimal cost savings but stressing that the adjustments reflect a need for adaptability in changing circumstances.

For further information, contact reporter Carol Ann Alaimo at 573-4138 or calaimo@tucson.com.