Alex Paul
The dual enrollment program between Linn-Benton Community College and Oregon State University is considered a model for the state and is beneficial to both students and their parents alike, Dr. Rita Cavin told the SHEDG breakfast group Thursday morning.
Dr. Cavin said more than 300 students have graduated and 3,000 have participated in the unique program that offers students the opportunity to decrease their overall college education costs.
She said other colleges have programs that allow students to be accepted at a university while attending a community college. This guarantees a place for the student after he or she completes the community college requirements.
“The difference is that with our dual enrollment, the students can attend classes at either LBCC or OSU, live in the dorms at OSU and be confident that all credits will be accepted,” Dr. Cavin said.
A loop bus also help the students facilitate passage between the two schools.
If a student enrolls in the College Now program, obtaining college credits while in high school, he or she can cut up to one year off a four year degree program.
“That is a significant savings for the student and parents,” Dr. Cavin said.
More than 60 academic and professional technical courses are offered through the College Now program, although not all classes are available at every high school. Students or parents need to check with their local counselors or visit the LBCC web site at http://www.linnbenton.edu/highschool/collegenow.html.
Although her first few months on campus have been exciting at times–two fires, one minor, one major–Dr. Cavin said she finds LBCC to be a perfect fit and she is excited about learning about the two county area.
“I came up to Sweet Home last night,” Dr. Cavin said. “I bought a New Era at Speedee Mart, an Oregonian, ate at the Point, and spent the night at the Sweet Home Inn because I want to learn more about this area.”
LBCC is a model of community support statewide, Dr. Cavin said.
“LBCC has touched nearly every family in the area in one way or another,” Dr. Cavin said. “Everywhere I go, I get a positive reaction from people about the college.”
The college has dealt with budget cutting in recent years, down $2.5 million from $33 million (general fund/$76.6 million overall). If Ballot Measure 30 fails, the budget could be cut another $560,000 over the next biennium.
“We’ve already budgeted in the event that Ballot Measure 30 fails,” Dr. Cavin said. “We’ve already reduced 200 sections of classes, cut 52 full-time equivalent positions, spent down reserves and raised tuition.”
As the state reduces appropriations and colleges increase tuition, the demographics of the student body will shift, Dr. Cavin said.
LBCC can offer Sweet Home residents many resources including: the Small Business Development Center, workforce education and training, College Now, dual enrollment, high school diploma completion, and joint sponsorship of events and grant applications.
Dr. Cavin invited Sweet Home area residents to become involved with the school and to participate with advisory committees, providing scholarships through the LBCC Foundation or by adopting a student in need.
“We would like for you to include LBCC in your local planning,” Dr. Cavin said.
A few facts about LBCC
— LBCC ranks sixth of 17 community colleges in Oregon in terms of enrollment.
— 33% of local high school graduates come directly to LBCC after graduation.
— In 2002-03, some 25,547 persons took at least one course at LBCC. 23% attended full-time, 30% attended part-time and 45% took non credit classes only.
— The average age of full-time students is 24 and of part-time students it is 30.
— 46% of students live in Benton County and 54% live in Linn County.
— LBCC offers more than 50 professional technical programs by 500 community/industry members on 38 advisory committees.