Eastern Gateway Community College expanding options to accomodate students

Ohio's higher education chief has called on community colleges to consider making class schedules more conveinent for busy students who work or have families.  Chancellor Jim Petro wants public two-year schools to explore the idea of block scheduling, meaning classes would be offered in back to back clusters.

Officials at the Jefferson County branch of Eastern Gateway Community College said they're working to honor that request.

 "In order to accomodate a larger group of students, we would have to expand and remake our schedule," said Dr. James Baber, VP of Student Affairs.

 Baber said EGCC plans on making the adjustments so students who juggle family and work life can get some relief.

 "Our mean age is 28," said Baber. "So many of our students are family people when they come to us."

 Baber said many of EGCC's technical programs already run on block schedules.  He said it is fairly easy for the college to change class format, but the question is if students can adhere to it.

 Only about 9% of students in Ohio's community colleges are able to graduate within 3 years.

"Many of our students are part-time. They're taking 6 hours instead of 12, so they're taking longer to finish. 75-80% of our students come in and need some type of remediation."

 Baber also said the college tries to offer something for every student. Enrollment at EGCC has increased by 42% over the last five years, and by 11% this semester alone.

With the gas drilling industry boom expected, Baber said community colleges need to gear up fast.