Reduced class offerings under the new college calendar topped issues discussed at this weeks ASGCC meeting, which also focused on final approval of Campus Project Support applications.

Susie Acevedo, vice president of finance, reported that at the last budget review meeting there was talk about reducing next year’s classes by as much as 15 percent.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” said Natasha DePoyo, senator of campus activities. “There aren’t enough classes offered as it is.”

True as that may be, Controller Ron Nakasone said that the reductions will not have that great of an impact.

“The compressed calendar for next year changes the fall and spring semesters to 15 weeks,” said Nakasone. “To provide the same amount of instructional time, the classes will be 61 minutes long as opposed to 50. Due to these changes, there needs to be a reduction in classes.”

Nakasone went on to explain that basic classes will still be provided in just as many sections as there were before and that the decisions of what classes would be cut are to be made by the division chairs.

“The classes will not be reduced by 15 percent,” claimed Nakasone, “due to the fact that we lose money. The government gives money to colleges based on the number of people enrolled into classes. The most that the classes can be reduced while still making a profit is 10 percent.”

Jean Perry, Language Arts division chair, said that the decision of which classes to reduce has not been made yet, but she seriously doubts that entire classes will be cut.

“The division chairs are getting together on Friday to discuss ways in which to cut classes,” according to Perry, “The same classes will be offered, but the times and sections will change.”

The council also finished approving Campus Project Support applications. It approved $2,500 for an electric bike for GCC police. There was a lot of debate over this with some representatives suggesting that the money should be used to buy four mountain bikes instead of just one electric bike.

Despite some dissension, most thought that having the electric bike would make students feel safer and will help the police tackle campus crime more efficiently.

The physical education program received $2,300 for new chairs that will create a better image for GCC’s athletic team.

The Career Center received $450 for outreach. This money will go to help purchase color brochures, flyers, and candy to help promote the Career Center.