There will be two public forums Tuesday and Wednesday at Capital Community College to discuss the potential consolidation of the state’s 12 community colleges.
Tuesday’s meeting will focus on faculty and staff concerns, and Wednesday’s on student concerns.
The plan to combine the colleges is designed as a cost-saving measure. The plan would save millions of dollars by reducing the number of administrators.
Instead of each school having its own set of differences, like curriculum and financial aid, those services would e combined.
Connecticut State Colleges and Universities President Mark Ojakian presented the idea to students last month. He said a benefit to them would be the opportunity to enroll in classes on multiple campuses and combine those credits for one degree. Students could pursue their education based on interested and not just proximity to the school closest to them.
Students that spoke to NBC Connecticut last month had concerns that combining everything would slow down the process of class enrollment and affect financial aid.
"Cut spending without affecting the students. I've been at Gateway for 3 years. It's a great school. There's not much about it I would change," said West Haven resident Lamar Hodge.
"Now you have one central location for multiple different locations for all information to feed to,” said Aamir Kadeem of Stratford. “Would it be longer time to get through different processes? Would it be longer time for our classes, financial aid?"
Those interested can attend one of the public meetings in person or watch on Facebook.
Public comment for students will be tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
After public comment, a final recommendation will be handed to the Board of Regents on December 17.
