Cut in evening classes affects student attendance, income, university money

Since 1995, the commuter student population at Long Beach State has grown rapidly.

A majority of students are employed full-time during the mornings and afternoons, and evening courses are their primary source of classes.

During this population growth, the availability of evening classes has decreased annually, prolonging the completion of studies for hundreds of Cal State Long Beach students.

In today's extremely competitive economy, students have found themselves under financial constraints that force them into the work force earlier every year. Therefore, economical challenges cause students to work during the days, while attempting to complete their education at night.   Evening classes are absolutely crucial to their lives during their junior and senior years. Many seniors have begun careers and families during their last years at school and would not be able to attend school at all, if night courses were not available.

Many students are being forced to seek education at other universities within the California State system. Because of the high population of student-commuters to Long Beach State, the geographical inconvenience will play a role in relocation of students to other campuses. The lack of available instructors in the evenings could also inspire students to eagerly accept virtual classes provided on the Internet.

The moral and financial stability of the entire university could be jeopardized if this issue is not resolved immediately. CSULB administration and faculty should be aware of the drastic challenges that this defection will cause to our university.

In addition, CSULB is a profit-driven business. Many jobs could be at stake if the lack of class availability continues. The allocation of state educational funding to each California State University is directly related to the number of students enrolled on campus.

If the student population decreases due to any of the above factors, annual state funding and support for the university is also decreased by the CSU system administration.

Evening students hope the lack of available evening courses will not continue following the fall of 2000 semester. We are confident and optimistic that the CSULB governing bodies will address these crucial issues immediately.

With the cooperation of administration, faculty, and students, these needs of the student body will be resolved while maintaining the extraordinary reputation of Long Beach State University.

Bobby Valiatti is a public relations major at CSULB.