Green River College to cut two programs, retain two others

Staff reports

Green River College will retain parent-child education and carpentry technology but eliminate geographic information systems (GIS) and auto body technology, school officials announced late Wednesday.

The four programs were targeted for possible closure because of operational costs.

The closures – along with other savings proposed by faculty – are expected to reduce the potential college deficit by nearly $300,800, school officials said. That figure amounts to roughly 30 percent of the instructional reductions that the college needed to make over the past year, Green River officials said.

The GIS program underwent a program review during the 2014-2015 academic year, a process that indicated that there is a lack of employment available for GIS students who have earned an associate degree.

“GIS is beneficial for post-baccalaureate studies, when partnered with graduate degrees, but there are very few employment opportunities for students who graduate with an associate degree,” said Dr. Derek Brandes, vice president of Instruction. “The college is now considering offering GIS courses as part of continuing and community education, so that the courses are available for members of our community who seek to further their skills in this area.”

The auto body technology program proposed adding an additional section of 15 students to increase enrollment and create cost savings for the college. It was determined that even with the potential addition of an extra section, the program would run at a deficit and would not be financially viable for the college, school officials said.

The college said it would take steps to help students make the transition in wake of program cuts.

According to a media release, “Green River is committed to assisting students currently enrolled in GIS or auto body technology in completion of their certification or degree. GIS students will go through a teach-out plan, which will allow them to finish their degree or certificate at Green River. Students in auto body technology have been invited to meet with advisors to discuss their options for completion at one of the three other auto body technology programs offered by community and technical colleges within 35 miles of Green River’s Auburn campus, or transfer opportunities into other college programs.”

Green River officials said it is in the beginning stages of implementing a new prioritization process for the college to determine the viability of each area of campus. The process will involve stakeholders from each area of the college and is designed to examine instructional services, student services and institutional support.

“The new process will be collaborative and was suggested by the College Instructional Council,” said GRC President Eileen Ely. “It will allow members of our college community to be a part of the decision-making process at Green River.”