The DCC is currently in the beginning steps of the possible increase of the average class size throughout the district, including Fullerton College.

Interim Chancellor Fred Williams would like FC to move up to the 75th percentile of compatible salaries in relation to local districts.

In order to move forward with this, discussions were held about ways to free up ongoing funds, and an agreement was then reached to possibly increase the class size.

Williams and the DCC have been permissive to ensure the possible increase is beneficial for both students and faculty.

With the discussion of class size increase, the DCC would be giving a four percent increase in faculty wages if they agree to the decision. He believes this increase in wages would be a morale booster for faculty, and the increase in class size will assist students in the long run.

Allowing more students in one class would help decrease students’ time to graduate or transfer because more students will be allowed into impacted classes.

Michelle Carranza is a current student at FC who is two semesters away from transferring. She sees the increase as beneficial for students because they allow more to attend a certain class.

The essence of time would have been less stressful on Carranza if the increase were to occur. She said the increase would be good for the future, but if it happened sooner, she could’ve cut her transfer time to one semester.

However, she and another student also see a negative side that the influx may hinder the student-teacher experience.

“I think that would be pretty cool to have more students in a class,” said Jordan Meza, current freshman. “But it could lead to less interaction with the teachers [and] all the students in the class. I guess we’ll see what happens.”

There is no projected date for the next steps following the discussion.

The DCC met on Monday, Oct. 28, to begin the discussion of the increase and Chancellor Williams sent out the proposal to all faculty and staff members.

“We are at the very beginning of talking about possibly expanding our classes and are interested in hearing everyone’s point of view—faculty and students,” Williams said.