Editor’s note: The eleventh paragraph was corrected at 12:55 p.m. March 22 to add concrete numbers rather than a percent range of student success with online and in-person classes. Additionally, further context was given for Dr. McGowan’s quote on the reason for declining student enrollment.
Two years ago, Citrus College was filled with students mingling in the quad, talking around the Haugh Performing Arts Center, and struggling to find parking for the day.
Today, the effects of the March 2020 shutdown due to COVID-19 remain as students stay home, leaving spots on campus once filled now desolate.
The COVID-19 pandemic changed the mindsets of students and exacerbated Citrus College’s downward trending enrollment issue.
Before March 2020, attendance at the college was already decreasing. The amount of full-time equivalent students (the number that in part determines the amount of funding Citrus College receives from the state) fell three straight spring semesters and two consecutive fall semesters, according to data from the California Community College Chancellor’s Office.
Faculty union President David Ryba said when COVID-19 shut the school down, the enrollment issue was slammed home.
Citrus shifted to a majority off-campus schedule as stay-at-home orders were issued nationwide. With almost every section transitioned to a remote learning modality, nearly every student and faculty member experienced the online college style.
This online inoculation has caused a shift in the mindset of some students and faculty alike.
Although some students have expressed excitement returning to the classroom, many decided online classes are for them, such as student Christa Cabrera.
“(Online classes are) safer than increasing our chances of getting sick,” Cabrera said in a message on the Citrus Mobile application. “Personally, it allows me to not stress over child care and getting out of work and rushing to campus.”
Vice President of Academic Affairs Joumana McGowan and the district are betting that the return to campus will shift enrollment trends.
McGowan said students are more successful with in-person classes against online offerings. Students have a 74% success rate with in-person classes over the last five years. Pre-shutdown, this rate was 64% for online classes, but has improved to 69% the last two years.
This lack of success, and shifting priorities due to the pandemic, has kept students from coming back, McGowan said.
The spring 2022 semester marked a turning point for the operations of Citrus College. The district offered 64% of classes in-person and 36% online, a departure from the online-heavy offerings of the past three semesters.
Ryba said this roughly 2:3 ratio of online to in-person classes runs counter to the students’ preferences.
Students have split on the type of classes they are willing to take. Ryba said their choice should mold the district’s future decisions.
“Students are going to make the choices and we have to adapt to that,” Ryba said.
McGowan said she wants the students to express their preference for the future of classes.
“For our college as an institution we’re trying to figure out what the students need and how do we fulfill that need,” McGowan said.
