Changes suggested for Santa Barbara City College

The new President of Santa Barbara City College Anthony Beebe has no shortage of suggestions from area residents on what he should be doing.

Many wrote to him when he had a survey available asking for their ideas.

Topping the list, was the call to restore state funded Adult Education classes. The program has sustained cuts in recent years due to budget issues, but the public believes the benefits help the community in many ways and the costs should be offset.

The survey brought in 675 responses.

64% of the replies came from the community. 20 percent came from students. 16 percent came from faculty and staff.

The first question on the survey was : ” If only I were the new SBCC President, I would…”

Other suggestions included finding the optimal college size, improving college services, listen to faculty staff and community, connect with the community and deal with student housing.

When it comes to threats to the college, the number one answer was unbridled growth.

Issues raised by some nearby residents about noise, speeding cars, parties, and the change of character in the neighborhoods near the campus did not show up in the survey in categories that would reflect as serious of an issue as has been brought to the campus. That being said, the school has addressed those, issues with the students in direct messages. There have also been outreach meetings with the students and neighborhood residents.

The just-released responses and a presentation from President Beebe will be part of the Board of Trustees meeting this afternoon.

To view the survey go to:

http://www.boarddocs.com/ca/sbcc/Board.nsf/files/AEEPQR65C39B/$file/PresidentsSurvey101316.pdf