Last term, Mt. Hood Community College was shaken with the release of the Silverman Administration’s watch list.

Now, amid continued projections of decreased state funding and low enrollment, students and faculty returning from winter break were greeted with the administration’s proposed elimination list.

The list, released Dec. 15, includes five programs: Horticulture (certificate program), Accounting Technology (AAS), Electronics Technology (AAS), Entrepreneurship (AAS) and Aviation (AAS).

Jim Arnold, a business department instructor, said even though the Accounting Technology program was listed for elimination, “there’s still going to be the two-year Accounting Technology program, it’s just underneath a different umbrella.”

Arnold said changes should have been made “long ago.” He said the administration is “doing the best job they can – given the circumstances given us by the government.”
“It shouldn’t be called an elimination list – maybe just ‘realignment list,” said Arnold.

Sven Svenson, coordinator of the horticulture certificate program, said his students are disappointed and surprised. “They’re thinking, ‘You didn’t even let us get through a full cycle.’”

The horticulture program was eliminated in 2003 and replaced with a certificate program. The program went from nothing to well over 65 students. “That’s not bad for four terms,” Svenson said. “That’s what I was brought here to do, and I think that’s pretty good.”

However, Svenson said he could see “the pickle the board is in. We all deal with that when the checkbook doesn’t balance.”

Svenson said horticulture is the second largest industry in the state of Oregon.

Justin Guild, an aviation major, found out about the list Thursday. “It doesn’t surprise me,” he said.

“I’d heard rumors, but you know rumors,” said Guild.

Guild said the aviation program is expensive, but added, “This is pretty much the only option I have. How many community colleges actually have a program like this left?”

The elimination list – whether final or draft – is only a recommendation. Before any programs can be cut, the MHCCD Board must approve the list at their meeting Feb. 9.

Those concerned may voice their opinions at the public hearings prior to the board’s meeting. Transcripts of the hearings will be provided to the board for consideration along with the administration’s proposed elimination list.

Public hearings will be held Friday, Jan. 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Wednesday, Jan. 19, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., in the board room at MHCC.