While the leaders of Mt. Hood Community College are considering turning three-credit classes into four-credit classes, they need to consider the specific effects on MHCC. Such a switch has been successful at other community colleges in helping students transfer to four-year colleges, but there are a few things to consider before a switch is implemented at MHCC.

The first thing to consider is class format. The content of three three-credit courses could be taught in the space of two four-credit courses. The way our school year works on a quarter system means that teachers must come up with more material at the end of the year or we must move to a semester system, with two semesters per year. Students would take fewer courses at a time, allowing for more focused study, and there would be one less rush each year for textbooks and financial aid.

But more credits would mean fewer sections available to the same number of students. Class sizes would increase when most of the rooms on campus are not set up for large classes and there are few lecture halls. And part-time staff would have fewer classes to teach. This may or may not save money because the college would pay fewer salaries, but the remaining full-time teachers would be paid more for working more hours and at a higher rate.

This idea has the potential to benefit many transfer students if implemented correctly. Portland Community College is also considering such a change, so it is a good idea for the administrators to look at what their studies show. But during their research, they should remember to put everything in the context of MHCC.