At Santa Monica College Education does not just take place in our classrooms. There are a lot of extra activities going on. We had a lot of important events this semester, the one most talked about was undoubtedly the budget cuts in California and their effects on SMC. $8million have already been cut and $5 million more will be cut this year. This has caused the cancellation of 297 classes this spring, a 7.5 reduction in classes. Tuition fees are going to be higher next semester: Residents will pay $24 per unit and non-resident $189. As half of the part time teachers could be laid off next year, 16 part-time counselors have already been.
Fortunately, this is not just what’s happening in our college. Other important events took place this semester, including speeches by Fay Kanin, Dolores Huerta and KC Cole, three great figures in modern women’s history. SMC students turned out in great numbers at club row this semester, and were also very active in both the Sacramento and Los Angeles protests against Community College Budget cuts. Despite severe budget cuts, students and professors are still engaged in learning on our campus. Let's keep up the good work SMC!

Your Focus on SMC Editor,
--Masayi Johnson