By Nicole Morozin
CCC Journalism Program
BLACKWOOD – Students of Camden County College have expressed concern over where some of their money is going. In addition to tuition, some courses require course fees, hourly instruction fees or both.
CCC’s frequently asked questions page addresses class fees “are charged to help support materials and equipment utilized in some classes” and hourly instruction fees help support “additional classroom instruction that is a part of certain courses.”
Caroline Gil-Toreki, an adjunct chemistry professor at CCC, noted she was aware of course fees but was not familiar with the hourly instruction fee connected with her course.
Despite the fact the fees are present with many courses, especially those in the science department, some students still do not know they are paying these fees.
Nick Lang, a communications student, expressed shock over hearing about these fees; however, he said he felt he understood why they exist for certain programs.
“Obviously for courses in the science department there is a high demand for materials that can be costly,” he said. However, Lang said he still believes students should be made aware of these course and hourly instruction fees, as well as what exactly they are going toward for courses with a less obvious need for materials.
Student Caitlyn Counts said she believes this problem may be because of the fact tuition is bulked, rather than broken down, when students pay at the registrar. Counts said she also feels when asking the registration office about these fees, she can never get a straight answer as to where they go.
Karima Robinson, another student, said she had gone to the professor of one of her classes to try to get an answer. Although she was told her fees were going toward preparation of PowerPoint presentations as well as Web access, she was frustrated to learn it didn’t include a remote clicker needed for participation in class. She said she had to buy that herself.
“A better explanation of where the fees are going will make for better preparation as students register,” stated Robinson. “That way, they will know they are getting their money’s worth.”
Each of these students said they believe the easiest way to make fees understandable is for students to be made aware of what they are going toward as early as possible.
Counts suggested advisors and the registration office should break down where these fees are going. Robinson added detailed descriptions should be posted on WebAdvisor for students who choose to register online rather than speak with an advisor.
Students study on the first floor of the Kevin G. Halpern Hall for Science & Health Education, which houses a high number of classes with course and hourly instruction fees. By Nicole Morozin, CCC Journalism Program