In a surprising move that has left many students scratching their heads, Long Beach City College recently implemented a new significant and confusing change to how students access the master class schedule, which is why LBCC should revert to the previous class schedule.
Formerly, students could rely on a master calendar that was alphabetically organized, offering a comprehensive overview of class numbers, titles, times, locations, class notes and textbook requirements.
However, the new system places the class schedule behind a portal, requiring students to search for specific classes to obtain the information previously available at a glance. Not only is the new schedule difficult to navigate but also inaccurate. Classes not appearing when searched up on the new portal raises concerns.
This abrupt alteration has sparked discontent among the student body and faculty, particularly with the spring registration on the horizon.
The simplicity of the previous master calendar allowed for efficient planning and easy access to information, enabling students to make informed decisions about their course selections. The new portal-based system, on the other hand, introduces unnecessary complexity and confusions into an already stressful registration process.
The timing of this change is particularly questionable, coming just before the winter and spring registration period. Students accustomed to the previous and straightforward master calendar system are now grappling with the intricacies of the new portal, leading to stress and potential disruptions in their academic plans.
The argument for returning to the previous master calendar system is directly rooted in user-friendliness. The old system was accessible to all, offering a steam-lined and efficient means of obtaining crucial class information.
This shift contradicts the goal of community colleges, which is to prioritize accessibility and support for diverse student populations.
LBCC should reconsider its decision and reinstate the original class schedule system. The current portal-based system risks further confusing students who may already struggling with navigating the website.
Students are key stakeholders in the college’s success and any alterations to systems that directly impact students should involve transparent communication and feedback mechanisms. A lack of consultation on such a significant change undermines LBCC’s objective of fostering a supportive learning environment.
While change is often necessary for growth, it should not come at the expense of student welfare. LBCC must prioritize the needs of its students which includes a user-friendly class schedule system.
Reverting to the previous Master calendar system is a practical step toward improving efficiency and ensuring that students can focus on their studies rather than wrestling with a complicated scheduling portal.
The success of LBCC is tied to the success of its students, and a responsive and student-centric approach to this issue will contribute to a more harmonious and supportive learning environment.