Questions and Answers

NEW STUDENT QUESTIONS:

Why should I enroll now at Pueblo Community College or San Juan Basin Technical College while they are in the process of merging?

The two schools are merging to become one comprehensive community college to better serve students and the community; however, the fundamental programs will remain the same.  SJBTC programs will simply transfer over to become PCC programs.  Earning a degree or certificate always takes some time, and your time is valuable!  If you begin your education now, you will still be able to complete it after the schools merge.  Since the programs will be the same before and after the merger, there is no reason to wait, but every reason to start.

How do I know if the degree or certificate program I enroll in will still be offered after the merger?

All current SJBTC Programs have been set up to move over to PCC with the approval of the merger.  That means we intend to offer the same degree and certificate programs as before (and perhaps a few new ones) as long as we have enough interest and enrollment in each program.

Will classes always be held at the Cortez/Mancos facility, or will they be moved to another location?

The answer is really both.  The Cortez/Mancos facility will undergo some upgrading and remodeling after the merger becomes effective.  Current classes will remain there and new ones may be added.  In addition, select career and technical classes may be offered at PCC’s Durango location (in the Commons Building) as well as in various high school and other community locations throughout the five-county service area.

Will the merger affect the quality of course offerings or transferability to a 4-year institution?

The merger will likely improve the quality of course offerings by bringing San Juan Basin Technical College under the policies and procedures of Pueblo Community College and the Colorado Community College System.  In certain subject areas, instructors may be required to have a higher level of education than previously required in order to teach.  In addition, programs in this area of the state will benefit from the expertise of the Department Chairs, Deans, and Vice President of Learning who are based in Pueblo.  This will bring a wealth of knowledge and professional development opportunities to the programs in this area.

Some courses may be more likely to transfer to a 4-year institution after the merger.  PCC has several articulation agreements with 4-year schools that provide for the transfer of particular coursework.  In addition, the previously mentioned higher level of education required to teach at PCC leads to higher likelihood of transferability of courses. 

CURRENT PCC OR SJBTC STUDENT QUESTIONS:

Will my credits from San Juan Technical Basin transfer to Pueblo Community College?

Yes, if you part of a current program at SJBTC, your credits will to transfer over directly to PCC as the same courses.

Will I still work with the same people in the office to register, apply for financial aid, etc. after the merger?

Yes, the SJBTC staff will become a welcome addition to the PCC staff.  There may be some changes in job roles and responsibilities, but for the most part, the people who help you through the process will be the same.

Will I still be able to apply for financial aid?

Yes.  PCC participates in the Federal Student Aid Program, just as SJBTC has.  To apply for this aid, students will still need to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at www.fafsa.ed.gov once per year.  Once the merger is effective (projected date:  July 1, 2009), SJBTC students will need to change the school code on their FAFSA to the PCC school code:  014829.

Are all of the Durango classes moving to the Cortez/Mancos location?

No.  PCC will continue to offer classes in Durango at the location in the Commons Building, as well as at various high school and community sites throughout the 5-county region.

What effect will the merger have on the cost of tuition?

Tuition will increase from the current SJBTC level of $60 per credit hour to the PCC tuition rate for next year (2009-2010).  Current PCC tuition for 2008-2009 is approximately $92.50 per credit hour (for Colorado Residents who are eligible for the College Opportunity Fund).  Some programs (e.g. nursing) have slightly higher tuition rates. 

These rates are still a bargain in the world of college education.  For many of our students, financial aid will be able to cover the full cost of tuition and all or part of the text book costs.  In addition, PCC offers direct lending student loans and numerous scholarship opportunities.  

Will classes always be held at the Cortez/Mancos facility, or will they be moved to another location?

The answer is really both.  The Cortez/Mancos facility will undergo some upgrading and remodeling after the merger becomes effective.  Current classes will remain there and new ones may be added.  In addition, select career and technical classes may be offered at PCC’s Durango location (in the Commons Building) as well as in various high school or other locations throughout the five-county service area.

Will the merger affect the quality of course offerings or transferability to a 4-year institution?

The merger will likely improve the quality of course offerings by bringing San Juan Basin Technical College under the policies and procedures of Pueblo Community College and the Colorado Community College System.  In certain subject areas, instructors may be required to have a higher level of education than previously required in order to teach students.  In addition, programs in this area of the state will benefit from the expertise of the Department Chairs, Deans, and Vice President of Learning who are based in Pueblo.  This will bring a wealth of knowledge and professional development opportunities to the programs in this area.

Some courses may be more likely to transfer to a 4-year institution after the merger.  PCC has several articulation agreements with 4-year schools that provide for the transfer of particular coursework.  In addition, the previously mentioned higher level of education required to teach leads to higher likelihood of transferability.

Why are the schools merging in the first place?

Pueblo Community College and San Juan Basin Technical College have looked into the possibility of joining for many years.  The southwest corner of Colorado is the only portion of the state that is not yet served by a comprehensive community college.  By merging, we feel that we can better offer the comprehensive programs (degree, certificate, and community) that this region needs to provide opportunities for higher education and a well-trained workforce.  Having all of these opportunities and services under one institution simplifies the process for students and shares valuable resources between our two schools – meaning we can grow rather than merely survive.

Will I still be able to work toward a certificate, or does PCC only grant degrees?

Yes, you will still be able to work toward a certificate, and in many cases, you can choose to continue your education after earning the certificate and earn an Associate’s degree.  PCC offers many certificate and degree programs, and the approval of the merger will make it possible for PCC to bring many of those certificate and degree programs to these campuses.