College classes on base a “well kept secret”

Yuba College has held classes at the Beale Air Force Base Education Center since 1961. For the most part, classes on base are similar to those offered at other Yuba campuses. However, there are a few differences. Many courses at Beale are broken into two nine-week terms per semester and one term during the summer. This can be both an advantage and disadvantage to students. A student can take more units per semester with classes broken into nine-week terms. However, a semester’s work is condensed into those nine weeks and can be overwhelming for some.Mel Malow, who has taught math at Beale for 21 years, finds the atmosphere more relaxed.”There are less disturbances here,” said Malow. “I also find students to be more mature and motivated.”Another significant difference is the student population itself. Since the students are mostly military they are often faced with TDY’s, shift work and unexpected absences due to their jobs. Most instructors are very accommodating when such problems arise.”There are many unscheduled absences, sometimes for several weeks,” said Malow. “I make a special effort for students to make up. I’ve even postponed tests.””The instructors are very good with students,” said Downing. “We fax and e-mail all over the world.” During Term 1, Fall 2000, 780 students were enrolled in classes at the Beale center. Approximately 60 percent of students at Beale are active duty military. Military dependents and civilians make up the remaining 40 percent.Enrollment is on the rise at the Beale center. Last spring only 400 students were enrolled in Term 4. Downing attributes the increase to several factors, including the addition of the Networking Technologies program, and the military’s view on education.”The Air Force has the Combat Education Initiative,” said Downing, C.O.S. “The Air Force emphasizes education and encourages members to go to school.”A variety of courses are offered at the Beale center. Classes are offered at several of times to accommodate work schedules. Morning classes beginning as early as 7:30 a.m. are offered in addition to lunchtime and evening classes.Most of the classes are general education-oriented and offer students a core education to prepare them for transfer. Yuba College supports the Community College of the Air Force degree program for military members. Downing said the center tries to accommodate population demands for classes. “If enough people request a class, we attempt to add the class,” said Downing.Many students believe that classes at Beale are easier. However, Malow says the content of the classes is the same at Beale as on campus. He feels students may find courses easier because classes are generally smaller and there is a smaller student-teacher ratio.”Teachers can also stay after class to give students extra help,” Malow said.”I find classes can be more difficult because they are only nine weeks,” said Aaron Basti. “But teachers do give a little more leeway.”Some students choose to take classes at Beale instead of at the Marysville campus.”It is much more economical and convenient for me,” said Mike Aguilara, a military dependent who lives on base.”I cannot take classes on the Marysville campus because of work,” said Basti, a Senior Airman in the Air Force. “I can take classes during my lunch hour here on base.”The Beale center offers more than classes. “We are a full service center,” said Ms. Downing. The Beale center offers placement testing, counseling, Distance Education services and financial aid assistance in addition to a wide array of courses.”We have a positive thing out here,” says Downing. “We’re a well kept secret.”