The Board of Regents discussed investment updates, future goals and student concerns at its Oct. 8 meeting.
Fall 2019 enrollment stands at 12,205, up slightly from 12,159 last fall, the board learned.
At-Large Regent Hector Salinas discussed tuition and how students are able to afford and get the help they need, especially how students can get help from financial aid and how to help those who do not qualify for financial aid.
“I don’t see how kids can afford that. Not parents, not here anymore,” Salinas said.
As discussed, the tuition payment plan helps students to be able to afford classes. It is recognized that there are students who are still struggling to afford tuition and regents discussed options to help students financially. Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid and to go by the financial aid office to seek help.
The board also discussed the on-campus bookstore, in the Harvin Center. The contract, which is up for renewal this year, has been extended for another month. Texas Books now operates the bookstore.
“If we were to award this to another contract then my expectation would be that the pricing of the cost of the books is going to go up for our students,” said Raul Garcia, vice president and chief financial officer for Del Mar. “At the end of the day, our strategic vision is to focus our energy in making the cost of the tuition affordable, and that includes textbooks.”
In other business, college President Mark Escamilla announced that the U.S. Department of Education Project awarded a Title V grant of $2.8 million to Project SENDA, Students Engaged in Direct Advising. The grant will also benefit all Del Mar students.
