July 11, 2008

With just six weeks left until the start of the fall semester, students are lining up for advisement and registering for classes at Chandler-Gilbert Community College.

Don Thalke of Chandler came to the college’s Pecos campus with his son Dan, to register for fall semester classes.

“My daughter currently attends CGCC and she’s had a very good experience at the college,” Thalke said.

Dan Thalke, 19, said he decided to register early in order to beat the last minute rush. Thalke said he chose to attend CGCC because of its convenience and small class sizes.

“I was able to get the classes I needed and my advisor was very helpful.”

College officials say they are gearing up for a busy fall semester. As enrollment numbers continue to rise, CGCC is expanding facilities and bringing new academic programs online.

Facilities expansion at the college’s Pecos Campus in Chandler includes the addition of more than 400 parking spaces and the completion of a new classroom building, which will assist the college in accommodating projected fall enrollment growth.

William Crawford, interim Vice President of Academic Affairs at CGCC said the college has added an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Biomedical Research Technology (Biotechnology), and an AAS Degree in Fire Science Technology this fall in response to workforce development needs in the Southeast Valley.

“Biomedical research is an emerging career field in the Southeast Valley and CGCC is collaborating with major biotechnology companies, as well as our K-12 and university partners to prepare students to enter this challenging and rewarding field,” Crawford said.

The growing need for highly trained and skilled public safety employees prompted the college to offer a fire science program at its Williams campus in Mesa, Crawford said.

“For the past two years CGCC has partnered with our community fire departments to provide courses in fire science for their employees. Beginning this fall the college will offer classes for any individual interested in entering the fire science field.”

Crawford said that in addition to the new programs, the college offers a wide variety of both academic and career and technical training programs, including business, teacher education, nursing, engineering, communications, graphic design, and aviation to name a few.

Ryan Cain, coordinator of CGCC Enrollment Services, encourages students interested in attending fall classes to register now in order to get the classes they need, at the times they need them.

“Our academic advisors are available to help students create a plan to reach both their educational and career goals,” Cain said.

Students can now register online fall classes by accessing my.maricopa.edu or calling (480) 732-7320.

CGCC offers classes at three locations – the college’s Pecos campus in Chandler; the Williams campus in Mesa; and the Sun Lakes Center in Sun Lakes.

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