Editor, Ceres Courier,

I am a student at Stanislaus State University in Turlock, and I feel compelled to express my distress and dissatisfaction with the current situation here. What once seemed like a dream come true has become a challenging reality. As I approach my final year, I face significant class reductions that hinder my ability to continue my education. My major, Sociology, has been particularly affected by these faculty cuts, resulting in fewer available courses and scheduling conflicts among required classes. This situation makes it impossible for me to enroll in everything I need during the same semester.

As a working mother, I have greatly benefited from evening classes, which are no longer offered for my major requirements. The recent developments at Stan State are far from fulfilling the university’s mission. These changes disproportionately affect minority students, ultimately hindering our path to obtaining a degree and contradicting the university’s values.

The termination of Dr. Fleenor, who currently teaches my evening courses, has had a significant impact. Dr. Fleenor possesses a wealth of knowledge and truly embodies the university’s mission. It is profoundly disheartening to witness the university let go of a professor who genuinely prioritizes student success and is dedicated to offering courses that meet students’ needs, such as evening classes. I am voicing my dissatisfaction in the hope that Stan State will reconsider its decision regarding faculty cuts and recognize the negative impact it is having on its students.

Mayra Valencia,

Ceres

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