OCTV works to survive budget cuts

The Ventura County Community College District is currently considering Oxnard College Television as one of seven career technology programs at Oxnard College for elimination.

Students who participate in the OCTV program have created  uproar as they regularly attending Associated Student Government (ASG) meetings as well as Academic Senate meetings in an effort to make it clear that this program is very important to them.

The statement that OCTV students have made has helped mobilize other students to find support from around the community.

Juan Smith Valle, a 20-year old radio/television/film major would like current students to realize the loss of programs now can affect future students as well.

"The first thing we did was try to bring together the students because its not just one program on the chopping block, it's eight," said Valle. "If OCTV is sent to Moorpark, it won't affect us so much as it will affect future Oxnard College students."

According to Valle, most of the students in the program come from Oxnard and don't have much in terms of transportation; they often come from low-income homes. To deny them this program by moving it to Moorpark is like denying them access to both education and to the arts.

The proposed cuts at Oxnard College are part of the district's effort to shore up an $11 million shortfall in the 2012-2013 budget.

Israel Celis, a 21-year old sociology major, hopes that the program will be able to stay at Oxnard.

"While it is challenging to save programs, OCTV has been the most active and seems to have created a rallying call which has caught the attention of various city officials," said Celis.

The collaboration between ASG and OCTV has given them a much-needed boost.

Carlos Gonzalez, a 32-year-old student and ASG President wants the public to see the efforts of OCTV.

"I fully support what they are doing," said Gonzalez. "They help get the word around the community with the tools that they are able to bring to the table, such as commercials."

Valle plans to be persistent with efforts to save programs at Oxnard College.

"We will continue to work within the system as best we can so as to preserve our programs and keep the doors of opportunity held open for those who come behind us," Valle said.

Students and faculty are common victims affected by the budget cuts, Celis and Valle along with other students are willing to do whatever is possible to stop the district from eliminating the OCTV program.

Any students interested in getting involved with the current budget cut situations are invited to attend the Oxnard College Associated Student Government meetings.