Washtenaw Community College Comes Back to Hartland

Washtenaw Community College is back in Hartland with several winter classes that start next week and have spots still available — a big turnaround after the school had pulled out of the community starting last fall.

Officials said WCC changed its mind after a large public outcry.

"They want us and they need us, so we're back," said Diana Sepac, WCC's director of evening and extension services. "The community spoke to us and we heard them."

WCC — which had been offering classes the since 2004 — decided to consolidate classes in Livingston County at Brighton High School starting as a long-term cost-savings measure.

The move was made following state budget cuts and because of concerns about future enrollment with more parking available at the main campus and trends toward online classes, according to Cathy Smillie, the school's public relations director. In addition, money was saved from having one, instead of two coordinators in Livingston County.

It wasn't an easy decision, Smillie said, because the site was generating more revenue in Hartland than costs — some $75,000 over the past three semesters. About 1,000 students attended the center during the 2010-11 academic year.

"It was more about thinking about down the road," she said. "(But now) we're commited to staying there."

The Hartland School District, which maintains the building, is happy WCC has returned. Michelle Otis, the director of Hartland Community Education, said it fits with the district's mission of offering college classes locally.

"I'm super excited and glad they are back," Otis said. "It's awesome for our community to have a community college right here in this services center building. It was always our dream to have a community college and a college atmosphere."

The move also helps the district bring in revenue for offering classroom space. The deal is based on enrollment and had generated more than $40,000 over the previous three semesters, WCC officials said.

The Hartland center, which has classes during the day, historically offered about 20 classes and a certified nursing assistant program. But because the decision to return was made after the start of the fall semester only about half of the classes — the most popular in subjects such as English, math and psychology — are available, Sepac said.

Officials plan to ramp up what's offered going forward, she said. The CNA program also will resume once it receives state approval, she said.

Those interested can register for classes online. Tuition is $143 per credit hour — higher than for those who live within the community college's district — but those taking classes in Hartland and Brighton currently qualify for a $15 per credit hour discount.