Gas prices hit Sauk students

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College to consider shortened week and more online courses DIXON - As a single mother and student, Melissa Kinnaman, 24, of Rock Falls has nearly broken the bank traveling to and from Sauk Valley Community College five days a week. "It's very trying," she said. "My car is a big gas guzzler. I've had to overdraw my [bank] account a few times just to make ends meet." Kinnaman's situation is not uncommon. With gasoline at $4 a gallon, many students are finding it ever more painful to make the daily commute. That's prompting Sauk to look into a new ways to schedule classes. The goal is to save money for students and staff, who travel on average 30 to 40 miles round trip, President George Mihel said. "This is certainly an issue that's been mentioned as something we need to pursue," Mihel said. "With the economy and gas costs being as they are, more and more students need to work on top of concentrating on their schoolwork." Officials have discussed reworking each department's curriculum, so core classes are offered two days a week, or offering more online courses. "It may be difficult to schedule and coordinate, but I think it could be done," Mihel said. "This is something we'll be looking at over the next year." They also have discussed adopting a four-day class schedule, he said. "Many of our students go four days a week, anyway," Mihel said. "Friday afternoon attendance is pretty light." The shortened week is being discussed and instituted at many two-year colleges, especially those that serve rural areas where commutes are long and public transportation is hard to come by. Services such as the library and tutoring often continue as usual, while class periods run longer and Friday classes are dropped. A four-day schedule is not new: Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa, has had one since the 1970s. But the idea is spreading. Sauk is considering reserving Fridays for science labs, practicums and specialized courses, Mihel said. Kinnaman, who said it costs about $60 a week to fill her tank, appreciates the effort. "The college does try to accommodate students, like offering the dual-credit services through the [Whiteside Area Career Center in Sterling]," Kinnaman said. "What this area needs in general is a bus system." Public transportation is being developed in Whiteside and Ogle counties, and some students may find it a cost-efficient alternative to driving. Lee County already has a public transportation system in place, but the college does not have a contract with it. "There has been some discussion on public transportation out here," Mihel said. "It's certainly something we'd like to get involved with." Sauk officials encourage students to move to Sauk Commons, which would cut back on gas consumption. The on-campus housing complex has been open for three years, and is 78 percent full. Mihel said he hopes to hit 100 percent occupancy by fall. "The number of students living there has been continuing to grow," he said. "Normally, it takes student housing about three years to really take off, so we're seeing that now, on top of the high price of gas." The college does use one of its vans to take Sauk Commons residents to town on weekends, free of charge. Gannett News Service contributed to this report. Reach Tara Becker at 815-625-3600 or 800-798-4085, ext. 570. Reach Tara Becker at 815-284-2224 or 800-798-4085, ext. 570.