While catering to 150 more students than Spring 2008, budget cuts have forced the Extended Opportunity Programs and Services program to reduce hours of operation, making it difficult for students seeking tutor aid.

“The lab is much more crowded and sometimes we don’t have enough chairs for students,” said Linda Miller, one of the English tutors in the lab. “More EOPS students are using the lab and it is probably because we have less hours.”

Miller also said that sometimes tutors help students out in the hallway because there is no room to sit.

This semester, the tutoring lab has had a total of 1,565 visits compared to last semester at 1,192. In previous years, the tutoring lab was open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and this semester the lab hours have been cut by three hours per day.

EOPS math tutor Bill Cattoi said that the shortage of hours makes it difficult for students trying to work on computers.

“The biggest problem this semester seems to be the use of computers,” Cattoi said. “We have to put a computer waiting list on the board… that’s new this semester,” Miller added.

Continuing students have also noticed the impact in the lab this semester.

“If I need to use a computer I go somewhere else or I just bring my laptop,” said George Zamora, who has been part of the program for the past two years.

Zamora said that in previous semesters he did not have hard time trying to find a computer to use. He now has to add his name to the waiting list.

Marsha Wright, director of the EOPS program, said the increase of student enrollment in the program has a lot to do with the economy.

“Statewide, EOPS numbers go up when the economy goes down,” Wright said.

According to Wright that the recession has been forcing four-year college students to continue at community colleges because families need a cheaper tuition alternative.

EOPS is a state-funded program within the community colleges of California. EOPS provides eligible students with support services such as tutoring, book grants and academic counseling.

“We provide services and resources individualized to the need of the students,” said Wright, who has been coordinating the program for the last 12 years.

Before directing EOPS, Wright worked for the human resources and financial aid offices. She has been working at City College for 25 years.

Wright said that the economy has a lot to do with the shortage in hours and the big crowds in lab, but the economic crisis has not affected EOPS book grants.

But to harbor the rising number of students who need help, Cattoi said that more funds are needed for the lab that has only seven computers and a capacity of 30 people.

“We need more funds for City College to support these extra benefits,” said Cattoi.

In order to qualify for EOPS, students must: be enrolled in 12 or more units, be a

California resident, have fewer than 70 units of degree applicable college credits, qualify for the Board of Governors Fee Waiver, and be educationally disadvantaged.

The lab is located in the Student Services Building – Room 242. The program offers help in math, English, physics, accounting and other subjects. Tutoring at the EOPS lab is offered on a first come, first serve basis.