LTCC State of the College address: On-campus housing, remodel for efficiency, forest degrees

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) Superintendent/President Jeff DeFranco gave the annual State of the College address this week where he highlighted the transformational changes on campus.

With the theme of "transformation," the school, staff, and administration are changing how they do business with the goal of remarkable outcomes.

DeFranco likened what the campus is undergoing to that of a butterfly and they are currently in the chrysalis stage. He said transformation isn't always easy but what happens in the next stage is epic.

The campus is in the midst of a "Remodel For Efficiency" with the main entrance, lobby, and offices around the commons being changed into places that can better serve all students. DeFranco said space is the tightest this Fall Quarter than it ever has been with less workspace and less office space, but by January some of the walls come down and things will start to reopen. There will be new student services, more offices to assist students, new technology spaces, and faculty spaces that promote collaboration. It is all being created to be open and inviting. Besides the building, new water retention ponds are being installed and campus roadways will have better fire-accessible lanes.

Another highlighted transformation is the new on-campus housing being built for low-income students. There will be room for 100 students with study areas, a kitchen, ensuite rooms, lit paths, and a dining hall. The cost will be $500 per month.

"It will be a remarkable facility," said DeFranco of the space that will transform and change the way the campus is used and experienced.

It isn't just the physical that is being transformed. The new forestry degree classes are starting this quarter. LTCC will offer a forestry associate of science degree, a certificate, employable certificates, and classes for the "red" card. The Tahoe Fund has provided a $1000 grant for every forestry student. The program started off with 34 students and classes are currently full. DeFranco said they are trying to double that number by next year.

Enrollment dropped at campuses everywhere during the pandemic, and LTCC was no exception. The headcount is up ten percent for the fall quarter when compared to Fall 2021, but still down 11 percent from pre-COVID.

"We have work to do," said DeFranco.

The next couple of weeks really matter at LTCC, with getting students off to a good start. DeFranco said that while they are creating a campus with student-ready modern facilities, they are creating an atmosphere with a goal of anti-racism while being an equity leader.

The State of the College address can be seen here - https://youtu.be/uXJa0_oRDEE.