ESL program at COD faces funding shortfalls

The College of DuPage's English as a Second Language program has cost the college an extra $4 million over the past five years.

But there are no plans to make any drastic cuts - yet.

COD administrators met with ESL instructors and program coordinators recently to dispel rumors that sweeping changes were afoot. College President Robert Breuder said there are not going to be any cuts this year.

Instead, Vice President for Academic Affairs Joe Collins said class sizes may be increased slightly to reduce staffing costs and minimum class sizes will likely be bumped from 12 students to 16 in order to reduce inefficiencies.

However, some ESL instructors who spoke at Thursday's board meeting are concerned these changes are being done without consulting them and college officials who built the ESL program. They say the funding issue is a recent development that was caused by poor oversight during the last five years.

"We must have someone who knows our history, our special strengths, and what pitfalls to avoid," said 24-year veteran ESL instructor Barbara Huszagh.

Last year was one of the worst financial years for the program. The college had to foot an extra $900,000, Collins said.

It took nearly $4 million to operate the program last year, while the college only took in $3 million in grants, state reimbursements and tuition for ESL programs. COD made up the difference with money from the college's general fund, Collins said.

ESL students account for roughly 10 percent of the college's student population each semester. More than 145 teachers instruct students who speak scores of different languages, program officials said. ESL programs are offered at the college's Glen Ellyn campus or at 24 other locations throughout the district.

COD is the largest ESL provider in the state, said instructor Joan Katai.

"We understand the college has budget constraints that will require more efficient program modification," she said.

"However, we are concerned about the impact these constraints would have on our program."

Collins said the funding problem also affects the Adult Basic Education and GED programs as well, but the lion's share of the shortfall is within the ESL program.