I ’ve been a student at El Camino College since 1968, when it was El Camino Junior College.
In 1971, I graduated and transferred to California State University, Long Beach, where I majored in English and creative writing.
I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Arts in 1975.
A few years later, I returned to ECC and took music, piano and Spanish classes.
I was passing time between jobs. In the early 2000s, I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
I decided to take adaptive fitness and swimming courses with professors Russell Serr and Mark Lipe.
I took Adaptive Bowling when it was available. I’ve kept up this regimen up until the present.
What happened to the simplicity of registration? Only a few semesters ago, when it came time to register, you entered your student email address and your password.
You logged in, and off you went to select courses. Your password was good for more than one semester.
To the confusion and distress of today’s ECC students and their teachers, a dilemma has occurred that lingers into the present.
Today, you’re faced with the hassle of having to log into your Microsoft Account first (how many of us older folks have one?).
Recently, I tried several times only to get the message, “We’re sorry, but there’s a problem.”
If you’re fortunate enough to overcome this hurdle, you have to enter a code that is sent to your email address.
Eventually, you’re able to register for classes.
During the start of the winter session and Spring 2025 semester, the system has been deluged with problems, making this once-easy process difficult and unnerving, especially for seniors.
Many students, especially those with disabilities, do not possess the knowledge of the younger tech-savvy wizards.
Some don’t have computers, and the words “online” and “upload” are foreign to them.
As a result, a situation now exists where it frequently becomes necessary for instructors to register students themselves.
What can be done to rectify the ongoing situation? If the ECC Administration and faculty focus on this problem, I’m confident a solution can be found that will simplify the registration process.
A solution would provide a measure of security for all concerned. Education comes with its own brand of stress. Why make it harder for students who just want to get a head start preparing for their future?
In closing, let’s hope this message resonates with those who have the ability and authority to make decisions which will benefit both students, faculty and ECC.
Victor L. Corpora is a student at El Camino College. The Union invites members of the ECC campus community to send guest column submissions to eccunion@gmail.com.
