Registration lines out the door at CPTC

Lakewood, WA – Education isn’t just taking place in the classroom, students are now learning how to stand in record-long lines.

Sign of the times – record-long lines push students out the door as they wait to register for classes, programs at Clover Park.

"I became unemployed one month ago and I felt like I needed to get my foot in the door right now. I'm signing up to become a pharmacy technician," said TJ Ellis, a new student. "Clover Park Technical College is the only school that offers the Pharmacy Technician Program and I've been waiting for three hours to sign up."

The registration office opened at 7 a.m. Monday morning, and many people were already waiting. "I have been here since 1982 and have never seen lines like this before," said Judy MacDougall, Enrollment Services Director. "Some students have been waiting five to six hours to get in."

"The state economic picture has left us with less staff and decreased budgets, but like every other two-year college in the state we are focused on student success and will do what it takes to ensure that people have a chance to change their lives. We truly appreciate everyone's patience and understanding as the staff at Clover Park works to assist all those who have to wait in these long lines," said Lori Banaszak, Vice President of Instruction.

Registration is taking longer now because some students need help deciding what program fits their needs. "If I have to wait to better my career then I'll wait," said David Sasak, who was signing up for one of the automotive programs. "On the positive side, standing in line is part of the experience and is an opportunity to meet new people at college," Sasak said.

David Sasak (left), new automotive student, TJ Ellis, new Pharmacy Technician Program student

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