As a student/researcher/ veteran/ small business owner who went to AACC and UMD (among others), the quality of AACC is far superior. I was always confused how AACC could punch so far above its weight class. The reason? Small class sizes. It's better for students AND faculty. It better promotes meaningful relationships all around -- remember AACC was ranked #1 in over 1,000 community colleges. Obviously there is a different discussion between course requirements and not offering the course due to not enough enrollment... The talent that AACC attracts in faculty is incredible, especially for the niche classes that may only get 8-12 people signing up each semester. If anyone who actually made these decisions walked into one of those classrooms they would understand what is being lost in this pursuit of fiscal responsibility. What happens when those students are forced out of their major? When those talented faculty can no longer be viable? I was disappointed when I attended a 4-year university because of how amazing AACC was. Please reflect as it's more than just the numbers and look at alternatives to split the difference! Santiago Zapata