Although student demographics at De Anza College have not changed much over the last ten years, minor trends have taken place according to the Institutional Research office at Foothill-De Anza Community College District.

In fall 2000, a total number of 24,110 students were enrolled at De Anza College. This number was 1,254 less than in fall 1999 and 2,601 less than in fall 1990. De Anza College has enrolled more than 22,000 students every fall quarter since 1984. The highest enrollment was reached in fall 1989 when 27,138 students enrolled.

The enrollment decreased by four percent to 18 percent the following winter and spring quarters compared to fall quarter in each of the past ten years.

While the enrollment at De Anza maintained relatively steady at an even level for the past ten years, the age trend has shifted dramatically. The college population of age 20 and under soared from 3.98 percent in 1990 to 29.09 percent in 1999.

The increase was compensated by a decreasing attendance of those aged 30 and above.

Gender breakdown, on the other hand, has been steady and balanced. De Anza College has seen more female enrollment than male during the past ten years, even though the population of Silicon Valley is overwhelmingly male.

Female students constitute 50.50 percent to 54.32 percent of De Anza’s total population, varying each year.

Another pattern was revealed in the ethnic breakdown of enrollment. In 1990, 59.35 percent of the De Anza population was White. In 2000, 28.66 was White.

Asian, Filipino, Hispanic, and other non-White groups have enrolled in higher numbers, while the number of African American and Native American students remained unchanged.

The Asian community became the new majority on campus last fall, constituting 32.35 percent of the total De Anza population.

The ratio of full-time students to part-time students has been staying roughly the same at one to three since 1990.

Most part-time students enroll in three to six units per quarter, while most full-time students enroll in 12 to 15 units.

In 2000, the most popular goal stated by 25.11 percent of the students at admission was to transfer with an AA/AS. In 1990, it was 33.98 percent.

The demographic breakdown within each department at De Anza College was not available.

There are currently two full-time staff employees conducting demographic research in the Foothill-De Anza Community College District. Academic Services forwards statistical data from Institutional Research to the Deans of each department.

Christina Espinosa-Pieb, dean of Academic Services, says that the data she recently received was “obviously inaccurate” department-wise.

According to Espinosa-Pieb, Institutional Research has been understaffed before the Partnership for Excellence Fund came in. Katrin Spinetta, a consultant outside the Foothill-De Anza District, has recently been hired to work in the area.

A possible increase in the number of positions for Institutional Research is currently being reviewed. Espinosa-Pieb says she hopes the demographic data for each department will be available by the end of this year, because this data has been requested by many of the deans.

Duane Kubo, dean of Inter-cultural/International Studies says he often wants the demographic data about the individual classes.

“Each Division addresses this [demographic] issue in our program reviews, every three years in detail,” said Nancy Canter, dean of Creative Arts.