Suspending Lane Community College’s health information management program would cause immediate and lasting harm to students and could expose the college to serious risks.

Nearly 68% of students in the program rely on Pell Grants, far higher than the college average. Program suspension puts these students at risk of losing institutional scholarships, emergency funds, work‑study positions and — most critically — federal financial aid. Without a finalized consortium agreement, students may be reclassified as non‑degree-seeking, lose eligibility for Pell grants or fall below half‑time enrollment. These outcomes jeopardize students’ ability to continue their education through no fault of their own.

Academically, the health information management program is formally credentialed, meaning students must complete specific coursework and a supervised professional practice experience to graduate and sit for national certification. Disrupted curricula, non‑equivalent-course transfers or required travel out of the region place students’ academic success — and credentials — at risk.

Financially, the data are clear: the program generates net positive revenue for LCC. Suspending it would forfeit tuition, state and local funding, resulting in a substantial net loss rather than savings.

Finally, rushed program suspension could risk accreditation violations from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, LCC’s institutional accreditor, potentially triggering audits, repayment liabilities or loss of eligibility to offer financial aid.

This decision harms students, weakens the college financially and exposes LCC to unnecessary risk. The health information management program should remain intact.

Rick Riordan
Health information management program coordinator
Lane Community College