01/25/08 — Wayne Community College reports higher spring numbers

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Wayne Community College reports higher spring numbers

By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on January 25, 2008 1:45 PM

Enrollment for the spring semester at Wayne Community College is up slightly, with efforts being made to shore up the figures, officials say.

Dr. Kay Albertson, president, told the board of trustees Tuesday night that the college is "positioning ourselves to move rapidly this semester, particularly with the eight-week courses."

Head count for the spring semester, which resumed Jan. 7, was up slightly, with 3,102 students registered.

"We're up 71 heads from where we were at the end of the spring semester in 2007," Dr. Albertson said, noting the figures do not necessarily equate to the full-time equivalent numbers, which will be forthcoming.

While the head count overall was up in the fall, full-time equivalency numbers were down by 10, she said, prompting the push to boost enrollment this semester.

Final calculations are expected as the semester unfolds, Dr. Albertson said, pending the start of other programs, such as those offered on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, and the eight-week courses, which start in March.

Dr. Albertson remains optimistic about the enrollment.

"Given our economy, given the price of gas, given the military situation, that the majority of our students work, it's incredible" where the college is currently, she said.

"One of the reasons for our numbers being good is because we have great relationships with Wayne County Public Schools, and we see more and more students getting a head start toward their college career."

The official installation ceremony for Dr. Albertson, who became the college's fifth president July 1, was also announced. It will be held on Thursday, Jan. 31, at 4 p.m. in Moffatt Auditorium on the college campus.

She said she was "humbled and truly looking forward to this event."

"They have honored my request -- keep it simple, keep it as a real part of our family here, and then for us to eat and celebrate. ... It's about the community coming together and everybody being able to shake hands and see each other and have a very nice occasion."