WCC enrollment continues to climb
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on August 22, 2010 1:50 AM
Wayne Community College continues to break its own enrollment records, and officials say they expect the numbers to climb even more.
Fall classes resumed on Thursday, with 3,816 curriculum students registered for courses.
That is subject to change as students continue to go through the drop/add period and register for the second session of eight-week classes next month.
The initial figure represents a 5.2 percent increase over this time last year, and a 3.1 percent jump over the final tally of 3,721 students for fall 2009.
Peggy Teague, vice president of academic services, said she is "thrilled" with the latest trend.
"We're glad to be able to serve so many students," she said.
The trend is typical when the economy drops, maintains Kay Albertson, college president. She said despite the stressful time in theory, it tends to prompt greater numbers to return to school for more education and training in vocational fields.
WCC has, and will continue, to provide for that growth, officials said.
As some courses reached maximum capacity, Ms. Teague said, "We have made the effort to add seats and sections to accommodate student needs."
Registration was scheduled earlier in the summer.
The process was relatively calm, Ms. Teague said, as students turned out to finalize the process to secure classes and financial aid.
"Everyone has been putting forth extra effort and it has run smoothly," she said. "This is a great way to start a new semester and we believe it is an indication of what we will experience the rest of this year."