WCC announces new fall enrollment
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on August 17, 2012 1:46 PM
Fall semester at Wayne Community College kicked off Thursday, with enrollment figures comparable to last year at this time, officials said.
College credit students for the first day totaled 3,748, but are expected to increase after another round of registration for the second session of eight-week classes in October.
At the same point last year, enrollment was 3,475 and climbed to 3,709.
WCC's highest headcount on record was in 2010, when the first-day numbers were at 3,816 and by the end of fall semester registration, it had reached 4,005.
"The registration process flowed as smoothly as technology and human capacity would allow," said Dr. Peggy Teague, vice president for academic and student services. "The faculty and staff are encouraged and energized by the wonderful enrollment number. We're ready to dive into this semester and are committed to making it notable for student engagement and success."
Typical programs like college transfer remain strong draws, she added.
The Career and College Promise program, which allows high school juniors and seniors to earn college credit, is also very popular.
"The significant increase I have seen is in Applied Technologies," said Teague. Other programs showing higher enrollment are aviation, engineering, automotive, and agriculture programs, including overflowing introductory engineering, animal science and automotive classes.
One reason for growing interest in those areas, she said, is because the college has put more effort in resources for the programs, such as new equipment and high tech training for instructors.
She also credited "energetic and enthusiastic faculty" who are working with area high school teachers and providing learning opportunities, allowing more relationship-building for educators and students to become familiar with offerings at the college.