Enrollment Increases
Gabriel Mendoza
Issue date: 10/9/06 Section: News
In the midst of construction, an increase in fall enrollment of nearly 7 percent proved to be both a victory and challenge for administration and students.
The efforts of the marketing department along with high school outreach led to the increase said Aida Cuenza, high school outreach coordinator.
Additional courses were needed to accommodate the increase in students. Some new students found themselves unable to enroll in primary basic skill courses such as math and English.
To avoid this problem, early planning was the best defense for new students, Cuenza said.
"Our visits to high schools allows students to plan ahead and gives them options to deal with not getting into classes," she added.
But students were not the only ones who had difficulties.
Virginia Burley, dean of Instruction, said construction and remodeling of buildings put available classrooms at a premium, thus making efforts to find classrooms for additional courses problematical.
Six years earlier, the marketing department and high school outreach began expanding its recruitment efforts.
Developing relationships with local high schools, the high school outreach staff assisted high school seniors with applications and placement tests Cuenza said. Getting students to register early while still in high school got the bulk of new students.
Having orientation on campus was another aspect emphasized by high school outreach.
"I've really strived to have orientation on campus as a way for students to connect to our institution," she added.
With orientation and registration on the same day, students who aren't sure of their college readiness can be directed into programs such the Bridge Program she added.
Providing learning communities through linked classes, the Bridge Program is designed to increase a student's academic and personal success in college.
Under the leadership of Marketing and Communications Director Clarence Brown, the marketing department launched a comprehensive fall enrollment campaign. The campaign was designed to motivate student to choose Mt. SAC as the place to begin life and career goals.
Advertisements at shopping malls, on buses, in theaters, and on cable TV were some of the strategies used to attract potential students.
While efforts to bring in students proved successful, the increase did lead to some problems.
"We always need additional math and English courses," Burley said.
The increase of students only intensified the need.
With a high standard of quality teaching, finding instructors who are qualified to teach math courses is not easy, Burley added.
Also with few available classrooms needed for added courses, courses with too few students were closed in order to make room she said.
The decision on what courses are needed is based in part by recommendations by each department.
Yet Burley is undeterred by the difficulties.
"It's wonderful to see a lot of students here," she said. "We love a challenge."
The efforts of the marketing department along with high school outreach led to the increase said Aida Cuenza, high school outreach coordinator.
Additional courses were needed to accommodate the increase in students. Some new students found themselves unable to enroll in primary basic skill courses such as math and English.
To avoid this problem, early planning was the best defense for new students, Cuenza said.
"Our visits to high schools allows students to plan ahead and gives them options to deal with not getting into classes," she added.
But students were not the only ones who had difficulties.
Virginia Burley, dean of Instruction, said construction and remodeling of buildings put available classrooms at a premium, thus making efforts to find classrooms for additional courses problematical.
Six years earlier, the marketing department and high school outreach began expanding its recruitment efforts.
Developing relationships with local high schools, the high school outreach staff assisted high school seniors with applications and placement tests Cuenza said. Getting students to register early while still in high school got the bulk of new students.
Having orientation on campus was another aspect emphasized by high school outreach.
"I've really strived to have orientation on campus as a way for students to connect to our institution," she added.
With orientation and registration on the same day, students who aren't sure of their college readiness can be directed into programs such the Bridge Program she added.
Providing learning communities through linked classes, the Bridge Program is designed to increase a student's academic and personal success in college.
Under the leadership of Marketing and Communications Director Clarence Brown, the marketing department launched a comprehensive fall enrollment campaign. The campaign was designed to motivate student to choose Mt. SAC as the place to begin life and career goals.
Advertisements at shopping malls, on buses, in theaters, and on cable TV were some of the strategies used to attract potential students.
While efforts to bring in students proved successful, the increase did lead to some problems.
"We always need additional math and English courses," Burley said.
The increase of students only intensified the need.
With a high standard of quality teaching, finding instructors who are qualified to teach math courses is not easy, Burley added.
Also with few available classrooms needed for added courses, courses with too few students were closed in order to make room she said.
The decision on what courses are needed is based in part by recommendations by each department.
Yet Burley is undeterred by the difficulties.
"It's wonderful to see a lot of students here," she said. "We love a challenge."
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