The first week of fall semester at Richmond Community College saw enrollment peak at an all-time high of 1,974 students, up 300 from last fall.
Displaced workers are joining recent high school graduates and Early College High School students in pursuing an education.
Vice President for Instruction Johnnie Simpson said the first week of classes has gone well with few problems.
“Classes are packed, but we did not turn away students. They may not have gotten their first choice of schedule, but we were able to offer the courses they needed. Everyone has had a positive attitude and seems to find coming to college is a bright spot in our dismal economy.”
The added sections have made for creative use of time and space. Some courses are being offered twice a week for longer time periods, rather than the usual Monday through Friday hour-long classes. With the announcement of another plant layoff, he is looking ahead to spring semester and another increase in enrollment.
The increase in enrollment is already impacting the Guided Studies Center where students receive assistance from tutors. GSC Coordinator LaWanda Goodwin is searching for math tutors and requests community members interested in tutoring to contact her.
“I’m looking at a level of requests I usually see in the fourth week of the semester. Approximately 47 students have already been placed in math tutoring sessions. They’re here because they want to be sitting in that classroom at the end of the semester. They want to succeed and we want to help them succeed. Math is a weak point for many people,” she said.
RCC President Dr. Sharon Morrissey said the energy that comes with the start of a new academic year is contagious. Everyone is upbeat and excited.
Although the state’s budget will make this a tight fiscal year, she said RCC will offer the same high quality services to students as it always has.
Post a Comment
