College enrollment continues growth

NORTH PLATTE -- Mid-Plains Community College is reporting that a recent "snapshot" of the Spring 2010 term indicated that students are enrolled in 11.19 percent more classes. It also states that there are more full-time students, but fewer part-time students attending college within the entire MPCC system.

The enrollment report was released recently to Dr. Michael Chipps, President of Mid-Plains Community College, by Marcus Garstecki, MPCC's Area Dean of Enrollment Management. According to Mr. Garstecki, the information is based on a snapshot comparison between the dates of Feb. 15, 2010, and Feb. 16, 2009-the same day of the term and compares head counts and credit hours registrations between the Spring 09 and the Spring 2010 terms.

This year, the report indicates that the college has 224 more full-time, but 377 less part-time students as compared to the same date a year ago.

The main reason for the number of fewer part-time students is a result of a significant decrease in the amount of railroad training from last year to this year.

When broken down by each college, McCook Community College has 52 more full-time students and 9 more part-time students indicating a "total headcount" increase of 61 students. North Platte Community College shows 171 more full-time and 183 more part-time, resulting in an increase in headcount of 354 students.

The remaining balance in headcount is found in the college's four extended campuses. Ogallala is reporting an increase of 6 full-time, but one less part-time students, Broken Bow shows four less full-time students, but an additional 24 more part-time students, Imperial indicates two more full-time students, but seven fewer part-time students, and Valentine is showing one less full-time, but six more part-time students then they had on the same date last year.

Over the past few years, the college has begun paying a great deal more attention to the number of credit hours collectively taken by students. It is important because credit hours drive the amount of revenue returned to the college in the form of state reimbursement which makes up over 40 percent of the college's budget revenue.

"While headcount is important, the number of credit hours is what really drives the college," said Mr. Garstecki. "The 11.19 percent increase in credit hours is certainly significant and we are pleased with the gains. MCC is up 3.87 percent, NPCC North Campus reports a 21 percent increase and the South Campus is reporting a 18.18 percent increase in credit hours. The four extended campuses: Ogallala, Valentine Broken Bow and Imperial are reporting a collective increase of over almost 5 percent (4.93 percent).

"Reporting meaningful enrollment data at a community college is complicated," said Dr. Chipps. "The numbers can and do change daily. While K-12 schools typically have the same students daily, and most universities start their classes in traditional 16-week fall and spring semesters, they can easily report their numbers. But we're different. Mid-Plains Community College can and will typically start and stop classes literally every day and night."

For example, the college will soon begin their second series of "for credit" classes within the Spring term. They will finish up in about eight weeks. In other cases, the college may present a class such as "a one-day CPR class" that will meet for 8 hours on a Saturday. It starts and stops on the same day.

"We may be able to count 15 students, but if the class is only a .5 credit, we can only add a collective 7.5 credit hours. Starting and stopping classes throughout the semester makes it more challenging to interpret enrollment data, so we constantly monitor the numbers to make sure we are on track for the year," Dr. Chipps said. "Currently, the data is showing that if we have a strong summer session, as we have in the past, Mid-Plains Community College will be right on target for another increase in enrollments for the year. While the only real totals that count is what we end up with on June 30th of each year, it certainly helps in our planning processes."

According to Ryan Purdy, MPCC's Associate Vice-President of Administrative Services, while the snapshot reports are certainly useful indicators, the important enrollment numbers are derived from the annual Full-Time Equivalent Audit performed each August by independent auditors.

"Our year-end numbers are incorporated into the state's community college funding formula which then determines our state aid," he said.

"While we continue to be pleased with the good work that our enrollment management staff is doing in recruiting students, our continued focus is on student success and retention" said Dr. Chipps. "It is vital that we continue to seek ways to attract more students to our college and retain them. It is our belief that if we can continue to provide a quality learning environment, our graduates will be successful and their success will provide the foundation for growth and continued rural economic stability for our region."