Community college halfway to its goal for fall enrollment

BENTONVILLE — Northwest Arkansas Community College officials are happy with how enrollment is shaping up for the fall semester.

The college had 4,128 students enrolled for fall as of Wednesday, just over halfway to the administration’s goal of 8,160. Those enrollments have generated 40,996 credit hours, or 57% of the goal of 72,112 credit hours, according to Todd Kitchen, vice president of student services.

“We are pleased with the growth we are seeing and anticipate more enrollment after the holiday weekend,” Kitchen said.

The fall semester begins Aug. 22. The college sees most of its fall enrollment in July and August, Kitchen said.

Last year’s fall enrollment was 8,383 students, which was a 5% increase over the previous fall. Students took a combined 68,274 credit hours.

Students’ tuition and fees account for about half of the college’s revenue. The college is expecting total revenue to be about $41.7 million this fiscal year, which started Wednesday.

The covid-19 pandemic hit in March, so college representatives missed opportunities to meet with high school seniors who were exploring their postsecondary options, said President Evelyn Jorgenson.

Administrators are expecting more registrations to come in later than usual because people want to see what happens with the pandemic, Jorgenson said. The college has launched a direct-mail campaign, sending information to about 6,000 graduating seniors in the area, she said.

The college is preparing to welcome students back to campus this fall with new rules and procedures designed to keep people healthy.

All students, employees and visitors will be required to wear face coverings while in buildings on campus, according to a news release from the college Thursday.

Modifications are being made inside the buildings, including the addition of clear barriers, hand sanitizing stations and social-distancing reminders. There will be increased cleaning by custodial staff, according to the release.

Anyone coming on campus is asked to complete a daily health assessment before arriving and to stay away if they are feeling ill or running a fever, the release states.

Instruction will be offered on campus and online. Labs and technical courses will offer face-to-face instruction with social distancing at a set time on campus.