WVU Parkersburg officials expect large fall enrollment increase

WVU Parkersburg officials anticipate large increase in fall enrollment.

CONTACT: Anthony Underwood, vice president for Student Services, 304-424-8209.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Officials at West Virginia University at Parkersburg expect a record enrollment when classes begin Monday (August 24).

The projected increase may be as much as 500 more full-time students compared to last fall, said Anthony Underwood, vice president for student services.

He cited the region's current economic conditions and the college's affordable tuition rates as impacting much of the expected growth in enrollment.

"We are seeing many displaced workers who are seeking re-training opportunities, a number of veterans who are returning from service and taking advantage of the Yellow Ribbon program, and traditional-aged students who are choosing to stay home to pursue their college goals," Underwood noted.

In response, WVU Parkersburg has added additional sections of popular courses and increased the availability of on-line courses to accommodate students. A Student Life Academy is being implemented this fall to provide students with the opportunity to improve their life and people skills for the world of work, Underwood noted.

New programs being offered include Certificates in Advanced Leadership; Animation and Game Design, and Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration. Also, new is an Associate in Applied Science degree in Computer Science with an Animation, Web and Game Design option.

Registration for the fall semester is open through the first week of classes and will close August 28.

In preparation for the fall semester, professional development activities are being held throughout this week. Faculty workshops are being conducted on such topics as developmental education, assessment, technology, and internationalization of the curriculum.

Five new faculty members will be in WVU Parkersburg classrooms for the first time this fall. They include Darin Affolter, drafting; Ric Love, process technology; Holly Martin, biology; Missy Spivy, elementary education, and Louis Roy, criminal justice.

Ten faculty have received promotions in rank. They are Bill Brown, Cynthia Gissy, Randy Oldaker, and Cathy Mutz, all professors; David Lancaster, associate professor; Aaron Crites, Lisa Flowers-Clements, Nancy Dew, Karen Hanner, and David Thompson, all assistant professors.

cd08/18/09