Jan. 22, 2010

WVU Parkersburg experiences strong spring semester enrollment.

CONTACT:   Dr. Rhonda Richards, senior vice president for academic affairs, 304-424-8242.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

West Virginia University at Parkersburg is experiencing a 15 percent increase in enrollment for the spring semester.

Five hundred and twenty-five more students are enrolled for classes in the spring compared to last spring, WVU Parkersburg officials report.

The institution's increase from spring 2009 to spring 2010 terms is similar to the record-setting increase reflected in the fall semester, noted Rhonda Richards, senior vice president for academic affairs.

A contributing factor in the increase is the region's current economic conditions. WVU Parkersburg is serving close to 400 students this spring who are receiving Workforce Investment Act or Trade Act support.

"Our programs -- especially our technical degrees -- are proving to be extremely popular for displaced workers and veterans as they pursue training to return to the workplace," she noted.

As an example, she cited courses in the college's Multi-Craft Technology program which increased by 682% in enrollment for the spring term and the college's Engineering courses which reflected a 233% increase.

In addition, more students are attending WVU Parkersburg this spring as full-time students. The college's Full-Time-Equivalent (FTE) rate has increased nearly 20% in comparison to last spring. The FTE formula calculates the equivalent number of full-time students.

Approximately 3,900 are taking classes this semester, according to current institutional data. Typically, colleges and universities experience a drop in enrollment from fall to spring terms.

Close to 4,300 students enrolled at WVU Parkersburg last fall.

WVU Parkersburg is the fifth largest public institution of higher education in West Virginia and the largest state community college.


cd1/22/10

For additional information, contact:
Connie Dziagwa
WVU Parkersburg
Executive Director
Institutional Advancement
(304-424-8203 - Office)
E-mail

 

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