Enrollment in Degree Programs is up by 9%
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (September 2, 2008) – Forsyth Technical Community College saw a nine percent increase in enrollment in degree, diploma and certificate programs, compared to fall 2007. Total enrollment in credit programs is 7,903, which compares to 7,268 one year ago.
College officials say that some of the increase can be attributed to recent rounds of layoffs, outsourcing of jobs and plant closings.
“The economic downturn and high unemployment rate we are experiencing is forcing many people to train for different jobs and careers,” said Dr. Gary M. Green, President of Forsyth Tech. “Additionally, many traditional age college students and their parents are seeing the wisdom of spending the first two years at an affordable community college, then transferring to a four-year institution.”
Community colleges become an even more valuable asset when many individuals are unemployed or underemployed, Green noted.
“While some jobs are drying up or being shipped overseas, there is great demand for trained and skilled workers in many areas,” he said. “We have been adding new degree programs at the rate of about half a dozen a year. We develop new programs only when there is a clear demand in the market.
Some degree programs added in the past year are Database Management, Healthcare Management, Interior Design, and Digital Effects and Animation. Other programs added in recent years, such as Nanotechnology and Biotechnology, are attracting a growing number of traditional college age students and career changers.
The college projected a five percent increase in enrollment, based on steady growth in the number of programs of study offered. Enrollment in credit programs grew from 5,203 in 1998 to the current 7,903, a 52 percent increase.
The dramatic enrollment increase this fall is exacerbating the college’s space problems.
“Forsyth Tech is bursting at the seams,” Green said. “We need more classroom, laboratory and shop space, and more parking space. “
The need for additional space prompted Forsyth Tech to request a bond referendum this fall. The Educational Facilities Bond Referendum on the November 4 ballot in Forsyth County, if passed, will enable the transfer of the administration building and Career Center of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools to Forsyth Tech. Those facilities and the land surrounding them on Miller Street Extension directly adjoin Forsyth Tech’s Main Campus, and represent the only viable option for expanding the campus.
Forsyth Tech also experienced growth in its high school dual enrollment program, which is up 41% from fall 2007.
In addition to the economic factors, college officials say Forsyth Tech is making a concerted effort to better inform the public about its program offerings. The effort has included a revamping of the course listing publication that is mailed to all households in Forsyth and Stokes counties twice a year, and of the materials directed to high school students and school counselors.