By Susan Tallant/editor-in-chief
District enrollment is up by almost 9 percent for the fall semester with total enrollments nearing 38,000 students as of the official day of record last week.
The Sept. 12 figures do not include all enrollments, such as the two eight-week terms, and other terms varying in length.
SE Campus leads the district in total increases, up 16.1 percent. Student enrollments total 11,574.
NW Campus fall enrollments total 9,107, an increase of 12.6 percent.
“ The increase in enrollment is in part due to the efforts of our excellent faculty, counselors, advisors and NW Campus staff,” Dr. Elva LeBlanc, NW Campus president, said.
LeBlanc said other variables affecting enrollment include work force programs and transfer coursework offered on campus, an increase in area population and the friendly culture that exists on the campus.
The highest number of enrollments districtwide is on NE Campus, with 14,246 students, up by 8.3 percent.
South Campus has 10,481 enrollments with an increase of 6.7 percent.
Some students are enrolled on two campuses, so totals equal more than the district figure when added together.
Dr. Cathie Jackson, director of admissions and records, said enrollment increases are the result of many factors.
“ Impossible to miss, of course, is the continuing growth of housing in the Fort Worth area,” she said. “Then, too, as area universities continue to increase their tuition, we become a very attractive option.”
Jackson said TCC has also increased distance learning classes and high school dual credit offerings in several area public school systems.
“ I see positive results from changes made over the last five years, particularly our outreach effort and districtwide support of that effort,” she said. “TCC is known now more than ever both for quality instruction and for providing the support services needed to help our students succeed.”
Enrollment will continue to increase as long as everyone is committed to continued excellence, Jackson said.
“ Expanded enrollment will be good only as long as it is matched by our expanded effort both in and out of the classroom,” she said.
Registration continues through Oct. 22 for the second eight-week term.
Students have a wide variety of choices. Classes are available in technical areas such as nursing and computer science and in general education areas such as English, history, speech and math.
Students can log on to WebAdvisor to view available classes and start dates.
