With its campus newly reopened to the public, Seward County Community College has seen a bump in enrollment for the fall 2020 semester.
“Enrollment trends increased by three times that of the prior two weeks,” said SCCC Data Analyst Teresa Wehmeier. “Our fall 2020 enrollment is still down a bit, but the good news is that our freshmen credit hour enrollment increased and represents 34 percent of the total credit hour change.”
Annette Hackbarth-Onson, SCCC Dean of Student Success and Enrollment, said the trend is consistent with summer enrollment in general.
“There’s always a dip in June, as students who have just graduated high school are kind of relishing their newfound freedom, and not ready to think about what comes next, and that was prolonged this year by COVID-19,” she said. In the SCCC service area, several high school senior classes voted to schedule a mid-summer commencement ceremony, which further delayed the milestones of early adulthood.
Admissions director Eric Volden noted that he and his team of recruiters have maintained a conversation with the graduating seniors via text, Instagram, and phone calls.
“We’re talking to them,” he said. “In terms of what they expect to do in the fall, they are like most everyone — not sure what will happen, but wanting to be hopeful.”
As of July 7, the SCCC academic affairs team has planned a Plan A/Plan B fall semester, with classes slated to take place in person and online components ready to deploy, should COVID-19 require a step back.
For now, however, the focus is on a “smart restart” for SCCC Saints.
“I’ve seen a steady stream of students coming to the campus wishing to apply and enroll,” said Wehmeier.
Advisors are ready to assist, said Hackbarth-Onson, whether that be an in-person conversation with masks on, or a Zoom session.
“The online course registration process has been very smooth for us, and it’s great to have the ability to talk to students and help them wherever they may be.”
To talk with an admissions counselor or academic advisor, call 620-417-1101. Campus is open from 7:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Categories: Academic Affairs, Campus, Enrollment
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