Summer enrollment skyrockets 37 percent at Southwestern Michigan College
Posted: 6/15/2010
The Southwestern Michigan College (SMC) Board of Trustees reviewed enrollment statistics for the past year, heard a report on student housing registrations for the coming year, opened construction bids for the replacement of the College’s main entryway, and accepted local gifts to the College during its regularly scheduled meeting June 8 on the college’s Dowagiac campus.
Students are currently enrolled for 37 percent more contact hours than last year at this time, according to Southwestern Michigan College President Dr. David Mathews. The spring/summer semester began May 12 and ends Aug. 5. Mathews said that whereas summer enrollments are usually a small fraction of the academic year enrollments, there are several factors contributing to this increase.
“The availability of summer employment is down and with a sluggish economy this means some students choose to go to school instead of working. The College’s affordable tuition makes it a very attractive option,” said President Mathews. “In addition, the new year-round Pell grant has now meant continuing federal financial aid is now available in the summer for students who in years past would have exhausted their federal funding during the fall and winter semesters.”
President Mathews said this summer’s enrollment increase continues the trend seen over the past academic year. Enrollments the past two semesters were up 18 percent for the fall and 27 precent for the winter compared to the previous year.
“Most community colleges saw significant enrollment gains last year due to the poor economy and the great value offered by community colleges,” Mathews said. “But Southwestern Michigan College’s gains were about twice what would be expected from the economy alone. We attribute half of the enrollment gains over the past three semesters to SMC’s outstanding student success statistics, and to the College’s on-campus student housing and student life initiatives, including clubs, intramurals, extreme sports, and an expanded Student Activity Center (SAC). These tremendous enrollment gains show that the strategy of providing affordable access to a high quality, total college experience, has been highly effective.”
In a related matter, President Mathews reported the College has received 215 signed contracts for on-campus housing. Last fall, Southwestern Michigan College opened its first housing facility — the Keith H. McKenzie Hall — to full occupancy at 130 students. This September, the second housing unit will open, offering a total of 260 beds for on-campus housing. Mathews strongly encouraged anyone with an interest in the College’s on-campus housing to submit a signed contract as soon as possible to guarantee a room reservation.
In addition to the second housing facility to be completed this summer, the College has scheduled a re-dedication of the Kairis Building on Aug. 22. The renovated and expanded facility, which houses the College’s automotive technology program, will offer expanded shop and classroom space for the program as well as flexible training space for future programs. Two parking lots on the College’s Dowagiac campus will also be resurfaced this summer.
In other business, the board opened bids for the reconstruction of the College’s main entrance on Cherry Grove Road. Commenting on this latest project, SMC Board of Trustees Chairman, Dr. Fred L. Mathews, said “The reconstruction of the Cherry Grove Road entrance and connecting street will remove from the campus a safety hazard which has been a concern since student enrollment and campus traffic have reached current day levels.
“The new boulevard-like street will eliminate the potentially dangerous two-way traffic, creating instead one eastbound and one westbound lane separated by a median. Enhanced lighting at the entrance and on the new entrance street will be an additional campus safety feature. Student and public safety is a top priority at SMC and this project adds to the safety of all who visit or use college services and facilities. This project has been anticipated and funds reserved for it over several years and will require no new resources.
“The established campus buildings, plus the beautiful new dorms and recently remodeled buildings have helped make Southwestern Michigan College one of the most attractive, student friendly and efficient college campuses in the state. However, the current entrance and entrance street are, with some modification years ago, basically what was built in 1966 when traffic flow was a fraction of what it is today. This project will not only make the campus safer and more efficient, but the entrance itself will be very attractive and will present a first impression image which will be consistent with the overall campus image and collegiate atmosphere.” Chairman Mathews said.
The Board referred the bids to the college’s administration with authorization to award the contract to the lowest bidder meeting specifications.
Trustees accepted the following gifts to the Museum at Southwestern Michigan College:
- From the estate of Barb Deuel of Dowagiac, Dowagiac postcards
From the Three Oaks Museum, Wolverine Insurance postcard - From Vernon Wilkinson of Dowagiac, Dowagiac school diploma and certificate
From Mrs. Byron Rice of Cassopolis, items related to Byron Rice’s military service - From Silver Creek Township, ledger books, c. 1800s to early 1900s.
The Board also accepted the following gifts and grants:
| From the Berrien County 4-H Foundation of Benton Harbor, a contribution in the amount of |
$1,500 | |
| From Mr. and Mrs. Richard Heemer of Niles a contribution in the amount of |
$500 | |
| From Mr. and Mrs. Tim Hocevar of Middleton, Wisc. a contribution in the amount of |
$100 | |
| From Music & Arts, of Frederick, Md. | $100 |
