Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2002 

 

MWCC ENROLLMENT ON THE RISE; CLASSES BEGIN SEPTEMBER 5

 

(GARDNER)—If attendance at Orientation Day, Tues., Sept. 3, is any indication, Mount Wachusett Community College will be a busy campus when classes begin, Thurs., Sept. 5.

Over 800 new students attended the session designed to acquaint students with college life—almost a hundred more students than attended orientation last year. “Student enrollment is up more than 11 percent over this time last year and still counting,” said MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino. “We will continue registering students through the week of September 9th.” Fall enrollment is expected to reach over 4,100 students.
The enrollment increase at MWCC is part of a larger trend. According to Dean of Academic Affairs Barbara Cotoia, nearly half of all college students nationwide begin their freshman year at a community college. In addition, more Massachusetts students are now enrolled in community colleges than on all five campuses of the University of Massachusetts.

Although courses are filling quickly, students are being accommodated “We’ve been adding courses all summer,” said Dean of Student Services Ann McDonald. “Some students are taking early morning or late afternoon classes, but they are getting the courses they need.”

The number and variety of these additional sections are offering students a full array of choices. Leominster, unique in its Friday night and Saturday morning classes offers students great flexibility and convenience.

Asquino sited several reasons for the enrollment increase. “We’re delighted these students have made Mount Wachusett Community College their college of choice. We offer small class size, great faculty and all of the support services students need to succeed.”

For more information on enrolling, call the admissions office at (978) 630-9110 or the Leominster Campus at (978) 840-3221.