Board of Trustees discusses recent enrollment trends

By Nicholas Ketchum
Staff Writer

The WCC Board of Trustees discussed significant declines in enrollment during their monthly public meeting on Nov. 27 to discuss a variety of topics, including recognition of distinguished students, approval of new personnel, financial updates, progress on maintenance, and facility reports.

Following the financial update, Trustee Ruth Hatcher asked colleagues about declines in enrollments within several college departments, a trend also seen in many other community colleges. Hatcher’s remarks prompted the board to discuss concerns these trends raise and whether they may intensify.

President Rose Bellanca took pause in emphasizing to the board that her administration is very aware of the issue and is currently conducting a “deep dive” study.

“I think it’s at a point now where it’s going to look different. . . . the trends that we’re seeing across the state, even though we’re still the best—we’re still doing good—the trends are really starting to impact us,” Bellanca said.

Some trustees speculated on reasons why enrollment may be declining, including an improving economy that’s attracting growing numbers of students to employment. Another reason offered was that because post-2003 birth rates have declined, its effect would be a shrinking pool of prospective students.

Wrapping up the topic, Bellanca suggested another potential reason for declines may be due to colleges (such as WCC) who “put more effort into student success,” have enabled students to find gainful employment, after which many will reduce—or drop—their studies.

The public meeting concluded upon the board moving to adjourn and to continue in a closed session meeting to discuss a legal opinion, one of the exceptions to Michigan’s open meetings act.

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