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NMC set to offer same programs in fall semester
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Posted on Aug 02 2011
Northern Marianas College president Sharon Hart said yesterday that the institution will make no changes in the academic programs and courses that will be offered to students this fall 2011 semester, mainly because it is still addressing its accreditation status.
However, she told Saipan Tribune that they are looking into expanding the non-credit areas to help fulfill the needs of the local business sector on island. Non-credit areas are programs that provide trainings and workshops to specific groups to help them develop their skills. Expansion of these non-credit programs, Hart said, is allowed by the accreditation commission.
Because NMC receive local tax dollars, Hart believes the college has the responsibility to meet the critical workforce needs of the local industry. Partnering with the business community, she added, is key to achieving this goal.
NMC offers several degree and certificate programs.
Hart disclosed that NMC, which is currently working on having its probation status lifted, cannot introduce new programs until it fully addresses the commission’s concerns. The institution is expected to resolve the deficiencies cited by the commission in its report due on Oct. 15.
Academic courses and services will also remain suspended for both Tinian and Rota instructional sites during the probation period, she added.
The Board of Regents was recently informed of an expected decline in the fall 2011 enrolment numbers due to a significant number of students who had asked for the release of their transcripts and other records to off-island universities and colleges.
Hart told Saipan Tribune yesterday that, although they have yet to know the exact enrollment numbers because registration will only start on Aug. 15, she intends to change the registration period in the future.
Instead of the traditional one-week registration period before the opening of classes each semester, Hart wants a three- to four-month advanced enrollment schedule for future semesters.
This way, she said, the college can come up with a clear projection and will aid students in making sure that desired classes and programs will be offered.
