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College projects decline in enrollment for fall
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Posted on Jul 14 2011
Northern Marianas College president Sharon Hart disclosed yesterday that the institution may see a decline in enrollment this fall after its enrollment specialists reported that many current and ongoing students have asked for the release of their transcripts to off-island universities and colleges.
Because of this, Hart wants to call for an “emergency-type meeting” with the college recruitment team to boost efforts to get more enrollees.
NMC enrollment will begin on Aug. 15. Classes will start on Aug. 22.
Student Services dean Leo Pangelinan declined to reveal the total number of transcripts that have been released so far, but conceded that this is a clear indication that these students will not stay with the college next semester.
Pangelinan also refused to provide any percentage in the projected decline, citing the difficulty of making projections.
To guide the college in making such projections, Hart said she will include the creation of a student management system services among her leadership priorities next year.
Board member William Torres said the anticipated decline in enrollment numbers conflicts with the claim of Faculty Senate president John Griffin, who expects a shortfall in the number of instructors. He said real numbers should be looked at before any decision is made to hire more instructors.
Hart also reported to the Board of Regents that the management intends to push through with the planned 10-percent cut in employees’ salaries on July 22, depending on how fast the proposed amendments to the policy will be processed and approved.
She described many of the existing board policy as “conflicting” and asked the board to focus on correcting those deficient policies.
According to chief financial and administrative officer Roger Madriaga, NMC may realize some surplus of about $32,000 if the proposed 10-percent salary cut is implemented next Friday.
Employees funded by federal programs will be exempted from the austerity Fridays.
