Enrollment Increase at DSLCC Sets Record
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The number of students attending Dabney S. Lancaster Community College this fall increased by more than 24 percent over last year. Enrollments have soared at both the main campus in Clifton Forge and at the DSLCC Rockbridge Regional Center in Buena Vista. The college is currently serving an additional 308 students and a review of enrollment numbers over the history of the college shows that this is the largest increase ever recorded.
The second largest increase was back during the formative years of the college when in 1968 enrollment grew by 192 students over the previous academic year. DSLCC is on pace to serve over 2,500 students in 2009-2010 in credit programs and an additional 1,000 in non-credit courses.
DSLCC President Dr. Richard Teaff commented on the historic increase, stating, “The college has grown in enrollment throughout its establishment in 1964, so an increase in the number of new students in the fall is not uncommon. However, in the past, the percentage of increase has generally been three to four percent--an increase of over 24 percent was not at all expected. More and more students are selecting DSLCC as their college of choice for outstanding quality, accessibility and affordable tuition.â€
The average age of the students at DSLCC has declined from 29 five years ago to a little over 23 this year. This means that more students are starting their four-year degree at DSLCC immediately after graduation from high school with plans to transfer after two years to a four-year college or university and complete a bachelors degree. Under the formal transfer agreements that DSLCC has in place with over 30 institutions, eligible DSLCC graduates are guaranteed admission as juniors. In addition to the college’s transfer programs, occupational and technical programs are also experiencing large increases in the number of students that they serve. Most of these students enroll to gain knowledge and skills for immediate employment in a specific field or to change direction and pursue an entirely new career.
The DSLCC non-credit program has also been expanded to meet local demands and address a wide range of needs and interests. Examples of the topics offered each year include basic computer literacy, health and wellness, culinary arts, ballroom dance and financial planning. Individuals enrolling in non credit classes have had a growing selection of classes from which to choose, whether their goals are professional or personal enrichment.
The enrollment growth comes at a time when state funding is being severely cut. In 2001, the college received nearly 70 percent of its funding from the State of Virginia. This fall, state support has dropped to about 40 percent. The college has had to seek other funding sources and make unwanted cuts. In spite of this challenge, the college has managed to upgrade facilities, secure state-of-the-art equipment to enhance instruction and add new programs of study. As resources allow, DSLCC will continue to expand programs and services as communities change and as changes in the national economy trickle down to impact local and regional workforce needs.
DSLCC’s service area includes Alleghany County, Bath County, northern Botetourt County and Rockbridge County. The college is one of the 23 community colleges in the Virginia Community College System.
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