Liberal arts tops NMC’s Spring enrollment

The liberal arts program of the Northern Marianas College topped the tertiary institution’s enrollment figures for Spring semester.

As of yesterday, of the 821 students who registered in various academic programs and courses, 245 enrolled in the liberal arts, NMC said.

NMC’s total registration figure, according to the Office of President Carmen Fernandez, excluded those registered for other classes and programs that begin later in Spring 2009.

The college is anticipating an increase with the launch of other classes, including ones that are part of NMC’s Community Development Institute.

Coming in next with the highest enrollees is the college’s bachelor’s degree in elementary education with 169, while NMC’s nursing program recorded 107 students for Spring semester.

For the undeclared, non-degree, and professional development programs, 83 were registered as of yesterday.

Other programs included business with 48 students, accounting with 28, business management with 36, computer applications with 24, criminal justice with 62, hospitality management with 14, and natural resource management with five.

A statement from the NMC president yesterday claimed that enrollment data for Spring semester exceeded the figure recorded in Fall semester of last year.

Fernandez said she was pleased with the enrollment data considering the challenges they faced in terms of recruiting students.

These challenges include the relocation of families away from the CNMI due to economic hardships; the college’s show-cause accreditation status; economic hardships, which have compelled some students to enter the job force immediately after high school; aggressive recruitment efforts by the military, which offers immediate financial bonuses for enlistment; and transportation or child care limitations.

The Public School System policy requiring students to earn 28 credits before they graduate has had some impact on NMC’s Spring 2009 enrollment.

Prior to the recent application of this policy four years ago, high school seniors only needed 21 credits and many of them were graduating during December of their senior year, which meant that they could start classes in January at NMC.

Fernandez also commended students for returning to NMC.

“We are certainly glad to see many students return from last Fall, and are happy that we have many new students taking classes at NMC for the first time,” said Fernandez.

She said the college provides many personal and professional opportunities for everyone, and will continue to drive that message as it gears for recruitment for the upcoming Summer and Fall semesters.