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Enrollment peak challenges RCC By DAMIAN MANN Enrollment at Rogue Community College hit an all-time record of 1,329 full-time students this fall term, squeezing some out of core courses that filled up almost immediately. This represents a 13.3 percent increase over last year's fall enrollment of 1,173, according to RCC officials. But the rapid growth has meant some students couldn't take the classes they wanted when more than 100 core courses hit capacity, forcing many to choose electives instead. "We didn't have enough courses," said Tom Bradbeer, dean of human resources. "We had 130 classes that were closed within the first few days of the registration period that began in August." Some Jackson County students did opt to take a core course in English, mathematics, computers or science at the Grants Pass campus. In Jackson County, the number of full-time equivalent students stands at 650; in Josephine County, it's 679. RCC, which offers four terms each year, converts the number of full- and part-time students into a standardized measure of full-time student equivalents, a number the state uses to fund the school. Some educators argue that the full-time equivalent calculation is a more accurate reflection of enrollment figures. Still, the overall head count, which tallies the actual number of full- and part-time students, also has reached a record 7,146 this fall. In Jackson County, which has a higher number of part-time students, 4,150 residents enrolled, compared to 2,832 in Josephine County. The remaining 164 students are from other Oregon counties or from out of state. The average number of credits has also increased, from 7.98 per student in 2000 to an average this year of 8.78. RCC officials said the enrollment increase has affected all subject areas, from courses for a four-year degree to professional and job training. Students also take courses at RCC to pass the general equivalency diploma requirements and for English as a second language. Bradbeer said enrollment would be even higher if RCC offered a curriculum comparable to other community colleges throughout the state. Within a 10-year time period, as RCC expands its Jackson County facilities and residential growth continues, Bradbeer anticipates enrollment could grow by 50 percent, with a total head count of 30,000 full- and part-time students. "This will be a challenge to our operations and facilities," he said. "It will be a real balancing act." To accommodate the increase, RCC is studying the expansion of facilities, possibly through a bond measure, that would give at least 450,000 square feet of extra space in both counties. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.