Published: June 23, 2009 11:38 pm      

East Mississippi Community College:Summer enrollment up 32 percent

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Summer enrollment at East Mississippi Community College is up by 32.4 percent. As of June 18, a total of 2,292 students were enrolled – up 561 students from the same time last year.

“We’re happy to see so many students taking advantage of summer classes, whether they’re getting a head start on the next academic year, or taking classes for their own personal enrichment,” said EMCC President Dr. Rick Young.

“At EMCC, we’re all about knocking down the barriers that stand between people and opportunity. Financial aid is always available – and our district-wide tuition guarantee program begins in the fall.

“If students have scheduling barriers, counselors can work around their jobs and family responsibilities. And if the barriers are geographical, we try to offer classes in as many places in our six-county district as possible to cut down on the commute.”

Of the 2,292 students registered for summer classes so far, 1,547 are taking classes at EMCC’s Golden Triangle campus in Mayhew. At the Columbus Air Force Base branch, 257 students are registered.

In the southern end of EMCC’s district, 434 students are enrolled at the Scooba campus, and 54 at the Naval Air Station Meridian branch.

“I feel this increase shows that students recognize the quality instruction at East Mississippi Community College,” said Michael Black, EMCC recruiting coordinator.

“The flexibility of scheduling options and low cost make us a very appealing choice. And with the new tuition guarantee program, EMCC is poised to maintain its growth for many years to come. It’s an exciting time to be an EMCC Lion.”

The summer enrollment numbers at EMCC are expected to climb even higher. The first summer term is under way now. The second summer term runs from July 7 to Aug. 6; the last day to register is July 6.

The strong summer showing at EMCC seems to be part of a regional trend. News media in the Golden Triangle report that summer enrollment at Mississippi University for Women is up 13.76 percent and about 4 percent so far at Mississippi State University.

For more information about summer or fall classes at EMCC, call the Golden Triangle campus at (662) 243-1900, the CAFB branch at (662) 434-2660, the Scooba campus at (662) 476-5000, or the NAS Meridian branch at (601) 679-3570. A listing of summer class offerings is available at www.eastms.edu; look under “Latest News” for an item called “Get a head start: Take a summer class at EMCC.”