By Alex Paul
| Posted: Friday, December 8, 2006 12:00 am
For the Gazette-Times
ALBANY - Although the number of full-time students at Linn-Benton Community College during the fall term was down, overall enrollment is up 3 percent, according to Bruce Clementson, associate dean of enrollment management.
About 2,500 full-time students are in the midst of finals this week, Clementson said. That's down about 6 percent from a year ago.
However, the college has seen a 6 percent increase in the number of part-time students and those taking noncredit classes.
"We're at just under 12,000 total students this term," Clementson said. "That's up about 3 percent overall from last year."
Although there are more part-time students, they are taking fewer credits - averaging three to six credits, down from eight to 11 formerly.
"We're speculating that more people are working multiple jobs and it's harder to squeeze in three classes, but they can fit in one or two," Clementson said.
Programs designed to assist high school students taking college classes and college students enrolled at both LBCC and Oregon State University all affect how students are counted, Clementson said.
"The Legislature passed Senate Bill 300 that expanded the Options Program for high schools," Clementson said. "Students, through their high schools, can be referred to the community college for credit course work. We have about 150 students in that program. They all show up as part-time students."
Also counting as part-time are students enrolled at LBCC and OSU. Although combined they may be taking a full load of classes, their credit loads aren't enough at either college to be counted as full time.
"We're closing in on 7,000 students who have participated in this program," Clementson said. "We think we'll have 2,000 graduates by next spring."
Some programs remain difficult to get into, Clementson said. Demand remains strong for the culinary arts program, as well as technical programs such as welding and automotive due to continued job growth in the mid-valley.
"There are plenty of courses available for our full-time degree program students," Clementson said. "We have some limitations on science classes due to limited fixed assets. That's where a new science facility would relieve pressure. Overall though, we've done a good job keeping critical classes open for most students."
Part-time students can now benefit from state funds due to expansion of the Oregon Opportunity Grant program. Until this fall, funds were available only for full-time students.
"Now, part-time students can get help," Clementson said. "They do have to fill out financial aid forms, but if they qualify, that information is automatically registered with the federal Pell program. It's not a separate application process and it goes directly to the Department of Education."
To learn more about the grants, call the financial aid department at 917-4850.