Focus on Student Success = Substantial Enrollment/Growth at EMCC‏

Bangor, Maine - A snapshot of students enrolled for the fall semester at Eastern Maine Community College indicates enrollment of 2,488 first-time and returning students. This represents a 7% increase compared to last fall, when 2,327 students were attending classes in Bangor, Ellsworth, Dover Foxcroft and East Millinocket. Additionally, EMCC received 3,353 applications for the fall 2012 semester, an increase of 40% compared to the same time last year.

“We attribute this increase to a deliberate shifting of our resources to improve student success which has been underway here at the College since 2010,” notes EMCC President Lawrence Barrett. “Chief among these efforts is our Achieving the Dream initiative, as well as the addition of four new degree programs, improvements in access to technology, efficiencies in communications with financial aid and student services and our continued focus on partnering with business and industry and other educational institutions.”
Achieving the Dream (ATD) - funded by a multi-year grant from The Kresge Foundation - is designed to help students by removing barriers to success. This happens through a streamlined application process, providing assistance to students in need of academic support and the provision of individualized guidance throughout each student’s career while at the College. “We are definitely gaining ground on this front,” notes Dan Crocker, Dean of Enrollment and Management. “With the implementation of our ATD initiatives, we are advancing in the area of student retention – keeping more students engaged and focused on their career paths.”

During the summer recess, EMCC converted unoccupied storage space to state-of-the-art classrooms. Since the beginning of the fall semester, each of these classrooms has been continuously in use throughout the day and evening. With enrollment in EMCC’s newest programs: Hospitality & Tourism Management, Fine Woodworking & Cabinetry, Medical Office Technology, and Fire Science, at or near capacity, the addition of classroom space has accommodated the increased demand.

To enhance the student experience, other improvements include expanded wireless coverage, the addition of classroom technology including SmartBoards and instructor stations, and the implementation of a “green” printing initiative.

“Through our partnerships with business, industry and other educational associates we are providing an affordable and quality educational experience for our students. Upon graduation from EMCC, our alumni are finding good paying jobs in their technology fields in Maine or transferring to four-year colleges,” notes President Barrett.

For more information on Enrollment Growth , contact Katrina Mumford at (207) 735-8249 or email kmumford@emcc.edu.