Spring Enrollment Blossoms at SBVC

As students explored the campus’s renovated facilities and green spaces, instructors and administrators rushed to their classes and regular meetings. One topic of conversation was the uncharacteristically pleasant January weather, which tempted some students to linger on campus just a little bit longer than usual.

As students explored the campus’s renovated facilities and green spaces, instructors and administrators rushed to their classes and regular meetings. One topic of conversation was the uncharacteristically pleasant January weather, which tempted some students to linger on campus just a little bit longer than usual.

Another topic was the remarkable increase in spring enrollment, which hit 12,567 students by the end of the day. This number exceeded enrollment at the end of the fall semester by about 500 students, which almost never happens.

“Spring enrollment is traditionally significantly lower than the preceding fall,” said Vice President of Student Services, Dr. Ricky Shabazz. To see an increase this year is particularly encouraging for administrators, who had been leading a year-long, campus-wide effort to increase enrollment over the prior year.

Although a thorough analysis has not yet been completed, there are signs that the college is doing particularly well in expanding its online programs (the college currently offers 22 degrees 39 certificates either completely or partially online), as well as classes in the evenings and weekends. There is also a concerted effort to offer classes to high school students who are ready to begin college early.

Classes have already started for some, but there are still plenty of classes open and available for those who would prefer to start the semester in February or March. “It’s really exciting to be so close to the finish line,” said Luis Macedo, a sophomore business major. He graduates this May.