As Fox Valley Technical College welcomed students back to class last week for the spring semester, school officials are encouraged to see enrollment numbers on the rise compared with a year ago.
FVTC reported an increase in full-time equivalents (FTEs), which is 30 credits in an academic year. By offering flexible coursework and part-time options, the college has seen a 26 percent increase in the number of students taking courses and has driven up total enrollment by just over 1 percent.
The Business division, along with Manufacturing, Agriculture and Construction Technologies, and Transportation Technologies started the semester with higher numbers in FTEs and headcount. Several programs in the Service division, including Aesthetician, Therapeutic Massage, Cosmetology, as well as Fire Protection are starting the semester at capacity.
Demand for in-person learning is also up at almost all campuses and regional centers.
“Given recent national data showing there are more than 900,000 fewer students enrolled in college now than before the pandemic started, we’re pleased to see student enrollments moving in a positive direction at Fox Valley Tech,” said Jennifer Lanter, interim chief academic officer. “We know that being flexible by offering a range of instructional methods, including online and in-person learning, is key to helping us maintain and gain our student enrollments.”
