The enrollment plunge "greatly impacted our bottom line," said Dr. John Marsden, who became president of the college in February. "The enrollment drops were across each area of the college and shortfalls were in both recruitment of new students and retention of existing students. As an institution that is so heavily dependent on tuition revenue, cuts have to be made. After exhausting all other options, some faculty contracts will be eliminated from this fiscal year in order to balance the budget."
The main entrance to Midway College, in early spring |
Marsden said the college must have a balanced budget as it seeks re-accreditation from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 2015. "Our enrollment management team is working to continue recruiting students for this academic year and is putting more effective recruitment plans in place for the coming years," he said. "In addition our Academic Affairs Office is working to address the issue of retention and student services."
The release said the college administration "is focused on moving the institution forward by implementing 'best practices' across campus in all areas; refocusing efforts on the Women's College experience; and working to ensure a student-focused approach to the institution. Work is also underway for finalizing a new strategic plan for the institution to establish both short- and long-term goals for the institution."
In an email to the Midway Messenger, college spokeswoman Ellen Gregory attributed the enrollment decline to increased competition for all types of students, "a need to be more strategic in our recruitment efforts to find best academic and financial fit" lack of registration deadlines and other poor practices, "and not being as competitive with scholarships and financial aid as our competitors (Women's College students)."
The issue of retaining students is complex, Gregory said, "but the biggest factor identified is the need for better and more structured advising from our faculty. Lastly, not related to enrollment but impacting our budget, is the lack of a fundraising plan or structure for the past few years."
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