Cat Gonzales
Lantern Staff
Enrollment is down for the 2017 fall semester at Butler Community College, according to the 20th-day Demographics. The total headcount of attendance had dropped since fall 2016. For tuition, there was an increase in fees for the 2017-2018 academic year, but the tuition rate did not increase.
From Fall 2016, several factors have contributed to a decrease in enrollment. Butler faces competition among other community colleges and universities. The economy can also be a contributing factor.
“…the economy and the low unemployment rate does play into our enrollment because individuals may opt to go straight into the workforce upon high school graduation or working adults that may come back for retraining opt not to because of current employment opportunities,” Vice President of Student Services Jessica Ohman said.
Another important day for the institution is the 20th-day, also known as Census Day, the date capturing enrollment data for reporting purposes, which is then sent to Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR). According to Butler’s 20th-day Demographics, the fall semester 2017 shows a headcount of 8,944 students, which is the lowest since 2013. Data is collected, so officials can determine what to do next.
“We will need to evaluate the budget and determine where reductions can be made,” Ohman said. “It will require us to evaluate everything we are doing to improve efficiencies beyond what we are already doing.”
In addition to tracking data, there are individuals who are tasked to help maintain enrollment numbers.
“Butler’s Outreach Connection Team focuses on the recruitment and retention of our diverse student population,” Ohman said. “Butler participates in Tu Futuro, Cinco de Mayo at Sedgwick County Zoo, Evergreen Fall Festival, TKAAM Trailblazer Gala, BizFest and we also host LINKS conference for high school students to educate students about opportunities beyond high school.”
There are also events that Butler hosts to help with enrollment.
“This past November, Enrollment Management hosted the first-ever GradFest where we invited students with 45 or more credit hours to attend,” Ohman said. “We provided a degree check, enrollment for the upcoming semester, financial aid (FA) loan and repayment information, transfer forward guidance and prizes. Our next GradFest is slated for Friday, March 9.”
Ohman is confident that Butler has value as a higher education institution.
“There was an increase in fees for 2017-2018 academic year, but the tuition rate did not increase,” Ohman said. “Butler’s tuition and fees are still low and competitive when you compare to a public university – we are one-third of the cost of a public university. More reason to stay at Butler to complete your certificate or degree!”