BLINN COLLEGE PLANNING FOR 10-20 PERCENT DROP IN FALL ENROLLMENT
Blinn College anticipates it will open the fall semester with a decrease of between 10 and 20 percent in students from last year.
During the Blinn Board of Trustees’ meeting Tuesday, Chancellor Dr. Mary Hensley informed the board that fall enrollment as of Tuesday was down 11 percent from the exact day a year ago and down 21 percent from last year’s census date, the official date that colleges and universities submit their official enrollment figures to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The census date is typically the 12th day of the term of fall and spring semesters.
Dr. Hensley said lower enrollment numbers are not a problem exclusive to Blinn, saying that as of last week, all but three of the 50 community college districts in Texas are experiencing a drop in enrollment. She noted, however, that those figures are subject to change.
Dr. Hensley said campus housing numbers are down as well, and there is currently no waiting list for students. Vice Chancellor Richard Cervantes said Mill Creek Hall on the Brenham Campus is doing the best out of all the dormitories, as it sits at just over 80 percent occupancy after budgeting for 85 percent for the upcoming year. He said Mill Creek Hall is “in pretty good shape relative to the other dorms.”
Blinn experienced approximately a 6 percent drop in enrollment last year after budgeting for a 20 percent enrollment decline.
Enrollment remains open up until the first day of class. The fall semester begins on Monday, August 30th.
I agree.
I am sure it could be true that enrollment is down across the state, but by the same amounts, more or less? At colleges and universities where enrollment is down, do you think those Presidents took a salary or one as big as this Chancellor received? Any leader who cares about his or her employees would not. I am sure you could ask any employee at Blinn College if she has ever helped with enrollment, and 9 times out of 10 you would get the same answer. She wouldn’t have the first clue.
Please open to full capacity. What does one expect with online classes? So many students are looking for educational opportunities that are in person.