TC3 President Visits Ithaca Rotary
Carl started
his presentation by saying it was a pleasure to be here as always. He
shared a few updates on what is happening at TC3. The
2007-2008 Annual Report is now out, reflecting the 40th anniversary
of the college. TC3's challenges are different from those at CU and
IC, according to Haynes. TC3 enrollments are growing; fall
enrollment was up 8 percent while this spring the enrollment increased an
additional 6 percent. The enrollment increase over the last 3 year period
was a total of 25 percent overall. If enrollment meets current
projections it will have grown 100% in the past twelve years. This increase has
been driven by two major factors. Because of the weak economy, students are
seeking more education and training to make themselves more attractive to
employers. Also, TC3 does offer a lower-cost alternative.
In poor economy a Community College's Enrollment usually goes up
because people looking to return to school and improve their skills, Haynes
said.
This year two
new residence halls have come on line creating a total of 820 residences
on campus. These residence halls cover 25 percent of total college
population. New academic facilities and new courses are also being
added.
However, the
current economic climate presents challenges, including an expected government
support cut of 10 percent. This amounts to approximately $850,000 and
will have a certain impact. However, there are no layoffs planned at TC3;
in fact, additional staff is needed.
Dr Haynes
announced that TC3 won accolades during its accreditation process by the Middle
States Commission on Higher Education. It has been re accredited for 10
more years. In contrast, 50 percent of like colleges were put on warning last
year
, according to Haynes.
Another sign of
innovation is that Learning Communities, in which students are housed by area
of interest, are growing in popularity. TC3 will be first school of its
kind with Learning-Community-based residence halls. TC3 has initiated
partnerships with 40-50 business clients through TC3.biz. In addition the
technology program has won national awards for the last three years in how it
is used by students and faculty.