Bay West enrollment on the rise

By NIKKI YOUNK, Staff Writer

IRON MOUNTAIN - Despite a 7.1 percent increase in tuition, enrollment numbers are up at Bay College's West Campus for fall classes.

Bay College President Dr. Laura Coleman discussed the school's budget with members of the Bay West advisory committee at a meeting Thursday.

"We worked hard on the budget this year," she said. "When the state's cutting funding like it is, it's difficult to make ends meet."

At the main campus in Escanaba, three staff positions were cut and two retirees were not replaced.

In order to meet revenue needs, Dr. Coleman said that tuition at Bay West will rise 7.1 percent to $127.50 per credit hour (for Dickinson County residents). Tuition for classes at the main campus in Escanaba will rise 7.1 percent to $82.50 per credit hour (for Delta County residents).

The cost difference between the campuses is due to different millage rates in the counties, Coleman explained. Residents of Dickinson County pay only one mill for Bay West, while Delta County residents pay three and a half mills for the main campus.

Coleman pointed out that students at either Bay campus are only paying one-third of the tuition that students in other Upper Peninsula colleges are paying.

"It's really a tremendous value," she said.

Dr. Patrick Kennedy, executive dean of Bay West, said that more students have been enrolling for classes.

"I'm happy with the numbers the way they look now," he said.

Enrollment for 2009 fall classes is so far up 15 percent from last year. A total of 650 students attended fall and winter classes at the campus during the 2008-2009 academic year.

Approximately 130 students registered for either or both of the spring and summer half-terms this year, an 18 percent increase from 2008.

Students may register for the fall semester until the first day of classes on Aug. 31.

In other discussion, the committee:

-Met new committee members Susan Hadley and Bob Kirschner, who just began their two-year terms. They will be taking the seats of retired members Deborah Ruohomaki and Geno Alessandrini. Dr. Kennedy also introduced the new board of trustees representative Bill Lake.

-Heard a report from Laura Moloney, coordinator of student services. She informed the committee of a new system called Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR), which will eliminate lines during class registration. During one day, staff members were able to register 71 students. Additional registration sessions will be held on Aug. 12, 19, and 21, she said.

- Heard a report on the college's business program from Lori Jacobson.

Nikki Younk's e-mail address is nyounk@ironmountaindailynews.com..)