Ivy Tech-Bloomington Enrollment Up Again

February 3, 2005      

BLOOMINGTON, IN –
Officials at Ivy Tech Community College–Bloomington today announced that enrollment at its new campus continues to increase and reached record numbers this spring. Official count date figures, which include only students who have paid tuition in full by the tenth day of the new semester, indicate that 3,338 students enrolled for the spring 2005 semester, which represents a 14.2% increase over last spring. In addition, Ivy Tech-Bloomington’s full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment climbed 12.1%, also an increase over last spring, signifying that Ivy Tech students are taking more courses per semester than in the past. Both head count and FTE figures are records for the Bloomington campus.

Comments Ivy Tech’s Dean of Student Affairs, Diana Jacobs: “Interestingly, our paid headcount figure recorded yesterday (February 2, 2005) was higher than the official count at 3,441. Our total enrollment is actually at 3,527 including students on deferred payment plans. That enrollment is the highest for any spring term in the history of the campus. It is also significant in that it exceeds our record 2004 fall enrollment figure, and spring enrollment is traditionally less than fall.”

Ivy Tech-Bloomington was among five Ivy Tech regions statewide to experience double-digit headcount increases this spring. In addition, the Bloomington campus was one of seven Ivy Tech campuses to show the highest enrollment growth percentages in the Ivy Tech Community College system.

According to Chancellor John Whikehart, several factors may be responsible for the increase in enrollment: “While the majority of our fall students returned for the spring semester, the biggest growth factor this spring is an increase in students attending Ivy Tech for the first time. We believe that growth can be attributed to enhanced recruitment and retention processes implemented this academic year. Our recruitment effort in particular has sharply focused specific energies on more personalized interactions with prospective students.”

The diversity of programs offered to Hoosiers is another reason cited for enrollment growth. In the past year, a number of new programs have been approved by the Commission for Higher Education (CHE) or are in the Ivy Tech system or the CHE approval process. These two-year degree programs include Biotechnology, General Studies, Respiratory Care, Paralegal Studies, Radiation Therapy, and Kinesiology.

 Whikehart also believes that students continue to recognize the value and quality of Ivy Tech programs. “Our programs prepare students for immediate entry level employment, transfer to a four-year college, or both. We are securing an increasing number of credit transfer arrangements with Indiana colleges and universities, and our agreements with Indiana University Bloomington are testimony to the quality of the curriculum delivered by our faculty.”

Also attributed to the campus enrollment growth is the announcement by Governor Kernan on October 5th that Ivy Tech is slated to become Indiana’s official community college. Comments Whikehart: “Over the past three years, Ivy Tech-Bloomington has taken deliberate steps to transform itself into a comprehensive community college that serves the educational needs of local Indiana residents. We believe the announcement impacted enrollment, and community college designation will continue to impact enrollment, as Hoosiers realize the multiple benefits it offers them.” The Bloomington campus continues to grow its inventory of traditional general education courses and looks forward to adding an inventory of liberal arts programs as early as next fall as the community college is implemented.

Tuition at Ivy Tech Community College remains the lowest in the state, and is roughly half that charged by most public institutions. Ivy Tech Community College is an open-admissions college offering two-year degrees and technical certificates, as well as customized education for Indiana business and industry. Ivy Tech is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.