Ogeechee Technical College bucked a trend in 2013 of decreasing enrollment among similar institutions across Georgia.
The college was one of only seven, out of 26 schools in the Technical College System of Georgia, to experience growth in total enrollment during the past year, according to a system report.
Total enrollment at Ogeechee Tech increased 0.1 percent, from 3,220 students in the 2012 academic year to 3,223 in 2013.
What makes the gain notable is that it occurred during a time when the state system as a whole experienced a more than 3.6 percent decline in enrollment figures —which fell from 156,800 to 151,150 students.
Only six other schools increased enrollment in 2013: Columbus Technical College (6.2 percent), Georgia Piedmont Technical College (5.4 percent), Atlanta Technical College (4.2 percent), Southern Crescent Technical College (1.5 percent), Gwinnett Technical College (0.9 percent) and Oconee Fall Line Technical College (0.3 percent).
“There are many variables that impact enrollment, which may have improved our ability to show a slight increase for fiscal year 2013,” said Ryan Foley, the vice president for student affairs at Ogeechee Tech. “A strong enrollment management plan includes participation from faculty in recruiting and retaining students. Effective student support services assist students in not only enrolling, but in being successful in and out of the classroom. Services include academic tutoring, emergency funds for students in need, and counseling services to help students stay on-track with their education.”
School representatives also credit available local resources and efforts to advertise to students.
“The Ogeechee Technical College Foundation supports students through scholarships, emergency funds and reimbursement of some testing fees, all aimed at helping students stay in school,” said Barry Turner, the vice president for college advancement. “The college’s marketing efforts target prospective students on numerous levels — everything from high school students to adults who may be seeking education to pursue a second career. We know that some people may not realize all we have to offer at Ogeechee Tech, and presenting that message through marketing is a way to reach those who may benefit from enrolling.”
Total enrollment at system institutions includes full- and part-time students in the count.
Ogeechee Tech was also one of seven colleges to experience an increase in “full-time equivalent” enrollment — a 2.8 percent gain. Full-time equivalent is the total credit hours being sought by all students enrolled in the system divided by 15. Fifteen credit hours per quarter is the average number of hours needed to graduate in six or seven quarters.
The increase was fifth-best among system schools, behind Georgia Piedmont (16.3 percent), Atlanta Tech (15.9 percent), Columbus Tech (11.2 percent), and Southern Crescent (3.6 percent).
“Faculty and staff work very hard to offer students the greatest chance of success possible, which improves retention, and which ultimately means the college has a reputation which positively impacts recruitment,” Ogeechee Tech President Dr. Dawn Cartee said.
Jeff Harrison may be reached at (912) 489-9454.