North Central Michigan College

NEWS RELEASE – February 1, 2007

Students attending North Central Michigan College have registered for significantly more classes at the University Center at Gaylord this semester. Credit hour registrations for winter semester classes offered in Gaylord are up 6.99 percent over a year ago.
This increase is part of an overall rise in enrollment experienced by the college this winter. North Central is reporting a 5.4 percent increase in the number of students registered for winter 2007 semester classes compared to winter 2006. A total of 2,876 students are registered, an increase of 147 from a year ago. The number of credit hours is up 7.7 percent from last year, reflecting an increase in students taking classes full-time.
The winter semester headcount is the highest on record for the college. The previous enrollment record was set in the fall of 2005 when 2,792 students were registered. Traditionally, winter semester enrollment is lower than the fall.
“We attribute these significant increases to three factors,” said Cameron Brunet-Koch, Ph.D., president of North Central. “The primary factor is Michigan’s weak economy which is causing more people to enter college. In addition, our tuition rates are very low and the quality of instruction is very high.”
Although the majority of North Central’s students attend classes part-time, the number attending full-time grew 16.7 percent compared to a year ago, with a total of 845 attending full-time this semester. The number of male students attending full-time is up 28 percent from a year ago. Returning students – those who have previously attended and those continuing their education at North Central – represent the largest single growth category. This year, 84.67 percent of students are coming back for classes, up 119 students from a year ago.
North Central Michigan College is an open-door community college based in Petoskey. Through its University Center partnerships, students can take courses leading to certificates, bachelor’s and master’s degrees from participating universities. North Central’s Institute for Business & Industry Training offers non-credit job skills training tailored to meet individual needs. In addition to its main campus in Petoskey, North Central offers classes, academic advising, testing and other services in Cheboygan, Gaylord and East Jordan.

For more information:
Charles MacInnis
231-348-6839