South Louisiana Community College is seeing an increase in student enrollment this semester, despite decreasing national trends. The college is also experiencing an increase in enrollment from year-to-year.
According to Debbie Tabchouri, director of Enrollment Management, the college saw a 7 percent increase in enrollment for Spring 2020 compared to Spring 2019. This follows a 5.7 percent increase experienced in the fall 2019 semester.
“Our recruiters, along with everyone in Student Services, works hard each semester to reach new and returning students,” said Tabchouri. “The community college has a lot to offer across Acadiana.”
In addition, the college’s Communications and Marketing team rolled out an aggressive marketing plan that focused on recruitment recently. According to Tabchouri, the effects of that campaign are still being realized.
“Our annual, overall enrollment numbers also increased,” she said. “The college has seen a 5.6 percent increase in enrollment from the 2018 – 2019 academic year. This increase can be attributed to the teamwork between Enrollment Management and Communications and Marketing, along with the work we do on each campus to support retention of students.”
The college’s newest program, in particular, contributed to the increase in overall enrollment. The LPN to RN Transition program launched last Fall at the college’s Opelousas campus.
This accelerated program is for LPNs with at least three years-experience and includes three semesters combined with credit for prior learning.
This program benefits the community in a number of ways including: allowing LPNs an opportunity to become an RN more quickly, providing students the ability to continue working while completing the program, and building upon the skills graduates already possess as nurses.
The college is also retaining students from semester-to-semester. SLCC’s retention rates are above national averages: the retention rate from Fall-to-Spring is 76 percent; while the full-time student retention rate is 81 percent.
“We continue to improve the advising process and are being more creative,” said Saul Broussard, assistant director of Student Success. “We have pop-up advising sessions and are implementing an easier way for students and advisors to communicate.”