MSC has more 'traditional' students

MAT-SU -- After three years of record increases in student enrollment, Mat-Su College opened for classes Monday with slightly fewer students than opening day last year.

College Director Paul Dauphinais said the decrease in numbers is likely due to economic reasons. As of Wednesday afternoon the college had canceled 24 classes that had zero or limited enrollment. Several other sections -- class periods -- were cancelled because part-time faculty were unavailable to teach.

"We used to offer classes with as few as three students," Dauphinais said. "We are no longer offering such small classes. That's probably why enrollment is down."

Dauphinais said the college tries to cancel classes as early as possible but some students will still likely be inconvenienced by the cancellations.

Dauphinais said reducing the number of extremely small classes is an effort to better use school funds without having to pay an instructor to teach classes with only two or three students.

In other areas, however, the college is expanding services to include more Friday and Saturday classes than last year, to accommodate student schedules.

According to Dauphinais, more traditional-aged college students are enrolled this year than previously.

"Two weeks ago we noticed a big shift towards many more traditional-age students," Dauphinais said. "That shows me these people are going to take a couple years here before moving on to a four-year college."

Dauphinais cites fewer expenses and fees as a reason traditional-age students from the Valley enroll at Mat-Su College for core classes rather than at the University of Alaska Anchorage. "You don't have to pay $80 for parking out here," Dauphinais said. "It's also a fair amount of money to drive into Anchorage two or three times a week as well."

Another reason traditional-age students might be enrolling is the fact that Mat-Su College has increased its number of faculty members with doctorate degrees. Last year five faculty with doctorate degrees were hired, enabling the college to teach more upper-division courses.

"We hire faculty with doctorate degrees so they have the same credentials as UAA," Dauphinais said. "Our historian has a doctorate with research in Alaskan history. Everyone taking courses from him was Palmer and Wasilla addresses. That's important because that shows me that we are serving the Valley."

In deciding which classes to offer each year, Dauphinais said the college looks at a number of different factors, including historical enrollment trends and the needs of students who are taking prerequisites for more advanced classes at UAA.

Contact Joel Davidson at joel.davidson@frontiersman.com.