Summer session enrollment up

North Idaho College experienced a 5.5 percent increase in enrollment during summer session 2008. Total headcount was up from 1,002 in the summer of 2007 to 1,058 this summer.

Duplicated registrations, meaning the total number of all students in all classes, was up even more sharply from 1,007 last summer to 1,137, a 12.9 percent increase.

“We had more students taking heavier class loads this summer,” said NIC President Priscilla Bell. “We are continuing to find ways to reach students and help them achieve their dreams through education.”

The full-time equivalency (credit hour production) was up 6.2 percent from 756 to 803 this summer. A total of 53 percent of the student population is taking a full-time course load (six or more credits) compared to 39 percent last year.

NIC Registrar Tami Haft noted that the number of financial aid recipients was also up this summer by 11.7 percent, which may have led to a larger population of students who were able to attend classes full-time while also taking advantage of the lower summer tuition rates.

“Enrollment reflects current economic trends and right now we’re seeing the results of the tight economy,” said NIC Vice President for Student Services Eric Murray. “People are seeking good-paying jobs and cutting costs in any way possible, and many find summer school a very affordable option.”

High gas prices coupled with the college’s efforts to increase availability of online course options likely contributed to a spike in Internet class enrollments, from 732 in the summer of 2007 to 810 this summer. The number of course sections offered via the Internet were up from 52 to 60 this year, a 15.38 increase.

Community Star nominations sought

Intermountain Community Bank is putting on a contest to find the 2008 Community Star. Nominations are now being accepted for people living in the Spokane area. Nominators need to fill out a short nomination form and submit a brief paragraph explaining why a person deserves recognition.

The winner will be selected by a committee and the bank will make a $1,000 donation to a charity on behalf of the winner, plus a community celebration will be held in honor of the person selected. Entries need to be dropped off at the Spokane Valley branch at 4211 E. Sprague Ave., by Aug. 8. Entry forms are available at local branches.

– Nina Culver