BGSU Firelands expanded summer course offerings

HURON, O.—Student enrollment swelled to record levels at BGSU Firelands this summer, affirming the college’s decision to offer more course sections in response to interest by students to continue their education during the “third semester.”

The college saw a 28 percent increase in the number of undergraduate students, with headcount up from 689 in summer 2009 to 884 this summer. The total number of credit hours taken by students increased by over 72 percent, going from 3,000 last summer to over 5,000 this summer. And the number of new and transfer students coming to BGSU Firelands rose almost 13 percent, from 71 students last summer to 80 this summer.

While the 884 students shared a common interest in taking summer classes, their college goals were diverse. Among summer students, some are pursuing two- or four-year degrees at BGSU Firelands. Others are completing general education requirements and plan to transfer to the BGSU main campus or another institution. Still others are attending BGSU Firelands classes as guest students while on summer break from another college or university.

BGSU Firelands Dean Bill Balzer said the increased enrollment represents a greater impact than on numbers alone. “Given the steadily increasing enrollments during the fall and spring semesters, we sensed a growing interest from a growing number of students in our community to continue their education during the summer semester. That is, summer could serve as a third semester to help students reach their higher education goals in a more timely fashion.

“Thanks to the faculty’s interest in helping their students, we expanded the number of course sections and did some minimal summer promotion, and the numbers tell the rest. Overall, the campus was a vibrant place to study this summer and provided expanded opportunities for students to make progress on their higher education goals.”

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(Posted July 29, 2010 )