August 25, 2006

First Day Of Classes At BCC Begin On Monday;
Total Enrollment And International Enrollment Is Up

-New Digital Technology Classes Also Begin Monday & Are Filled To Near Capacity-

(TOWN OF DICKINSON, NY) Broome Community College President Dr. Laurence Spraggs today highlighted that latest enrollment statistics, which show total student enrollment and international enrollment is on the rise for the fall 2006 semester.

“The fact that enrollment is increasing despite a continual population loss underscores the caliber of educational services we provide to our students and this community,” said President Dr. Laurence Spraggs. “BCC continues to be a top choice for area high school seniors because of the College’s strong academic programs.”

Currently enrollment for the fall 2006 semester is 5,549. This equates to an increase of more than 1% in full time students compared to fall 2005. Approximately 50% of fall 2006 students are enrolled in Liberal Arts, with 17% studying Business and 12.7% in a Health Science curriculum.

Enrollment from international students has increased steadily during the last few semesters.  There are currently 105 international students from 35 countries enrolled in the fall 2006 semester, which include 20 new international students. At the conclusion of the 2005 fall semester, a total of 103 international students were enrolled at BCC from 31 different countries, while 100 international students were enrolled during the spring 2005 semester.    

Several new countries are represented by international students in fall 2006 including Guyana, Slovenia, Sweden and Egypt. Current students also hail from Korea, Guyana, Slovenia, China, Japan, Kenya, Rwanda, Morocco, Serbia, Taiwan, France, Peru and Macau. 

“BCC continues to attract students from around the world to Broome County,” continued Dr. Spraggs. “Many of our international students attend with the purpose of studying at a community college for two years and then transferring to a four year institution locally or regionally. Many students end up staying in the Southern Tier, while others take their knowledge back to their country.”

The first day of classes will also mark the start of two new communications/technology classes in Sound Engineering. Sound Engineering One focuses on the basics of digital editing, mixing consoles, decibels, equalization and reverberation. Sound Engineering Two focuses on Musical Instrument Digital Interface and understanding the digital studio environment.

“Communications and Technology classes are among the fastest growing course of study,” added Dr. Spraggs. “We are very excited by the fact the Broome County Legislature is moving forward with possible plans to fund a new Communications and Technology facility. The College is also moving forward by creating and implementing new courses in digital technology that will ultimately be housed in the new facility. Students have expressed a strong interest in classes based on cutting edge digital technology and we will continue to meet that growing need.”    

Due to space limitations, the College is only offering two sections of Sound Engineering, accommodating a total of 30 students.