“We must have an additional four to five sections. In each class, NMC has an average of 20 students,” he told Variety.
When the college’s registration period ended on Aug. 21, a total of 1,234 students had enrolled — a 25 percent increase compared to fall 2009’s 991 enrollees.
Pangelinan said the college may bring in additional instructors or hire adjunct or part-time teachers.
During the enrollment period, NMC, he said, anticipated a negative response from the community because of the recent action of the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges that placed the college on a show cause status.
“We were wrong,” Pangelinan said, adding that the community remains confident that NMC will overcome its “accreditation issues.”
Initial data from the Public School System indicated that more high school graduates prefer to enroll at NMC.
Pangelinan said it shows that students and their parents have faith in the college.
NMC earlier conducted a recruitment effort and encouraged high school graduates to consider NMC in furthering their education.
Various activities, including the “Start Smart” seminars on Saipan, Rota and Tinian, also helped NMC get more enrollees, Pangelinan said.
The college also conducted a “Cash for College” seminar, aimed at helping students find financial assistance to pay for their college expenses.
On Friday, during the student assembly, the students were given the opportunity to hear about NMC’s plans and programs as well as accreditation concerns.
