OFFICIALS of the Northern Marianas College are calling on the government to prioritize the improvement of the physical facilities of the 50-year-old As Terlaje campus.
NMC Budget Officer David Dlg. Atalig said some classrooms and other buildings at the campus need to be replaced because they are already too old.
Atalig said the old facilities require high-maintenance cost right now and is taking its toll on NMC’s budget.
Additional classrooms are also needed to accommodate the expected increase on the number of enrollees since the college has begun offering a full four-year Bachelor of Science degree program in Elementary Education, Atalig said.
He added that electrical and water systems at NMC also require extensive upgrading to ensure a safe and healthy environment for students and employees.
The budget officer suggested tapping the Capital Improvement Project funds to identify money for immediate infrastructure projects needed at NMC.
For fiscal year 2003, NMC has submitted a budget proposal of $11.846 million.
Most high school graduates enroll at NMC after their senior year since it is the only post-secondary community college in the CNMI.
Aside from local residents, college students from nearby island-nations such as Palau, Chuuk and FSM among others, also depend on NMC for their post-secondary education.
A total of 2,425 students enrolled at NMC during school-year 2000-2001, statistics from the college showed.
