More fees? More students is the issue

By Cody Bakken

Since most of the college’s money issues stem from low enrollment, I would focus on getting more students, especially male enrollment. One way to increase enrollment would be to recruit from the nearby high schools. I know we have a department called Persistence to deal with that, but I really want to become involved. I think it would mean more to the students we are recruiting if there are people who are involved and knowledgeable about the college, and can relate to them on their level coming to explain things to them. I have felt since I started here that the college does not have the appropriate relations with surrounding high schools like it should. This would be an excellent opportunity to establish connections and recruit at the same time, but going to the schools would not be solely about recruitment. High school students need to know that there are classes at the college that they can take beyond that which is needed for a degree. Other community members should be made aware of this as well. There is no rule stating only people between the ages of 18 and 25 are allowed to be students – we have many on campus who range from mid-twenties to beyond retirement, as well as much younger.

One way to draw attention to the campus would be to co-sponsor activities with the feeder high schools and other community organizations. For instance, sponsoring a peer mentor program between college students and high school students with specific similar interests, like automotive or pottery. Another way to draw attention to the college would be to establish a separate on-campus student store. This store would sell items produced by the campus clubs and other students/groups, available for anyone to buy. The store, supplied by the students, and priced for the students, would be run by the students. If successful, the store would generate enough money to become self-sufficient. This extra money could go into a number of places, such as more scholarships for MHCC students or increased activities on campus.

I don’t see the budget increase as “more” money. I see it as getting our corners back. For so long we have been cutting corners, to make sure every program gets their fair share covered. Now we don’t have to. All the requesting programs can get enough money to explore their potential more appropriately. This will help the campus to become more attractive to other potential students – but only if the money is spent wisely. We don’t have to scrimp anymore, but that doesn’t mean we can just waste the money.

I don’t think that money is the big issue here. We should be able to increase enrollment with even less money than we have been working with thus far. We shouldn’t need higher fees. I think the fact that we are raising tuition and fees is a symptom of the bigger issue. It’s all in what you do with the money you already have. My main concern is getting more students on campus – they will bring the money we need.