About 80 enrolled for classes so far at Cape Partnership for Higher Education

The Cape Partnership for Higher Education is experiencing a steady flow of interest as area institutions prepare to open the Southeast Missouri's newest community college center next month.

After two open house sessions, about 110 students have applied for admission and about 80 are enrolled, said Dr. Randy Shaw, assistant provost of extended learning at Southeast Missouri State University. He said a steady flow of students is coming into the office or calling the Partnership adviser.

"We'll continue to get people," he said.

During an open house last week, 66 prospective students attended and 34 completed applications, Shaw said. The Partnership held another enrollment session in June that attracted 44 prospective students.

University officials have said enrollment figures will indicate staffing levels and possible expansions of the project. Southeast and Three Rivers Community College are primarily splitting administrative responsibilities for the new center, which is at the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center. Mineral Area College, which already provided classes at the center, will continue its offerings.

The Partnership is the result of a plan drafted by area business and education leaders. After receiving approval from the state last year, staff from the involved institutions have been aligning practices in areas like admissions, marketing and financial aid.

Community college officials have pointed to their enrollments as an indicator of possibilities in Cape Girardeau. The region's two community colleges have been experiencing a growth spurt in recent years, a trend that is reflected in enrollments across the state. So far, Mineral Area and Three Rivers Community College are on track to top enrollments from last year.

At Mineral Area, fall enrollment stands at about 2,700 students, compared to about 1,900 at this time last year. Similarly at Three Rivers, there are about 2,800 students enrolled for fall, compared to about 2,200 at this time last year. Last year, both schools reported a jump in interest right before fall classes began.

Enrollment numbers are not the only component of the Partnership that lacks precedence. The Partnership's more than 40 classes are set to begin Aug. 23. Shaw said the center offered a wide array of courses to see what students wanted. The offerings will be re-evaluated in the weeks before the classes begin. Classes with low enrollment will not be offered.

A 16-member advisory committee, which met for the first time in June, will guide the Partnership. Commissioning a study to analyze the possibility of expanding health care programs is one of the first goals for the group.

The committee is set to hold its second meeting on Aug. 26, said vice chairwoman Kathy Swan.

abusch@semissourian.com

388-3627

Pertinent address:

1080 S. Silver Springs Rd. Cape Girardeau, MO