Enrollment Record

Enrollment Record Set

YC enjoying the highest enrollment in history

York College set a record enrollment with 640 students registered for the fall semester. This marks the second straight semester for the college to hit a new high number despite earlier concerns that the Coronavirus Pandemic could cause a decrease in numbers.

In response to the news, President Sam Smith stated, “Along with celebrating a new record, we are recognizing the untiring efforts on campus that made it possible. Since I arrived in July, it has been apparent that York College has a team in place who are committed to the success of every student who enrolls. People appreciate and respond to that level of attention.”

The fall enrollment total of 640 surpasses the previous record Greeley, Colo., freshman Ethan Harkless (far left) takes a tour of by more than 120 students. The record-setting increase is driven downtown York with YC orientation leaders Maci Witte, Sebastian by the growth of York College Online, both undergraduate and Barreto, and Breanna Bembenek. graduate-level programs. An all-time high of 187 graduate students are enrolled this semester, but on-campus enrollment also increased Academics is important, but so is a student's emotional, social, to 437, including a marked increase in students living in campus and spiritual development. It's next to impossible for a student housing. In addition to a record enrollment, 22 high school students to attend here for four years never having been in the home of a are participating in York College’s dual enrollment program. faculty member,” Mountjoy said.

“Our enrollment success is due to multiple partners doing An obvious challenge to this year’s record enrollment and outstanding work—admissions office, coaches, business office, and safety protocols is meeting together in large numbers. While daily student development—understanding and responding admirably chapel had to be split this fall, with students choosing which days to this critical moment in the history of higher education,” said to attend, opening chapel took place at Levitt Stadium in an effort

Jared Stark, vice president of enrollment and athletics. “I believe to gather at least once as a full community. that our model was successful for fall 2020, but more importantly, “Even though our chapel routines will be different, our

I believe it is sustainable into the future.” aim is still to honor our daily rhythm

The increase has provided its own set of challenges for residence life staff "It is tremendously where the campus stops at 10:00 a.m. each morning to pray together, hear in meeting the needs of the college’s encouraging to see how from scripture together, and hear from traditional on-campus student, but also in holding space open for students who may God continues to bless us in various members of the York College community,” said Dr. Sam Garner, vice need to self-quarantine or self-isolate. the midst of a pandemic." president for spiritual development. “We are grateful to be in a position “The college’s deep commitment on of needing to figure out the puzzle of campus for faith development attracts housing with additional students on campus this fall,” said vice students to the YC experience. Not even a pandemic is going to president for student development, Catherine Seufferlein. “It is change who we are at our very core.” tremendously encouraging to see how God continues to bless us in The day before classes began, President Smith shared with the the midst of a pandemic.” YC faculty and staff, “We don’t know what students will experience The feeling expressed many times over as the student body on campus this year, but we know the One who does. We don’t arrived in August was how excited they were to actually be on know the unseen hurdles in front of us, but we know the One who campus, face coverings and all. Despite the daily temperature does. We don’t know the victories we will celebrate this year, but we checks, mask etiquette, and managing the new social distance know the One who does.” norms, the overall attitude is upbeat. Dr. Smith went on to say, “We can face this year with boldness Dr. Shane Mountjoy, YC provost, attributes the optimism because the same amazing God who spoke the universe into on campus in large part to how faculty are dedicated to a quality existence is actively at work in and through us at York College. We student experience and giving the personal touch, one-on-one, will all work together because we know the One who is working whenever possible. “York College faculty pride themselves on the through us at YC. I am proud to be serving shoulder to shoulder experiences they provide students inside and outside the classroom. with you in the trenches here at York College!” n 6 |