GCC enrollment rises both overall
and among international students
Sept. 16, 2009 Contacts for Media Representatives:
Jerry Porter
jerry.porter@gcmail.maricopa.edu 623.845.3605
Patricia Rhodes Vogel
pr.vogel@gcmail.maricopa.edu 623.845.3014
Glendale Community College (GCC) has recorded significant increases for the fall semester both in its overall student population and the number of international students enrolled.
GCC began the semester with an all-time high of 10,884 in full-time student equivalency (FTSE), an 11.9 percent increase over the previous FTSE high of 9,726 in fall 2004 and a 13.9 percent increase from fall 2008. One FTSE equates to one student taking 15 credit hours.
To date, GCC has recorded the highest FTSE increase among all 10 colleges in the Maricopa Community College District.
In terms of actual headcount, the fall semester is the third highest in the college's history. The 19,518 students attending GCC is surpassed only by the historical high of 20,692 during fall 2003 and the 20,649 students in fall 2004. The headcount is up 10.1 percent from fall 2008.
"The FTSE numbers indicate students are taking more credit hours than in recent years as they pursue their associate degree or certificate programs," said Mary Blackwell, dean of Enrollment Services. "That's a good sign in the current economic setting and demonstrates the value students are placing on education to advance their careers."
Additionally, enrollment in GCC's International Education Program is approaching the level at which is stood prior to the events of Sept. 11, 2001. With 45 new students and 98 continuing students, GCC has 143 international students enrolled representing 47 nations.
"This is the highest total since the spring semester of 2001, when 150 international students were studying at GCC," said Ken Bus, director of the program.
The country with the largest representation at GCC is Vietnam, with 32 students, followed by South Korea with 28 and Japan with 11. Other countries with notable numbers are the Philippines with seven students, Romania with five, China with four, and Canada, Germany, Mexico and Thailand with 3 each.
GCC offers classes on its main campus at 59th and Olive avenues, Glendale; at GCC North, 5757 W. Happy Valley Road, Phoenix; and through the Communiversity @ Surprise, 15950 W. Civic Center Plaza, Surprise. Additional information about GCC is available by visiting http://www.gccaz.edu or calling 623.845.3000.
