I’ll be at Front Range’s Boulder County Campus at 4 today for a ribbon cutting that will mark the completion of a $1.98 million renovation intended to support student success and sustained enrollment growth.
I asked our Institutional Research office for some enrollment reports to find out just how much enrollment has grown. Between fall 2007 and fall 2011, the campus grew from 2,555 students enrolled to 3,071 – a 20 percent increase. During that period, full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment increased 26 percent, as students are taking, on average, more classes per semester.
Paint and carpet just the start.
Overall, 37,400 square feet of space was touched by the renovation. All but the computer labs were repainted and re-carpeted, and all classrooms were wired for and provided with up-to-date technology.
Student success in the classroom.
The real substance of the renovation gives more opportunities for student success in the classroom, whether they are students seeking to transfer to university or students seeking a first or second career as a job seeker or a career changer:
- One new basic science lab was added; four other science labs were “right-sized” to accommodate 24 students each.
- One Medical Office Technology (MOT ) lab was added.
- In the Classroom Building, 12 general assignment classrooms were “right-sized” to accommodate at least 24 students each to allow for more general studies classes. In the Administration Building, four existing general assignment classrooms were “right-sized” to accommodate 24 students each, plus yield two new general assignment classrooms.
- The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) was lab enlarged to accommodate six more students (24 total).
- A Multimedia Graphic Design (MGD) videography lab / production shop was added. This will assist students with internships.
- The Student Success Center was enlarged to accommodate additional computer stations, math and writing labs, and tutoring services.
- Six new faculty offices were added to accommodate new faculty hired in response to enrollment growth.
From tutoring to academic advising, support services for students grow.
Our expanding student population requires additional Student Services staff to support their success. These improvements were made in the Administration Building:
- Three offices were added in Advising.
- Two offices were added in Admissions and Records.
- Private space was created for Financial Aid counseling.
- One new office was added in Recruitment and Outreach for a newly hired bilingual recruiter.
- The Testing/GED Center, Call Center, and Cashiers areas were expanded.
- Handicapped access was added to front reception desk.
- An energy-saving airlock was added to the entry.
It’s an exciting time at Front Range. Join us at 4 today at Entrance 4 of the Classroom Building, 2121 Miller Drive, Longmont, and see for yourself.
