Record-breaking enrollment strains student services

By Eileen Pearsall

The Academic Support Center at Raritan Valley Community College is struggling to cope with a dramatic enrollment growth trend--28% over three years and nearly 36% over the last five years.

	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	5  Year   %Change	3  Year   %Change
Total RVCC Enrollment	6,408	6,629	7,110	7,888	8,484	35.7%	28.0%

 “We’re bursting at the seams,” says Annette Skov, Assistant Coordinator of the center.  "Student visits have increased 6% just since July.”

Information desk - Academic Support Center

“Most students are looking for help in math and English,” explains Debbie Weiner, Director of Tutoring Services. “Before exams, every seat and every computer is taken.   The center is never empty, even during what used to be slow periods.”

To handle the overflow, the center has added six more tutors and now offers on-line academic support. SMARTHINKING.com allows students to connect with live tutors for math, science, business or writing questions.

The center is open 54 hours per week with 36 tutors covering 200 disciplines.  The large open space has 25 computer stations and more than 100 study spaces at tables.

With its high ceilings, large windows and spacious layout, the center attracts even students who don’t need a tutor.  “It’s the best place on campus to study,” says Carlos Gonzalez, a second year Web Development student.

RVCC created the center five years ago when all departmental tutoring offices were torn out to create the current space.  The Academic Affairs department took over all tutoring to ensure consistency and eliminate overlap of services.