University College at Rockland enrollment strong and varied

Tue, 02/13/2018 - 8:15am

ROCKLAND — University College at Rockland's student body continues to change. Enrollment for this spring semester which started January 22 is steady with just under 500 students enrolled and close to 1,100 individual course registrations.

University College at Rockland is the largest of 8 University College Centers across the state. It attracts a variety of students, from traditional 18-year old recent high school graduates to older adults looking to diversify their skills and make a career change.

Area residents have many conveniences at UC Rockland. Students may choose from 50 or more face-to-face classes each term, as well as hundreds more delivered via interactive television and online.

According to UC Rockland's Director, Deborah Meehan, a targeted audience of their recruitment involves those who have some college but no degree.

"Many adults recognize that the job market is requiring a completed college degree. We have services and financial assistance to push those students across the finish line," she added.
With low unemployment in Knox County, Meehan noted that some students may be taking fewer classes right now. "It is important to continue to persist to graduation," she noted. "Our schedule allows for great flexibility and students can take whatever number of courses fits their schedules."

She noted with a smile, "No one has ever told me they are happy they took so long to get a degree."

The largest gains in new students at UC Rockland over the last several years have been in younger, new high school graduates. Because of finances many young students now choose to attend University College at Rockland close to home. Some of these start at UC Rockland, spend a year or two and then transfer to a larger school. Some start and finish complete degrees in Rockland.

"Sometimes students go away to a large, residential school, and they just cannot continue to pay the higher cost, so they return closer to home. Many comment that the education is just as good and the savings are terrific," she added.

University College at Rockland fulfills a lot of roles for higher education in the mid-coast area. Most of the enrolled students are earning degrees from the University of Maine at Augusta (http://www.uma.edu www.uma.edu) while others are on a pre-track to a degree at another UMS campus, or even out of state.

For more information or to schedule a free academic advising appointment, contact University College at Rockland at 596-6906, or visit its website at www.learn.maine.edu/rockland.