During a recent government meeting, concerns were raised regarding projected enrollment figures for the 2024-25 academic year, particularly in light of changes to the residence life program and cuts to the athletic department.

Officials noted that the closure of a larger residence hall, which previously accommodated approximately 160 full-time students, has resulted in a significant reduction in housing capacity. The reopening of a smaller facility will only allow for 40 to 50 students, leading to an anticipated loss of at least 120 full-time enrolled students. This decline poses challenges for maintaining flat tuition rates, as full-time students—defined as those taking 15 credits—are crucial for financial stability.

In addition to housing concerns, the meeting highlighted cuts to the athletic program, including the discontinuation of junior varsity men's and women's basketball teams and the baseball and cross-country programs. These reductions are expected to further impact student enrollment numbers.

Questions were raised about the institution's strategies to mitigate these losses and maintain projected enrollment levels. Specifically, there was inquiry into how the institution plans to attract adult learners, who typically enroll in fewer courses and thus contribute less to full-time equivalent (FTE) counts.

The discussions underscored the need for proactive measures to address the anticipated enrollment gap and ensure the institution's financial health moving forward.