Gordon State College Sees Enrollment Jump for Summer 2020
Gordon State College experienced an enrollment jump for the summer 2020 semester as 1,016 students enrolled for classes, which reflects a 13 percent increase from the Summer 2019 term when GSC had 892 students enrolled in classes.
"We are so pleased to see the increase in students taking courses this summer," said Dr. John Head, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. "Given the shift to online courses in March and the challenges we are all facing right now, our students are showing great determination and perseverance by using this time to keep making progress towards their college degrees. Our faculty have to be given credit, they have done an amazing job adapting their pedagogy to meet the needs of students in the online environment."
Classes are being delivered online for the summer semester per the University System of Georgia following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance to avoid large gatherings in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
GSC targeted a total student enrollment of 921 for this summer term and exceeded the enrollment forecast by 95 students – a 10 percent improvement beyond the original target number. Increases were notable for continuing students (842 registered / 703 target), dual-enrollment students (65 registered / 58 target) and transfer students (25 registered / 22 target).
Gordon's previous four years of summer term enrollment remained relatively consistent with 883 students in 2016, 844 students in 2017, 945 students in 2018 and last summer’s 892 enrollment number before this summer’s surge.
Students may continue to register for the second session of summer semester classes, which includes classes from June 29-July 23, until 4 p.m. on July 1.
Gordon continues to accept Fall Semester 2020 freshman and transfer student applications. The deadline for applications has been extended to August 1 and the application fee has been waived.
Gordon, like other schools in the USG, is making plans for in-classroom instruction for fall semester, which begins August 12 with safety and social distancing accommodations in place.
"We are looking forward to the return of students to our campus this fall," Head said. "We have been working to prepare the campus and make the adjustments necessary to bring everyone back in a way that is safe and responsible. Our goal is to see moderate growth this fall, but we know students and families are being extra cautious. I think our plan addresses the safety concerns that any student and parent would have. One thing that will not change this fall is our commitment to give students a challenging and supportive academic experience that will help them gain the Highlander EDGE!"
Enrollment numbers for the upcoming fall semester continue to rise as 2,145 students have registered for classes, including 1,565 returning Highlander students.
GSC had 3,495 students enrolled for the fall 2019 semester and aims to enroll more than 3,600 students enrolled in classes for the fall semester.
Founded in 1852, GSC joined the University System of Georgia in 1972 and continues a distinctive legacy of excellent scholarship and service.
GSC offers 11 four-year degrees and 16 associate-level degrees, which include multiple baccalaureate pathways, and offers a 20 to 1 student- to-professor ratio in state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories.
GSC also offers a vibrant campus life with on-campus apartment-style living, NJCAA sports, clubs for a variety of interests, an active theater and music program and a beautiful, inviting campus.
For more information on Fall 2020 registration and enrollment, visit the GSC web site at www.gordonstate.edu and follow on social media platforms on Facebook (@GordonStateCollege, #GSCHighlandersForward), Twitter (@GordonState) and Instagram (gordon_state).