13 Total Student Enrollments

Discuss enrollment trends

MCSE typical class sizes in Fall and Spring semesters are consistently 15-17 students/class, on average with the exception of 18 in Fall 2022.  The average class size from year to year institutionally at NIC is 16.5 which is defined as, average credit section size: Total Credit Students / Total Credit Course Sections. NIC Fall to Fall declines from 2019 to 2023 are -6.8%, -9.9%, -7.8%, and  -21.3% respectively.  The trend for NIC as an institution for the same years is -6.6%, -3.4%, -6.2%, and -7.4%.  Note:  NIC Census is October 15, whereas prior to FA 12, the Census was on the 10th day of the semester.  If math department numbers are gathered in the same manner, the atypical decline in the last year is likely due to the loss of dual credit math courses being taught in local high schools due to governance/accreditation issues at North Idaho College in recent years.  Previously, two high schools offered NIC courses.  Currently, dual credit students may still take NIC math courses, but must fit them in their schedule traveling to NIC’s campus or taking online.  It is possible the college gained enrollment in areas not requiring math courses.  Students could be continuing in the current tumultuous times at NIC having completed their math courses without an influx of new students to begin their math sequence.  The Math Education Center has programs in place to help students review for placement and save time and money by placing into a higher level math course, affecting some remedial enrollment, as well.

Fall 2022 to Fall 2023 declines were highest in Math 130, Math 147, Math 151, MCTE 102 and MCTE 105.  Math 130 continues to be offered as a GEM 3 choice, but is not a requirement for a program; hence, the 13 student (65%) decline. Math 147 was not offered Fall 2023.  Students may choose to enroll in Math 143 and 144 concurrently, in lieu of the 5-credit course Math 147.  However, Math 143 also saw a decline of 41 students (26%).    Increased enrollment in Math 153 (GEM 3) outweighs the loss of Math 151 (non-GEM3).  Many nursing students are choosing the new Math 153 for their statistics requirement GEM 3.  We have also seen an increase in Linear Algebra enrollment.   Since Fall 2020, Math 015 and Math 090, previously taught in the CLC division, are considered part of MCSE.

If applicable, what plans are in place to deal with or improve enrollments including recruitment strategies?

Math is a small program, in and of itself, so the Math division serves mostly in a supporting role for other program requirements.  As a division, we tend to focus on retention and completion and would like to see a push to have students take math in their first semester at NIC.  We leverage tutoring and support in the Math Education Center, are currently revamping placement process/requirements, and have recently started an Academic Coaching program college-wide and an Early Alert system (piloted FA 2023 for math students). Communication with Advising Services is ongoing to help students choose appropriate math courses.