每日大赛

The 每日大赛 was abuzz with activity at both the Brunswick campus and Camden Center for the first day of classes on Aug. 15. Amongst returning students and faculty, the College saw an increase of over 30 percent in new freshmen enrollment, and for the first time in the College鈥檚 history, 51 percent of freshmen are from outside the local area.

鈥淲e have been working very hard over the last year, spreading the word that 鈥楥ollege is better by the beach.鈥� Students took note, and we are happy to welcome so many of them to our community,鈥� said Dr. Jason Umfress, vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.

The pandemic greatly impacted enrollment at colleges and universities across the nation. With more students and their families feeling comfortable returning to campus, the College community is excited to see the campus population growing. This fall鈥檚 freshman class exceeds the five-year average prior to the pandemic by almost five percent. There鈥檚 also been a 24 percent increase among returning students who鈥檝e come back after some time. Re-enrolled students, combined with students who already earned a bachelor鈥檚, and those taking classes but not seeking a degree, have all increased.

鈥淚 am especially proud of the work the College has done to make it easier than ever to return to college,鈥� Umfress said. 鈥淔rom expanding our Coastal Online offerings, to developing special pathways with community partners, we are working hard to help students reach their goal and complete their degree.鈥�

Housing has also seen a jump at the College. For this year, in total, 640 students are living in residence halls鈥攔eaching full capacity. To accommodate students, some were placed into expanded spaces on campus, and Coastal Place Apartments, the College鈥檚 off-campus residence, is being fully utilized.

For College President Michelle Johnston, the first few weeks have been an amazing time welcoming new students.

 鈥淥ur entire new student population is strong, and the size of our freshman class has exceeded where we were before the pandemic,鈥� Johnston said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e building the future of the College and the community. It鈥檚 an exciting time to be a Mariner!鈥�