Northern Marianas College showed strong enrollment numbers at the start of its Spring 2022 semester, with the College having 1,153 students enrolled. This number represents a slight increase from the same time last year, where NMC also saw high enrollment despite the ongoing challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Thirty percent of NMC’s Spring 2022 classes are with a face-to-face component, while 68% percent of its classes are offered remotely.
“The solid enrollment data that the college has seen throughout the years displays the willingness of students who want to develop professionally despite having to deal with a global pandemic,” NMC President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, EdD said.
NMC started its first week with a series of welcome back events that allowed students to network, become familiar with campus resources, and meet faculty and staff.
Twenty-year-old NMC student Jefferson Cunanan said he enjoyed his first day back at the college.
“I was pleasantly surprised to see some of my friends were my classmates and to see them at the various student events,” Cunanan said. “ I look forward to more student activities to attend and to meet new people.”
Cunanan is currently in his second year at NMC, and is working towards a Liberal Arts degree with an Emphasis in Education.
Another student, Abram Repeki, said he is looking forward to this semester as it is his last one at NMC.
“I am excited for this semester as I get to intern at the Community Guidance Center’s Substance Abuse Program,” the 25-year-old education major said. “I am most looking forward to graduating in May!"
Health and safety a priority at NMC
Ever since the college increased the number of in-person classes, NMC continues to implement Covid-19 preventative measures on its campuses in Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
For instance, NMC last year announced that students who are enrolled in face to face classes must have received their Covid-19 vaccine prior to the start of classes. Students who wish to opt out of this Covid-19 preventative measure can still enroll at the college, however, they will only be allowed to take classes remotely (online, virtual, or virtual hybrid).
In addition to updating the college’s vaccination requirements, NMC continues to work closely with the Governor’s Covid-19 Task Force to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for its students.
Since the pandemic started in 2020, the college has made multiple safety upgrades to its facilities. Upgrades include the installation of plexiglass sanitation barriers at each office, the retrofitting of service counters at the admissions, financial aid, and finance offices, and the installation of touchless faucets, touchless flush kits, and touchless soap and towel dispensers.
In addition, the classrooms at NMC have been reorganized to maximize social distancing. The college also reminds its students and employees daily via email to self-screen for symptoms of Covid-19 or the flu. All students, employees, and visitors must also wear a mask at all times while on campus.
The college is also constructing outdoor learning spaces for its students, which is expected to be completed by March of this year.
For more information about the college’s Spring 2022 semester, individuals can visit www.marianas.edu or call 237-6769.