Classes and Activities Resume At NWCCD Despite Lower Enrollment

Now that the Fall 2021 semester has been in session for a few weeks, the Northern Wyoming Community College District (NWCCD) sees a silver lining despite enrollment numbers not being where they used to be.

Between Sheridan College and Gillette College enrollment for the fall semester at the 2 schools is down 18 percent compared to fall semester 2019 and down 3.5 percent compared to fall semester 2020.

Numbers-wise Sheridan College numbers are down by 267 enrollees since 2019 and Gillette College numbers are down by 143.

District President Dr. Walter Tribley says taking the covid pandemic into consideration, the enrollment drop was to be expected.

He adds the good news is that most of the students are back on campus and are attending class, going to clubs, participating in intramural activities, and are experiencing college life.

“We have a vibrant campus life, we have a good on and off campus learning environment, off campus being distance, but we are faced to face this as well, so we’re actually very excited. We’re not happy about low enrollment, that’s not something that is healthy for community colleges in the long run or any college, but we are excited about the fact that we are operating full services during a pandemic, and we’re monitoring and keeping case loads low.”

There was one small upside to the enrollment numbers which was at the Sheridan College Johnson County campus.

2019 numbers showed about 17 students were enrolled there, and about 15 in 2020.

This year, about 27 students are enrolled.