MARSHFIELD - During the Mid-State Technical College (MSTC) Board of Directors meeting, the Board approved the college to move forward and investigate future programming opportunities in the renewable energy area. MSTC is exploring the development of five renewable energy associate degree programs: Biorefinery Technology, Renewable Energy Specialist, Renewable Electricity Technician, Renewable Thermal Energy Technician and Energy Conservation Technician. Pending workforce investigation and approval from the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Board, MSTC may begin to offer three of the programs in fall, 2008 and the remaining two in fall, 2009 at the Wisconsin Rapids campus.
According to Dr. John Anderson, Chemistry and Life Sciences Instructor, this cluster of degree programs would position the college to evolve as a regional training center for unique programming, particularly in the energy and environmental technology occupations, serving the MSTC District and meeting needs throughout the state. "There is additional demand for programming in the renewable energy area within the WTCS as indications suggest it is large enough to support several associate in applied science (AAS) degrees." He said MSTC's geographic location would provide suitable access for learners statewide to engage in required "hands-on" training, while the use of distance learning technology would ensure access to classroom training from beyond the district's boundaries. "As demand from other technical colleges for programming in renewable energy increases, MSTC may seek opportunities to partner in certificate, diploma and degree programs," said Dr. Anderson.
MSTC currently offers several programs within the energy and environmental technology occupations which are unique within the WTCS. These include associate degrees in Electrical Power Engineering Technician, Instrumentation, Laboratory Science Technician, Paper & Chemical Technology and Urban Forestry Technician and an apprenticeship in Electric Metering Technician.
Dr. Anderson said an advisory committee comprised of leaders who have extensive knowledge of
renewable energy market trends and statewide needs was formed to help guide the program investigation process.
- The Board received an enrollment update from Connie Willfahrt, Vice President of Student Affairs. Willfahrt said the college has experienced an 8% increase in full-time equivalent (FTEs) student enrollment from the same time last year. "This represents a 4.86% increase over the budgeted FTEs for the current fiscal year." Willfahrt said several factors contributed to the substantial increase. "Expanded online and additional certificate offerings and new program development, including three new associate degrees, Clinical Research Coordinator, Biomedical Informatics Technician and Laboratory Science Technician, were key factors in the enrollment increase. In addition, the interwoven degree programs with Lakeland College, new enrollment management strategies, flexible scheduling and late-starting classes address student need."
- Dr. Sue Budjac, Vice President of Academic Affairs, reported on the college's growth in student enrollment in online classes. Dr. Budjac said MSTC made a strategic decision last year to grow its online offerings and increase student accessibility to courses and programs. She said that fall student enrollments indicate online course are in high demand. "In the fall of 2006, we had 13 sections of online courses with 179 students enrolled. For this fall, we have 40 sections with 833 students. This represents a 365% increase in enrollment for online courses," said Dr. Budjac.
The next Mid-State Technical College Board of Directors meeting will be held Monday, October 15 at the Adams County Center. Committee meetings are scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m., with the regular Board meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m. To learn more about MSTC programs and services, please call 888.575.6782 or visit the college's website at mstc.edu.
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