UCAT enrollment shows encouraging rise

The Utah College of Applied Technology reports that student enrollment increased by more than 7 percent this year. And though enrollment numbers at some campuses didn't change much, leaders at those schools say they are pleased that students are spending more time in school.

Though numbers vary among the nine centers under UCAT, officials say the figures are encouraging, considering the economy.

"With the economy so hot, everyone is out there working and kids are choosing to be in the work force rather than going to school," said Michael Bouwhuis, Davis Applied Technology College president.

But even for the schools that are reporting decreases in student head counts, officials say they are pleased with increasing membership hours.

DATC shows a drop of 288 students but an increase of nearly 29,000 membership hours — fewer students are enrolled but those who are there are taking more classes.

"Those that are with us are putting in more hours — which means they want to get through quicker and get in the job market faster," Bouwhuis said.

And though the Salt Lake-Tooele Applied Technology College campus showed little growth in enrollment, the membership hours grew by more than 50,000.

"Our students are staying in our programs longer as they prepare to enter or move up in the work force," said acting campus president Scott Snelson.

Likewise at Mountainland Applied Technology College in Orem, student membership hours increased more than 60,000 over the previous year, though head count is slightly less.

"We are witnessing dramatic growth in our region due to a fast-expanding population," said Mountainland president Clay Christensen. "We're also seeing more adult students sign up for our training to get better jobs or move up in their present job."

The brisk growth at Dixie Applied Technology College campus is due to those taking night classes.

Dixie Campus President Rich Van Ausdal said the facilities are completely full every evening because many students are working during the daytime hours.

According to the report, UCAT student membership hours increased a total of 4 percent during the 2005-06 school year and head count increased by 7 percent, bringing statewide UCAT student population to 55,562.

"Some of the best news we received is that secondary enrollment (high school students) is up by 4.5 percent," said Utah College of Applied Technology President Rob Brems.

All of the UCAT centers do extensive outreach and work with high schools.

Brems said last year 12,071 high school students received training at a UCAT campus — about one-third the size of last year's state high school graduating class.

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