SLCC aims to help returning students

In an attempt to woo even more students back to college this fall, Salt Lake Community College is waiving the admissions application fee for returning students.

The $35 fee is typically charged to anyone who hasn't attended classes within two years and has to reapply to the college for admission. The waiver will be offered from today until Aug. 28.

"We've never done this before for returning students," said Joy Tlou, SLCC spokesman. "We're hoping that it will help us make a stronger connection with these students."

Returning students, who make up a decent portion of the school's student body, aren't typically required to submit an application, unless they've been out of school for two years or more. To take advantage of the offer, students who attended any of the college's 14 sites prior to fall semester 2005 need to complete a Returning Student Application form, which can be found on the school's Web site, www.slcc.edu.

Last year, more than 1,000 returning students reapplied. But this offer isn't about the money but "to help people attain their educational goals," Eric Weber, dean of student administrative services, said Tuesday.

"We're just making an investment in students who make the investment in us," Tlou said.

Tlou said it is not necessary for students who have taken regular SLCC classes within the past two years to reapply, as they are welcome to register as continuing students at any time. The waiver does not apply to first-time students who are submitting admission applications, as they will still be required to pay the $35 application fee.

SLCC officials are also making tens of thousands of phone calls during the next few weeks to students who haven't registered for classes in a while.

Tlou said the process is meant to help achieve enrollment goals and also to benefit students.

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E-mail: wleonard@desnews.com