This semester Delta College students are taking courses equivalent to 105,121 credit hours. This is a record number and up 6.3 percent from last year – the previous record with a total of 99,025. On average, each student is taking about a nine credit hour schedule.

Part of this number can be attributed to the large number of students attending, 11,299, which in itself is nearly a record. The student population increased 3.4 percent from last year. The record was set in the fall of 1992 with 11,367 students enrolled.

“Another contributing factor is the number of students attending full-time or nearly full-time,” said Trevor Kubatzke, Vice President of Student and Educational Services. Full-time status is 12 or more credit hours.

“Enrolled status affects financial aid, and of course, how quickly someone can complete their chosen program to enter the workforce or transfer to a university,” he said.

Diana Gutierrez, Director of Counseling, Advising and Career Services, says it’s important for students to be realistic about the course load they can handle, especially if they are new to the College. “Our office has services to make the transition as easy as possible, and there are other services around the College, like free tutoring and mentoring programs that can help too, but students have to seek out the help,” she said. "Those who want to attend the winter session should be getting everything in place now," she added. “Classes will fill fast and you want to make sure you get what you want.”

Classes start January 9, 2010.