Midland College reports growth in dual-credit enrollment
Editor’s note: Midland College releases Board of Trustees meeting minutes in the agenda packet for the following meeting. As a result, The Permian Press received the May 19 minutes in the June 23 meeting agenda.
Photo credit: Midland College
What happened: The Midland College Board of Trustees met Tuesday, May 19, and received reports showing continued growth in dual-credit participation and student outreach efforts, approved additional funding for the O’Shaughnessy Hall dormitory renovation, and added a course to the college’s general education curriculum.
Key points:
- College & Career Connections: Trustees received a presentation on the College & Career Connections office. College officials said the department met with about 13,000 students over the past year, contributing to a 40% increase in student visits, a 71% increase in dual-credit enrollment, a 13% increase in Midland ISD graduates enrolling at Midland College, and a 99% increase in students earning transferable college credit.
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Dual-credit data: Trustees also received a report showing continued growth in dual-credit enrollment. College officials said students who take dual-credit classes are more likely to stay in college, complete a degree or credential, and earn higher wages.
According to the presentation, 35% of Midland ISD’s Class of 2025 completed dual-credit coursework. Officials also reported that 68% of dual-credit students either enrolled in college or earned a credential, while MISD’s overall college-going rate remained consistent with the state average.
- Fire suppression system: Trustees unanimously approved installing a fire suppression system as part of the ongoing renovation of O’Shaughnessy Hall. The change increases the renovation contract to about $10.6 million from roughly $10.1 million. College officials said part of the additional cost will come from the college’s fund balance, with the remainder paid from contingency funds already set aside for the project.
- Core curriculum: Trustees approved the college’s general education core curriculum, adding EDUC 1300, a learning-framework course. College officials said state law and accreditation standards require Midland College to maintain a core curriculum that provides students with a broad foundation across multiple academic disciplines.