Enrollment at the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) Leonardtown Campus declined slightly with the class that started in the fall of 2013, compared to the previous two years. That statistic was included in the annual State of the College presentation to the St. Mary’s County Commissioners on Tuesday. The presentation was made by CSM President Dr. Brad Gottfried, Leonardtown VP/Dean Dr. Tracy Harris and Chairman of the Board of Trustee Mike Middleton.
The full-time and part-time enrollment both declined slightly. But the number of students at CSM and expecting to transfer to a four-year college increased. Harris said the decline (2,500 to 2,400) might be reflective of the economy, with students delaying enrollment because of the cost.
Dr. Gottfried said CSM is not immune to the national trend of a growing student loan debt. He said that 71 percent of college graduates in the U.S. class of 2012 had student loan debt, with the average per pupil debt $29,400. Business Week in its January 20 edition called the student loan debt burden: “The Next Big Threat to the U.S. Economy.”
Gottfried noted the increasing number of students with reading deficiencies. He said instead of having a reading remediation course, the college is shifting to an emphasis on developing reading skills within each course subject.
Commissioner Todd Morgan (R: 4th) expressed the concern he has heard from local businesses that new hires don’t have the necessary reading and communication skills. He said, “Every student with a high school degree should be prepared if they want to go to college with basic rote skills.”
Commissioner President Francis “Jack” Russell said there was a “disconnect” between Gottfried’s message and the recent release of the highest graduation rate in St. Mary’s County Public Schools’ history – 91.5 percent.
Gottfried acknowledged the concerns but said the issue is being addressed in the high schools. He pointed out that the College and Career Readiness Act passed by the Maryland General Assembly requires testing of 11th graders to determine their readiness to move on to college or trade school. It requires remedial action in the 12th grade to address deficiencies.
Gottfried said that CSM was working hard to make sure that students succeed in their first year, He said initiatives include: “Enhanced orientation, re-design of pre-college math courses, enhanced advising and increased financial aid.” The college is the recipient of a $2.2 million, five-year Title III grant aimed at assisting incoming freshmen to succeed at CSM.
The president
