NICC spring enrollment is off slightly

Spring enrollment at Northeast Iowa Community College has decreased slightly over last spring, but that might not be bad news.

First of all, last spring's enrollment was NICC's highest enrollment ever.

Secondly, the drop in enrollment might be caused by an improvement in the economy of Northeast Iowa. "Historically, when unemployment goes down, so does our enrollment," stated NICC Vice President Curt Oldfield.

The enrollment decline may reflect an improving economy in Winneshiek County. "A large share of our enrollment comes from Dubuque and Winneshiek counties," said Oldfield, who noted unemployment rates in both counties are well under the average state unemployment rate.

Oldfield says NICC is working on creative ways to assist students twho have recently gotten jobs, so they can continue working yet get the skills and credentials they need for future employment. "Whether it comes from obtaining the national career readiness certificate; giving them credit for life/work experience or by receiving additional certification to make them more marketable, NICC is doing what it can to assist these individuals," he said.