College breaks enrollment record

For the first time in its 45-year history, Florence-Darlington Technical College’s (FDTC’s) total enrollment has topped the 5,000 mark and now stands at nearly 5,200 students, an increase of more than 16 percent over the same period a year ago. This latest increase comes on the heels of a 14 percent increase last fall.

The FDTC Hartsville satellite location on Swift Creek Road also saw a 20 percent increase in the number of students for the fall.

“We are at 77 percent capacity, and we’re looking to build capacity,” said Jim Spencer, director of the college’s Hartsville site. The location is the smallest of the satellite sites.

“The reason for the growth is that the students don’t want to spend the extra money to get to the main campus,” said Spencer.

He described the Hartsville location as a one-stop shop. Students can put in their applications, get financial aid information, receive advising and pay their tuition, all in town. Students also are able to take online classes and take their final exams in Hartsville.

Class size is another incentive.

“Our classroom size is 15 to 20,” said Spencer. “On the main campus, class size can be 25, 35 or 50 for some courses.”

“You can’t get a full degree here, but you can get all your required courses before you start work on your major,” said Spencer. “We are trying to make it easier on the students to go to school, night or day, to make it more conducive to their schedules and lifestyles.”

“Florence-Darlington Technical College has a long history of meeting the needs of area students and improving the quality of life of Pee Dee area citizens through assisting in economic development activities and creating a quality workforce,” said FDTC President Charles W. Gould. “We are encouraged that so many area citizens have decided to pursue their higher education goals with us, and we are looking forward to continued growth in the coming years.”

As part the location’s commitment to the community, FDTC has worked with the area high schools and private schools to get students to start their testing before graduation. FDTC Hartsville also has partnered with Darlington County Adult Education to create classes for people to brush up on their English, math and reading skills before they take the entrance exams. FDTC Hartsville has books and a Web site for test preparation as well.

“People have been losing their jobs, and more are starting another career,” said Spencer. “More people want certificate programs, not 2-year degrees, to jump out there and get a job.”