October 7, 2015

 

Diné College Sees Increase in Enrollment

 

TSAILE, Ariz. — Diné College officials are pleased with the Fall 2015 enrollment increase, which has surpassed the Fall enrollment numbers from the last two years. According to the College’s Official 21th Day Freeze Count, the 2015 fall semester enrollment is 1554, which is a 24% increase from the same time last year.

CH: Chinle CP: Crownpoint SH: Shiprock TC: Tuba City TS: Tsaile WR: Window Rock

The 21th Day Freeze Count figures are the official reporting numbers that include full-time, degree-seeking students only.

Enrollment figures jump to 1689 when the institution factors in all enrolled students, including non-degree seeking and Dual Credit students. Dual Credit is a college credit-bearing program designed for high school students. High school students in the program must enroll as Diné College students to participate. There are five Dual Credit programs each in New Mexico and Arizona high schools.

Several factors contribute to the increase, according to the interim Vice President of Student Success, Abraham Bitok, “The Dual Credit program has taken off for the College, which contributes to the increase. We have also strengthened the retention of continuing students and improved the quality of support services we are providing. And while the college is extremely excited with this increase, we face continuous improvement challenges. As an institution we must work harder to ensure our students graduate from the college in a timely manner. We also must work harder to strengthen the quality of our programs so that we can continue to attract students.”

Diné College Student Classroom

Diné College was established in 1968 as the first tribally-controlled community college in the United States. As a postsecondary educational institution, Diné College awards 19 associate degrees, six certificates and two bachelor degrees.

The College maintains its accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Under the direction of an eight-member Board of Regents confirmed by the Government Services Committee of the Navajo Nation Council, Diné College has the responsibility to serve residents of the 26,000 square mile Navajo Nation which spans the states of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.

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