Enrollment for evening classes at Dabney S. Lancaster Community College has increased by 26 percent this semester. Shown is a Principles of Psychology class taught on Tuesday evenings by Dr. Rob Goralewicz, in Room 385, in Scott Hall on the Clifton Forge campus.

DSLCC Spring Night Class Enrollments Soar   For many people, evenings are a time to relax at home with family, catch up on household chores, pursue a hobby, volunteer for a favorite cause, or attend community events. But others choose evenings for attending classes, studying for exams, working on projects and preparing presentations--many of them doing so at convenient locations close to home through Dabney S. Lancaster Community College. Enrollments for night classes have increased 26% over spring, 2009. Popular courses include topics such as computer usage, business, welding technology, forensic science, web page design and massage therapy. The strong enrollments are reported both on campus and at the Rockbridge Regional Center in Buena Vista. “There are numerous reasons for the increase”, commented Dr. Michael Scott, Vice President for Instruction and Student Services. “Some students enroll to learn a specific set of skills for employment or job advancement, while others wish to earn transfer credits toward the fulfillment of requirements for a bachelors degree at a four-year college or university. Also, we serve a number of individuals each semester who take classes for their own enjoyment and love of learning.” The tuition rate set by the Virginia Community College System’s State Board is affordable; as Scott points out, the newest rate is still only about one-third of the rate charged at public four-year institutions. “When the cost of room and board is added to tuition and fees for those studying at colleges out of the area, living at home and attending DSLCC is clearly the most cost-effective option,” stated Scott. Night classes fit well with the schedule of many working adults or traditional age students who schedule their courses around afternoon or weekend part-time jobs. Also, convenient class locations result in considerable savings with the cost of gasoline. The increase in enrollment is expected to continue. Registration for the College’s summer and fall terms begins in early April. “Call 540/863-2850 for more information about DSLCC classes,” invites Scott. “Students may discover that night time is the right time to earn college credits and complete their goal of a college certificate or degree.”

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