LSC officials bolstering academic programs amid enrollment decline

Lyndon State College is committed to growing its academic programs despite falling enrollment numbers this year, according to President Joe Bertolino.

The announcement came during Bertolino’s State of the College Address on Thursday, October 2.

Hundreds of faculty, staff members, and students attended the speech, which took on a more somber tone than those of years past.

This year’s incoming class totaled about 400 new and transfer students, which was 90 to 100 students less than initially expected after three years of steady enrollment, Bertolino noted.

As a result, the college had to scramble to cover a $1.5 million budget deficit through unfilled job vacancies, cuts to project funds, and the use of limited in-house reserves. Bertolino was quick to recognize the seriousness of the college’s current financial situation.

“While I continue to remain optimistic and enthusiastic and positive, these emotions are tempered by the reality of our situation,” Bertolino said.

However, he confirmed that his administration is working to improve a unique academic curriculum that has recently become Lyndon State’s selling point.

“Realistically, what will draw students to LSC and keep them here, in my opinion, is our existing combination of liberal arts and professional studies programs,” Bertolino said.

Priority degree programs will likely include atmospheric sciences, electronic journalism arts, exercise science, mountain recreation management, and music and performing arts.

Those are the five largest majors at Lyndon State and all of them have at least 90 students, according to an October 2013 report from the Vermont State College System.

Four of those degree programs also boast higher out-of-state student enrollment than in-state enrollment, although the Exercise Science Department continues to attract more Vermont residents.

While the administration does not want to be directly involved in academic curriculum decisions, Bertolino noted that the college needs to reevaluate the entire process to eliminate as much red tape as possible.

“The application of knowledge and preparing students for what is happening in the world is what students and families expect from a degree,” he explained.

In recent months, several task forces have been created to address Lyndon State’s ongoing enrollment and budget issues. Those committees will be reporting back to the president and his administration throughout the school year.