<p>Is this becoming common at other private schools? </p>
<p>I was surprised to read that enrollment is down as well with so many applicants out there.</p>
<p>My understanding was that enrollment was lower than expected because some applicants who accepted didn't end up coming and more than usual the usual number of upperclassmen didn't return. In other words, they got their enrollment management wrong. </p>
<p>Now, as far as I can tell, they're planning to staff for a lower number of students and aim for a higher number of students. In other words, they'll staff for a student body of, let's say, 1300, and aim for a student body of, let's say, 1400. Which is kind of crummy, actually, but the bad economy is hitting every single college hard.</p>
<p>I don't know that they should be accused of getting their enrollment management wrong. In these days of very complicated admissions processes, it seems a confluence of a number of factors which they can't be blamed for, economy included. </p>
<p>Beloit staff ratio, from what I've been reading, has been very generous traditionally. They may be tightening a bit, but within the ratios of similar LAC. </p>
<p>Each college is struggling with economic conditions in their own way. Job cutting is unfortunate, but can also be seen as a proactive approach to a problem. The college has been very open with students and families regarding the economic issues.</p>
<p>Hmmm. This summer when I visited, there was a huge construction project of a new
Science center happening. And the Admissions fellow mentioned that they wish to
flip the school to face the river.</p>
<p>A little birdie told me Beloit is also closing their Learning Center, which coordinated accommodations for students with learning disabilities, plus tutoring for all students.</p>
<p>Although apps are up for the top schools, the schools that are commanding high sticker costs and are not as well known are suffering. It has always been the situation that there are parents who will break the bank for HPY &co, but are not willing to pay like dollars for schools that do not have that reputation. As things are getting tougher financially, this is becoming exacerbated.</p>
<p>Hi there,
I'm a current Beloit student who used to visit CC quite often during high school.... I thought I'd add some input to this debate. </p>
<p>In response to Cardinal Fang, the Learning Center is not closing. It's being re-structured and will continue under new leadership. Beloit will still offer disability services and free student tutoring. I think that during times like these it's easy for rumors to start but rest assured, the Learning Center is still open. </p>
<p>Fortunately, our interim president has been amazingly communicative and honest about the College's economic situation. He holds town hall meetings on campus where faculty and students can attend. It's great to feel in the loop on these decisions.</p>
<p>I'd be more than happy to answer any other questions you may have, Learning Center or otherwise!</p>
<p>Sorry, beausoir. I heard about the Learning Center (allegedly) closing from the parent of a student who works there. I subsequently heard that the director and the assistant director were both laid off, but that the services will allegedly continue.</p>
<p>I might have other questions about Beloit (like when are decisions coming!!) but I'll put them in the Beloit forum.</p>
<p>I'm a current student also. Beausoir is right. The learning center is not closing down. Its leadership is just being redirected. Student to Student tutoring will continue along with all the other services offered at the Learning Center. The learning center is such a central part of Beloit College and such a great resources for students I can not imagine it closing. The learning center offers a number of workshops about time management, procrastination, test taking, etc. It also offers job opportunities for students interested in tutoring and resources for students interested in help.
I know that the lay offs have been very hard and everyone is concerned about what will happen next. But as our interim president has mentioned before, we are not compromising the value of Beloit College, we are just adjusting for the future. We were, in many ways, overstaffed compared to other liberal arts institutions. Personally, I think it’s noble that our interim president is being open and choosing to keep the community informed. His honesty has really helped me understand the situation.</p>
<p>Apparently they are just one of many in the same boat--from Harvard on down.</p>