Merritt College Kicks Off Fall 2024 with Vibrant Express Enrollment Events

As the Fall 2024 semester approaches, Merritt College is hosting a series of Express Enrollment events aimed at streamlining the student application and registration processes, while also connecting students to essential resources. These events enhance student engagement and provide comprehensive support in a vibrant, welcoming environment. The Express Enrollment events will feature a festive atmosphere, complete with a DJ, snacks, and an infusion of Panther Spirit to energize and welcome our prospective and returning students.

In-Person Support:

• Friday, August 9th: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
• Friday, August 16th: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
• During these sessions, students will receive assistance in the following areas:
• Enrollment: Streamlined support to help students complete their enrollment process.
• Admissions and Records: Guidance on necessary documentation and records management.
• Financial Aid: On-the-spot help with financial aid applications and questions.
• Academic Counseling: Access to Counselors to help plan and guide students' educational journeys.
• Orientation to Merritt Campus: An introduction to campus facilities and resources.
• Campus Tours: Guided tours to familiarize students with the campus environment.

Virtual Support:

• Saturday, August 17th: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

(the virtual session will provide remote support to students who are unable to attend the in-person events. All essential services will be available, ensuring that students can complete their enrollment process from the convenience of their homes).

These events are expected to increase enrollment numbers and strengthen our relationship with the student body.

Merritt Enrollment Surge Expected for Fall 2024

Let me take a moment to provide a brief enrollment update. In short, our enrollment is gathering steam as we near the start of the Fall semester. With our resident FTES just 161 lower than this time one year ago, we fully expect to exceed Fall 2023 enrollment (especially once we finish registering our dual enrollment students). We are also working to accommodate the high student demand for courses in Biology, COSER, EMT, Computer Science, and Paralegal. Finally, we are pleased to welcome our new cohorts of students in Radiologic Science and Nursing.

Graduate Triumphs: Former Merritt Student Lands Pioneering Internship at Genentech

In closing, I am proud to share an inspiring story about Ms. Tiffany, a recent graduate from our histotechnican program. Histotechnology focuses on the microscopic detection of tissue abnormalities for disease diagnosis/treatment, and our Certificate of Achievement program trains students to prepare samples for analysis, as well as demonstrate sound laboratory practices. This summer, she became our first intern at Genentech—the culmination of our ongoing efforts to partner with the company. The internship provided a salary of $40 per hour and a $4000 sign-on bonus. Despite having to commute 100 miles daily by both train and ferry, she successfully completed the twelve-week internship (even while continuing her degree program in microbiology at Sacramento State University). We are incredibly proud of her initiative and determination to take advantage of this opportunity.

This article is taken from the President’s Report, written by Dr. David M. Johnson, Merritt College President, that was presented to the PCCD Board of Trustees during their regular meeting on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. To view it as a PDF, click here.