Columbus State University’s summer enrollment soars despite coronavirus pandemic
Although classes are conducted only online due to the coronavirus pandemic, Columbus State University reported its highest summer enrollment in nearly a decade.
CSU had 3,967 students enrolled for the summer 2020 semester as of June 26, the most since 2011, according to the university. That’s an increase of 11.3% from last summer. And the number of credit hours students are taking is up even more, by 16.6%.
“I am incredibly proud of our students for continuing their educational goals this summer, despite the challenges they have faced due to COVID-19,” CSU president Chris Markwood said in the news release. “This good news is a result of our students’ dedication, as well as the compassion and flexibility our faculty have shown our students as they navigated the transition to online learning.”
The University System of Georgia still is compiling statewide summer enrollment statistics, USG spokesman Aaron Diamant told the Ledger-Enquirer, so a comparison of CSU’s growth to other institutions in the system isn’t available.
CSU announced March 16 that all classes would move online. Despite the disruption, CSU reported improved academic performance. The proportion of A grades achieved by students increased from 45.9% in spring 2019 to 52.4% in spring 2020. Meanwhile, the failing or withdrawal rate decreased from 14.5% to 11.2%.
For the fall 2020 semester, CSU plans to return to its usual mix of instructional options: in classroom, online and a hybrid of both formats..
Anyone on campus must follow physical distancing policies and wear a mask in buildings, except dorm rooms, per University System of Georgia rules.
This story was originally published July 9, 2020 at 4:28 PM.
