WVU Tech begins a new and improved existence with growing enrollment

 

MONTGOMERY, W.Va. _ A new and improved residence hall, a new and improved student center, and new and improved programs. They’re all part of a new and improved West Virginia University Institute of Technology, which opened its doors this fall for its first full academic year as a division of West Virginia University.

Freshman full-time equivalent enrollment climbed 17.4 percent, from 218 to 256, said Provost Charles Bayless. Overall FTE enrollment was up 2.4 percent from 1,183 to 1,211. (The numbers became final on Oct. 15.)

"The increase in FTEs, combined with a small decline in the raw number of students (1.4 percent), reflects the higher number of full-time students on campus," Bayless said. "This growth validates the changes that have been happening at Tech in recent months, and shows that coming completely under the WVU umbrella gives us advantages we would never have otherwise.

"And there’s more to come," Bayless promised. "Many people are working in many different areas to move Tech forward."

WVU Tech’s merger with WVU, mandated by the West Virginia Legislature, was completed July 1. Under the new structure, Bayless said, the school is able to focus on improving academics; "back-office" operations such as financing, information services and public safety, can be managed from Morgantown.

One of the most visible changes on campus is the renovated Maclin Hall, which now houses 193 students. The dorm, built in 1939 as a Public Works Administration project, underwent a $6.2 million renovation, using proceeds from a $10 million bond issued under the aegis of WVU.

The refurbished Maclin features six private study rooms, a fitness room, an information center and various new lounges and recreation areas. All residence rooms are wired for the Internet, a requirement in today’s educational environment; common areas also feature wireless Internet access. A new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system and elevator are also part of the renovation.

Tech Center, the campus student center, is also in the process of being completely renovated using proceeds from the bond issue. Tech Center is the focal point for all members of the college community. The new Tech Center will tout a snack bar, special dining area, television, lounge, study lounge, game room, ballroom, Tech Bookstore, Student Government Association Office, Student Activities Board, Student Activities Office, and Student Service Center.

Additional upgrades are planned for Ratliff Hall, another residence hall, as well as engineering labs.

Contact:
Provost Charles Bayless
304-442-3146