By Raychael Moseley / Staff Writer

In the years following shutdowns caused by the global COVID pandemic, attendance rates have hit an all-time low.

According to the American Enterprise Institute, chronic absenteeism increased from 10 percent in 2018 to 28 percent in 2022. While they have improved in 2023, these rates are still 75 percent higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“To be honest I’d rather sleep,” said student athlete Terrell Davis.

Many students are exhausted from homework and trying to manage sports practices. Time management seems to be one of the biggest problems facing students today. 

Cheerleader Catalina Ramirez talked about why she started going to class more in the spring semester.

“To be honest with you I did not go to class the first semester, but since they made us cheerleaders have attendance sheets that our professors sign I have been,” she said. “It has helped in many aspects like my grades and I don’t mind attending class now.” 

Other cheerleaders have had similar experiences. 

“I go because I have to get my paper signed, but I’m realizing that it’s helping my future,”  cheer member Kyleigh Browning said. 

Adjunct Professor Bobby Collins, who was himself a student at MVC, can see the issue from both sides.

“Like every professor on this campus, we all struggle with attendance in one form or another,” he said. “But resources like the Student Success Center are helpful. I can see what students are going through outside of college and if that is affecting their attendance.”

Students on campus face many struggles. With some working jobs and sports at the same time it can be hard to manage classes as well. 

“To grow attendance in certain classes, I would look for the student’s input; allow them to show me what would interest them more in the classroom,” Collins added.