BUTLER TWP — Continued explosive growth in enrollment at Butler County Community College has caused the college to change course.

The college, which has about 4,000 students, had a 17 percent increase in enrollment during the fall, and now the college is reporting it has a 20.5 percent increase in spring enrollment over this date last year.

"We're filled to capacity," said President Nick Neupauer today at a board of trustees meeting.

Because of that, BC3 has changed its designs for some empty space.

When the college opened the new Student Success Center in the fall, offices from the student services building, "Building D," moved into that new building. That left empty offices and rooms the college planned to fill with administrative offices and the children's school.

But after examining the college's enrollment growth, that plan changed, Neupauer said.

Now, BC3 will turn that space into six or seven classrooms, conference space and large group instruction areas.

The college has asked for bids, which are expected to be opened just before the Christmas break this month.

Work could begin next semester.

The college has cited many factors in its extreme growth, including the poor economy. Other factors the administration has noted include the college's regional philosophy, involvement in the community, and the quality of education at BC3.