With the first day of classes for many local schools just a week or two away, area colleges are also gathering up their attendance sheets and grade books and tidying their desks in preparation for opening day.

With many colleges set to begin the middle of August, institutions urge former and new students to make sure the particulars are in place before they enroll.

“New students should make sure they have files online,” said Selma University director of admissions and enrollment Katrina Williams-McKinney. “Immunization records, updated transcript or diploma. Mentally prepare yourself as a person to take charge of your education.”

Selma University offers tutorials and study hall sessions to help students who need that extra boost.

“We have a small student-teacher ratio … you can get one-on-one interaction, which helps in retaining students … (It) helps motivate students to continue in their education,” McKinney said.

Wallace Community College-Selma will open its doors Monday, Aug. 15. School officials said students should anticipate heavy study time.

“Just get rest, get prepared,” said WCCS director of marketing Johnny Moss. “Purchase books and materials. Finish enjoying the summer, and plan to work hard.”

Selma University is also changing up its academic curriculum — from having offered summer school for the first time this year, holding state conferences and meetings which raise money and offering programs to better prepare the student body. The university, McKinney said, receives a lot of support from the community and former students.

“We’re trying to implement programs and new system where everything is online … become more technical, where faculty and staff interact via email,” McKinney said. “We have better facilities, have small renovations to accommodate students living on campus … (and) financial aid (is) available. We’re a private HBCU institution, and most of our money comes from donations.”

Wallace wrapped freshman orientation this week, with student services and advising seminars and tours to get freshman acclimated into the college scene.

“We had over 300 freshman participate in orientation, and we’re anticipating over 500 incoming freshman this year,” Moss said. “Students sought out financial aid and advising schedules.”

Both schools have seen an increase in enrollment. Wallace, Moss said, has seen a three to five percent increase and Selma University had a 209 percent increase of students since last academic term, McKinney said.

“We had 300 students overall in the spring of 2010 and by the fall, 747,” McKinney said. “We have working students and those from all over different states wanting to do our medical and theology programs — so our Internet program helps.”

The first day of classes for Selma University students is Aug. 22, with registration beginning Aug. 16. Registration for Concordia College is Aug. 15 to 16 with the first day of classes on Aug. 17.