College of St. Joseph in Rutland could shut down

The College of St. Joseph said it could be shutting its doors due to low enrollment and financial issues.

Officials said for years the college has been struggling to increase its enrollment of about 180 full-time students, adding that the college's $5 million endowment has dwindled to about $500,000 due, in part, to spending increases.

Students said they received an email from the Catholic college's board of trustees a few days ago saying if things don't turn around, the college could close at the end of the academic year.

Many students and staff members said they're trying to stay optimistic.

"I genuinely think that we have the staff, we have the knowledge and we have the help at this point to make it and build the school back up," staff member Megan Wilberg said.

"I think we have enough people around here that care and that want the school to be open and want to be here. I think they can make it work," graduate student and soccer coach Heather LeBlanc said.

The college's board of trustees is hearing from students, staffers, alumni and community members this week regarding the college's future.

College officials said the board of trustees is expected to make a decision within the next week or two.