An update from Enrollment Services: reaching for high goals
By Judy Vogt,Director of Enrollment Services
There has been a great deal of discussion at the University about the impending budget cuts that will be impacting all institutions in the state. In such challenging times, it is important to remember that enrollment at the University continues to be strong and all the departments in the Enrollment Services division are working diligently to bring in the class.
Last fall, an anticipated enrollment shortage was never realized as both new and returning student populations maintained their strength. The incoming freshman class numbered 1,775, an increase of 120 students over the previous year, and 754 transfer students also enrolled, up 33 students from fall 2008. Overall, the undergraduate student population increased from 7,573 to 7,920 students.
This year, Enrollment Services has continued to set high goals despite a struggling economy and hopes to enroll 1,800 freshmen and 800 transfers. Thus far, the Office of Admissions has received more than 8,700 applications for the freshman class. Although it is still early in the application process for transfers, the 150 students enrolled in the residential Bridge Program offer a previously untapped source of new transfer students.
In the weeks leading up to the May 1 enrollment deadline, a variety of activities, events and services will commence or continue as part of the efforts to enroll and retain new students for the fall:
• Online payment of the enrollment and housing deposits is now available and continues to be the quickest way for students to complete these tasks.
• Hotel receptions for new students are scheduled in eight states.
• The new Facebook site for the Office of Admissions has almost 600 fans and has become a primary networking site for new students.
• Summer Orientation sessions have been scheduled and online registration is available.
• Campus tours are offered every weekday and on select Saturdays.
• The Financial Aid Office is packaging awards and all accepted students will be able to access their awards over the next two to three weeks.
All indications are that enrollment goals for fall 2010 are on target. The Office of Enrollment Services looks forward to a challenging but rewarding spring and summer as we work to meet enrollment goals and bring in the Class of 2014.
