Failing national economy bolsters enrollment
By Kim Puckett | News Editor
As the American recession continues, the American need for higher education rises. According to Ron Wilks, director of admissions, the university’s enrollment for semester II, which is 4,455 total students, breaks the prior university enrollment record set last semester.
“For us, enrollment looks strong. We haven’t really seen the negative impact of the economy so far in this regard,” Wilks said. “You might think students would be leaving and going someplace else, but that is not something that we have seen.”
Mark Weigand, vice president for student affairs and enrollment management, said that in other recession-like economic situations he has experienced during his time at the university, enrollment has only grown. He said because of a tough job market, people feel it’s even more important to attend college.
According to Weigand, other facets of student enrollment are up for fall 2009 such as applications from students attending area high schools, transfer students and international students. International student applications have increased 47 percent from last year, or a total of 48 more students.
“With the new president, what we are seeing is [that] how the U.S. is viewed by other countries is improving,” Weigand said.
Wilks said that even though enrollment is at an all-time high and tuition deposits for next year are up from last year, uncertain times warrant caution.
“From an historical standpoint, it seems like we are on track to have a good year in terms of enrollment, but of course this is not a typical historical year because of the economy,” Wilks said. “From our office, we are doing everything we can to make people aware that this school is worth the investment.”
Wilks also said that informing families about opportunities for financial aid is one of the main goals of the admissions office right now.
“We are really trying to over-communicate through different channels this year, whether it be through the Web, e-mail, phone or additional mailing communications,” Wilks said. “We are trying to get the facts out there.”
Wilks said that the admissions office is remaining positive in its view for the next academic year.
“I can tell you that it appears that students who are visiting campus are leaving with a good impression,” Wilks said. “We hope that means they view us [the university] as a good value.”
Weigand also expressed a positive outlook on the enrollment for fall 2009.
“One thing that seems to position us well, [is that] our increases in enrollment have been a bit lower than other schools in past years,” Weigand said. “Moderate growth over the last 10 years has put us in a good position.”
