Summer I Enrollment Sets Record

Enrollment records continue to fall at Sam Houston State University.

Final figures for Summer I, released by the SHSU registrar's office, show that 5,439 students are enrolled. This is 8 students more than last year's Summer I, which was the previous record.

Last fall's 13,091 and the spring's 12,335 were both records.

The largest percentage increase for this summer was in the category of graduate students, which tallied 165 more than last year.

Donald Bumpass, director of graduate studies, believes there are two reasons that graduate enrollment has shown strength.

"One, I think, has to be recognition of our strong graduate programs, particularly at the masters level but also the doctoral level, and their flexibility," Bumpass said. "That is, the programs have directed themselves toward the things that people want for their career paths.

"And the second factor is the stagnating economy has I think signaled to some people to go back and do some extra formal training. And I think both those things have been working in our direction for improved graduate enrollment for a number of years."

Joey Chandler, director of admissions/recruitment, also suggested that some students still lacking work on graduate degrees may be trying to beat possible future tuition increases.

The Texas Legislature recently passed a bill that will allow Texas universities to set their own tuition rates. SHSU officials have indicated there will be no immediate increases, although they may be necessary in the future to offset state appropriations which are declining as a percentage of university income.

David Payne, vice president for academic affairs, offered a simple explanation for the enrollment increases, especially in graduate programs.

"We're gratified to see that our graduate programs are increasingly being recognized for their quality," Payne said.

Increases in graduates, juniors, and seniors offset declining numbers in under-classmen and in classes taught by SHSU in Texas Department of Criminal Justice facilities.

The registrar's report indicated that 155 TDCJ students are registered this spring as opposed to 201 last year because of unavailability of funds.

- END -

SHSU Media Contact: Frank Krystyniak
June 12, 2003
Please send comments, corrections, news tips to Today@Sam.edu