Enrollment surges past 20,000

Enrollment reached a four-year high in the fall, topping 20,000 for the first time since 1996. Significant upswings in graduate students and freshmen propelled enrollment to 20,424-a 6.7 percent increase over fall 1999

New graduate students climbed 78.1 percent, or 883 students, while new freshmen increased 17.7 percent, or 238 students. "The significant increase in the number of new graduate students was due principally to the hard work of a lot of people in the units, in the Graduate School and from our alumni," said Keith McDowell, dean of the Graduate School.

He also cited the creation of a recruiting team, the introduction of Web online inquiry software, the use of graduate forums and the formation of a Graduate Recruiting Advisory Board as contributing factors. Minority and distance education students also contributed to the overall gain.

African-American students increased by 14 percent to 2,469 and Hispanic students by 18.1 percent to 2,212. Enrollment in distance education courses offered via the Internet, cable television, videotape or off-campus increased by 375 students, or more than 60 percent. Semester credit hours were up 4.6 percent, or 9,220 hours, from fall 1999. Compared to fall 1998, which was part of the last base budget period, semester credit hours are 9.2 percent higher.

Last fall was the second semester of a three-semester base budget period during which the University reports enrollment figures to state officials for funding purposes. Enrollment has increased four consecutive semesters, including a 4.2 percent boost in the second session of summer 2000.

Enhanced recruiting, advising and marketing efforts, the opening of the UTA/Fort Worth Riverbend Campus and the addition of several high-demand academic programs played significant roles in the increase, said Dana Dunn, vice president for academic affairs.

"In addition to generating increased revenues needed to fund new academic programs, enrollment growth has a positive impact on faculty, staff and student morale," Dr. Dunn said. "You can feel a difference in the atmosphere on campus. The momentum has been established, and we expect it to continue."

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