Retention focus helps curtail fall enrollment decline

While its fall semester headcount is 90 students fewer than last year, Emporia State University officials are crediting campus-wide efforts with helping minimize the decrease.

ESU reports 6,314 students on its 20th day of fall classes, the official enrollment reporting date. A drop in on-campus student headcount was offset by increases in the number of students taking classes online and at several off-campus locations, including the Metro Learning Center in Overland Park.

“Given the potential for an even greater enrollment decrease, I think we’re seeing the benefits of a collaborative approach to enrollment management on the campus,” said Dr. James Williams, associate provost for enrollment management and vice-president for strategic partnerships. “I feel the foundation is there to build on that approach,” said Williams.

“Academic departments are paying attention to recruitment and retention,” said Dr. Tes Mehring, provost and vice president for academic affairs and student life. “I think we’re seeing efforts both toward undergraduates and graduate students from the admissions and graduate offices and from the academic faculty in terms of the retention effort,” she added.

The fall enrollment picture includes some bright spots. Students new to the university – a category that includes freshmen, transfer students and new graduate students – are up 220 over last year’s count. ESU is also hosting 520 international students on the campus this fall.

Emporia State’s ethnic diversity is reflected in increases in the number of African American, Hispanic, Asian and Native American students this fall.

Dr. Michael R. Lane, ESU president, also notes that the university continues to honor its scholarship commitments. “In spite of some tough economic times, we’ve worked very hard with the ESU Foundation, the deans, department chairs and faculty in awarding scholarships, making sure that every penny we can award is out there,” said Lane.

“This remains an excellent institution for a student looking to explore opportunities and receive a sound quality education that sets them well on their career path,” said Williams.

Last Updated September 24, 2009>