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Marketing and University Communication UW-Green Bay, CL 815 2420 Nicolet Drive Green Bay, WI 54311-7001 (920) 465-2626 E-mail: hildebrs@uwgb.edu Last update: 10/1/07 |
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In
the News Archive - Year:
October 23, 2003 UWGB retains record numbers 83% of fall 2002 class still on campus; 2003 enrollment is at an all-time high By Cynthia Hodnett "I really like the college," he said. "The layout of (UWGB's) campus
is really nice, the classes are pretty small, and you see the same faces
every day. At this point, I wouldn't think about transferring to another
school."
Jicinsky is among a record 83 percent of students who started at UWGB
in fall 2002 and returned for their second year this fall. That's roughly
10 percent higher than last fall's number, said Sue Keihn, dean of students
and associate provost for student services.
Like many colleges and universities nationwide, UWGB's high retention
and enrollment rates are a reflection of an unstable economy, Keihn said.
But UWGB's increasing retention rates can also be attributed to efforts
like the First Year Contact program, which was offered at the university
for the first time last summer along with the Introduction to College
Program.
The programs are designed to make it easier for first-year students
to make the transition to college by providing them with a contact person.
The contact, who is assigned during the student's first year, is usually
a staff or faculty member who can answer academic, housing or other college-related
questions.
An abundance of student groups and more student activities on campus,
especially on weekends, have played roles in attracting and keeping students.
"You see a lot more people sticking around on weekends than you did
before," Jicinsky said. "Getting involved in student organizations makes
people feel more part of the university and makes them feel like they
can make a difference."
The university will offer more programs related to student retention,
including a session in February for freshmen on how to choose a major,
and more outreach for transfer students, Keihn said.
"About 28 percent of our incoming new students are transfer students,"
she said. "We have a one-day program already in place, but we don't get
a lot of students who show up. We want to rethink ways to get them more
involved."
University officials say improved retention has accelerated the university's
overall enrollment.
Final enrollment figures for UWGB's current fall 2003 semester show
4,668 full-time-equivalent students — topping the record of 4,550
set in fall 2001. UWGB set the enrollment record despite efforts to limit
enrollment, including cutting off new freshman applications Feb. 14.
"We were only second to UW-Madison among other schools in the UW System
who cut off their admissions earlier than usual this year," said UWGB
Chancellor Bruce Shepard.
And the demand continues.
"We're running (about 10 percent) ahead of this time last year in applications
for next fall," Shepard said. "Someday we may end up closing admission
before we open them."
About 97 percent of incoming freshmen this year selected UWGB as their
first or second choice for college, Keihn said. More than 75 percent come
from Northeastern Wisconsin, she said.
A smaller campus, wooded, park-like setting and friendly atmosphere
are big draws for many applicants.
"I came for the tour and fell in love with the school," said Kerstin
Martwick, a 22-year-old senior and elementary-education major from Crystal
Falls, Mich.
"It's a really gorgeous campus, and it reminds me of home. I like the
fact that Green Bay is a large city, but at the same time, it's safe and
such a nice place to live," Martwick said. "The professors are very helpful
and are knowledgeable about what they teach.
"You really feel like you're important here and that you can get involved
on campus and really make a difference."
Shepard said he'd like to see the campus increase enrollment to 7,000
students in the next 10 years without placing additional burdens on university
resources.
The university opened a new apartment building this year — the
second in two years — and there are plans to open a third next year.
There are also plans to expand the University Union and build a new student
sports and activities center in the next few years.
All of these amenities plus a reputation of providing quality education
are what will continue to attract more students, Shepard said.
UWGB enrollment
Final enrollment figures for UWGB's current fall 2003 semester show
4,668 full-time-equivalent students, an increase of 2.6 percent over the
record of 4,549 set in fall 2001.
UWGB has a head-count enrollment this fall of 5,420 students. The head-count
enrollment — the actual number of students attending classes —
is up 2.9 percent from 5,267 in fall 2002.
Full-time-equivalent enrollment is based on the number of credits taken
and is used by the UW System in measuring a university's capacity.
Fall FTE enrollment
1997 4,336
1998 4,474
1999 4,361
2000 4,442
2001 4,549
2002 4,416
2003 4,668
Source: UWGB Office of Institutional Research
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