By Tom Hutton

Spring 2011 student enrollment increased by more than 3 percent from a year ago, according to figures recently released by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Success and Enrollment Management.

Homer Wesley, vice chancellor for Student Success and Enrollment Management, said 8,459 students enrolled for the spring 2011 semester, an increase of 277 students – or 3.4 percent – over the 8,182 spring 2010 enrollment figure.

Student credit hours – the number of students on campus and the courses in which they are enrolled – also increased. For spring 2011, students enrolled in 97,313 credit hours, an increase of 1,757 credit hours or 1.8 percent over spring 2010's record enrollment of 95,556 credit hours.

"These totals reflect the hard work of faculty and staff to spread the word that UCCS offers an excellent educational value to the people of the Pikes Peak Region," Wesley said. "I am appreciative and ask for the continued diligence of the campus to ensure students have an exceptional educational experience when they enroll here."

The colleges of business, engineering, letters, arts and sciences, and public affairs posted enrollment increases this spring. College deans will receive detailed enrollment reports this week, Wesley said.

And while pleased about the results of spring enrollment, Wesley is doubling efforts for fall 2011, launching an initiative that will concentrate on encouraging students admitted to UCCS to take steps to enroll.

"We know many students today apply to several schools," Wesley said. "Now that we have their application, we want to do our best to convince them that this is the right place for them."

In addition to multiple post cards and e-mails, as well as radio, newspaper and television advertising, Wesley said phone calls will be used to contact admitted students to answer questions about UCCS or to arrange for a campus tour.

"The data shows that once we get students to physically visit campus, the chances of them enrolling are dramatically higher," Wesley said. "I'm appreciative of everyone doing what he or she can to make campus tours pleasant experiences."

To assist with student recruitment efforts, including tours or campus experience days, contact the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Success, 719-255-3582.