Enrollment is the area where we have the least clarity. And it’s important because tuition is the single most influential factor in our operating (E&G) budget. Competition for prospective students—especially non-resident students—is fiercer than it has ever been, as universities across the country try to offset losses in international enrollment, uncertain state appropriations, rising costs due to geopolitical tensions, and cuts to research funding. Decision day for prospective students isn’t until early May, so we simply don’t have a full picture of enrollment yet.
What I can tell you is many outstanding professionals are working extraordinarily hard on this. Derek Kindle and his enrollment management team have been effective and creative since the day he arrived. Provost Chris Long and our deans have been actively engaged in recruitment. Our faculty and staff are doing critical work on retention, from the redesigned First-Year Interest Groups launching next fall to new undergraduate research opportunities and expanded advising in the areas where data tell us it matters most. I’m grateful to everyone who is part of this effort.
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