University Enrollment Up, SCH Climbs This Spring

Spring enrollment at Texas A&M International University is up 6.3% and Semester Credit Hours (SCH) have climbed 7.3%, according to preliminary reports.

Spring enrollment stands at 2,798, up from 2,630 last Spring. SCH, upon which State funding is based, is 25,236, up from 23,518 last Spring. Final figures will be reported to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) later this month.

Barbara Lunce, A&M International registrar, said the increase is consistent with previous semesters.

"We've been averaging a 6-8% enrollment increase for the past two academic years. Unlike many colleges that are seeing enrollment declines, we're seeing increases from students of all ages," she explained.

Lunce attributes the increase to a variety of factors.

"Clearly, additional degree and program areas are generating interest. Other factors include changes in financial aid packages that provide students with greater access to a four-year degree, aggressive student recruitment programs and special classes that target certification or specialization for students," she noted.

Lunce said the University has additional programs prepared for action by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) in April that will generate keen student interest.

"The programs that will be up for approval at the April THECB meeting will include undergraduate degrees in Biology, Fitness and Sports, Communications and a graduate degree in Spanish. With THECB approval, coursework could begin as early as Summer or Fall of 1998," she explained.

The University currently offers 23 undergraduate degrees and 21 graduate degrees.

In this Spring class at A&M International the average undergraduate age is 25.8. Sixty-three percent of students are female and 26 countries are represented in undergraduate and graduate student populations.

Student housing has also shown an increase in occupancy with 30 new students and advance applications for the Fall 1998 semester are already being received. Phase III is now under design with plans for the Student Development Center and Intramural Sports Complex proceeding.

Summer and Fall 1998 registration begins on Easter Monday, April 13.

Hours for the Office of the Registrar are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Friday and 8 a.m. -7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday.

For additional information, contact the Office of the Registrar at 326-2250, email to enroll@tamiu.edu or explore the University's Home Page.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu