Dr. Esters reported that the decrease in the spring 2014 enrollment numbers were primarily due to the enforcement of the University's non-payment plan. Dr. Joel Thieirstein was asked to explain the decrease in graduate enrollment and dual credit enrollment. Dr. Thierstein attributed the decrease to the lack of a Graduate Coordinator and a Coordinator of the Dual Enrolled program.

Dr. Esters reported the fall 2014 Recruitment efforts were as follows:

  • Admissions staff attended 108 recruitment events in the following states; KY, OH, MI, IN, IL, MO, TX, AZ, GA, VA, OK, TN, AL, PA, FL, NY, NJ, CA, and NV.
  • The Office of Admissions has developed updated recruitment and marketing materials.
  • The Office of Admissions is working closely with academic departments, i.e., 'Ride Along Program' in the recruitment of students.
  • Recruitment efforts are being concentrated on Infinite Scholars Programs (i.e., where students must have a minimum composite ACT score and cumulative GPA in order to attend).

Dr. Esters reported that fall 2014 Applications and Admits were up for January 2014 as compared to January 2013 by 9.8%.

Fall 2013Fall 2014
Accepted= 1320Accepted= 1581
Incomplete= 2084Incomplete= 1869
Rejected= 35Rejected= 42
Total Applications= 3439Total Applications= 3492

Retention Management and Advising Services:

New Informational brochures are being developed to assist students with the financial aid process.

  • More institutional funds for grants and work-study were offered to students year-to-date as compared to 2013.
  • Special workshops are being held regarding financial literacy for all our students.
  • Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) reported the use of their services according to student classification as follows:
  • ○ Graduates 1%
  • o Seniors 15%
  • o Juniors 13%
  • Sophomores 22%
  • o Freshmen 49%
  • ACE also reported students using the Center having shown increases in the following areas from last academic year 2011-2012 to academic year 2012-2013:

o Retention or Graduation increase from 76% to 80%

Average GPA from 2.64 to 2.8

Average credit hours completed 24.13 to 26.

The Center for Academic Persistence and Success (CAPS) staff continues to use intrusive advising efforts and is focusing on the 2008 and 2009 cohorts to ensure students graduate on time.