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More students at OIT
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| H&N photo by Andrew Mariman People pass on a staircase near the student union on OIT's campus Thursday. Enrollment at the school is up 6.2 percent over last year's numbers. |
University’s enrollment up 6.2 percent
By TY BEAVER
H&N Staff Writer
Oregon Institute of Technology’s enrollment jumped more than 6.2 percent this fall, the second highest jump at public universities statewide and a record for the Klamath Falls campus.
OIT also increased its newly admitted freshmen by 19 percent, the highest jump statewide. Overall, the school added 207 students compared to fall 2007 enrollment figures, according to a report from the Oregon University System.
Valeree Lane, OIT public affairs chief, said school officials aren’t sure what contributed to the enrollment surge, but they want to make it a regular occurrence.
“We can’t call it a trend, but this is really positive for us,” she said.
Overall, total fall enrollment at state universities increased by 5.2 percent or 4,300 students, the largest percentage increase statewide since 2002. Six out of seven campuses, including OIT, set records for enrollment.
At 6.8 percent, Eastern Oregon University in Pendleton had the highest percentage increase in students. Oregon State University-Cascades and Oregon State University-Corvallis had the lowest percentage increases at 2.6 percent and 2.9 percent, respectively.
Economic downturn
Lane attributed the increase in part to the nationwide economic downturn, which attracted additional students to OIT to continue their educations until the job market improves.
The school also invested a lot of resources in recruiting students, she said.
OIT planned for a 3 percent increase in enrollment, considering it a reasonable expectation. “To be above that is a great blessing,” Lane said.
Lane said the school is looking at ways to keep enrollment numbers up. Recruitment is key, and Lane said OIT President Chris Maples is forming a marketing committee to find the best way to represent the school.
Student retention is another key. The school’s emphasis on math can intimidate some students their first year, and Lane said the school is looking at ways to keep those students enrolled.
OIT also increased its newly admitted freshmen by 19 percent, the highest jump statewide. Overall, the school added 207 students compared to fall 2007 enrollment figures, according to a report from the Oregon University System.
Valeree Lane, OIT public affairs chief, said school officials aren’t sure what contributed to the enrollment surge, but they want to make it a regular occurrence.
“We can’t call it a trend, but this is really positive for us,” she said.
Overall, total fall enrollment at state universities increased by 5.2 percent or 4,300 students, the largest percentage increase statewide since 2002. Six out of seven campuses, including OIT, set records for enrollment.
At 6.8 percent, Eastern Oregon University in Pendleton had the highest percentage increase in students. Oregon State University-Cascades and Oregon State University-Corvallis had the lowest percentage increases at 2.6 percent and 2.9 percent, respectively.
Economic downturn
Lane attributed the increase in part to the nationwide economic downturn, which attracted additional students to OIT to continue their educations until the job market improves.
The school also invested a lot of resources in recruiting students, she said.
OIT planned for a 3 percent increase in enrollment, considering it a reasonable expectation. “To be above that is a great blessing,” Lane said.
Lane said the school is looking at ways to keep enrollment numbers up. Recruitment is key, and Lane said OIT President Chris Maples is forming a marketing committee to find the best way to represent the school.
Student retention is another key. The school’s emphasis on math can intimidate some students their first year, and Lane said the school is looking at ways to keep those students enrolled.
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