2008 Woodie Awards
Spring enrollment growing at Youngstown State University
Darlene Wagner, Reporter
Issue date: 2/12/08 Section: News
According to a report released last week by the Office of Institutional Research at Youngstown State University, spring enrollment is up.
Demand for professionalized employees caused the increase, said William Countryman, interim director of enrollment services.
"Jobs in health and human service are on the rise jobs and employers want people with specialized training," Countryman said.
Countryman commented on Governor Ted Strickland's proposed $1.7 billion jobs package, which includes expanding access to college for high school seniors and ensuring that high-quality associate and bachelor degrees be available on a campus within 30 miles of every Ohioan.
"Ohio State University turns away students. YSU has an open admission policy. All applicants that meet the requirements will be accepted here," he said.
Countryman explained that the university is capable of handling the influx of additional students.
"We do have space in classrooms. The physical aspect of facilities is very tight, however with the addition of the new business college, it should free up some room to house other classes," he said.
Countryman concluded by saying that students target the prime hours between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. for scheduling classes.
Countryman said that "ample classes" are available in the afternoon, but many students have family or work obligations during those hours.
Countryman said this is a trend across the United States, and YSU is looking at combining some services at community colleges.
"It has not been decided if YSU will oversee the program," he said.
What the numbers show
The 14th day preliminary enrollment summary shows that for the past three years, spring enrollment has steadily increased. From 2006 to 2007 there was a 2.6 percent increase in enrollment. From 2007 to 2008, there was a 2.2 percent increase in enrollment. The total three-year enrollment increase is 4.8 percent.
Demand for professionalized employees caused the increase, said William Countryman, interim director of enrollment services.
"Jobs in health and human service are on the rise jobs and employers want people with specialized training," Countryman said.
Countryman commented on Governor Ted Strickland's proposed $1.7 billion jobs package, which includes expanding access to college for high school seniors and ensuring that high-quality associate and bachelor degrees be available on a campus within 30 miles of every Ohioan.
"Ohio State University turns away students. YSU has an open admission policy. All applicants that meet the requirements will be accepted here," he said.
Countryman explained that the university is capable of handling the influx of additional students.
"We do have space in classrooms. The physical aspect of facilities is very tight, however with the addition of the new business college, it should free up some room to house other classes," he said.
Countryman concluded by saying that students target the prime hours between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. for scheduling classes.
Countryman said that "ample classes" are available in the afternoon, but many students have family or work obligations during those hours.
Countryman said this is a trend across the United States, and YSU is looking at combining some services at community colleges.
"It has not been decided if YSU will oversee the program," he said.
What the numbers show
The 14th day preliminary enrollment summary shows that for the past three years, spring enrollment has steadily increased. From 2006 to 2007 there was a 2.6 percent increase in enrollment. From 2007 to 2008, there was a 2.2 percent increase in enrollment. The total three-year enrollment increase is 4.8 percent.
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