Falll 2008 freshmen; we're feeling sated
Last week we felt cautiously optimistic about our freshman enrollment; for many weeks commitments had been tracking where we felt they needed to be. Last week, however, we were pinching ourselves; by April 30 we had exceeded our freshman enrollment goals; on May 1 we were giddy -- and many students were calling seeking assurance that they would make the deadline if it was postmarked by that night.
At this point we are running ~ 100+ deposits beyond our enrollment target. Lest incoming freshmen become concerned let me share a few points to reassure them:
-- we know that for various reasons between now and the start of fall quarter classes some of those currently committed will decide they are unable to join us. This is true at all universities; the term in the admissions profession is "summer melt".
-- we had anticipated the possibility of a larger than targeted freshman class back in March, and we were in dialog with our colleagues in advisement/registration and student development (e.g. housing). The university will comfortably accommodate the additional freshmen and assure them the individual attention and small classes/individualized instruction for which a Seattle University education is known and respected.
Of course, this means more planning and work for the faculty and administration over the summer months. It will not impact incoming students other than to result in a perhaps even more vital and engaged campus life. If anything, everyone is excited by greater synergy that some additional freshmen will provide.
Friday we closed freshman admission. Yesterday we sent letters to all those on our waiting list advising them that we would not have any openings to offer them.
Currently we are still accepting deposits from those who have been admitted; however, it is unlikely that we will be able to continue to accept late deposits a few weeks from now.
So, now the admissions staff finds itself focused on the class of 2009. Ever onward.