Positively growing

Fourth-week enrollment data shows gains in UND freshman class, even after budget challenges

They’re here to find a home at one of the nation’s Top 25 Most Innovative Schools.

They’re here to cheer on the nationally recognized Fighting Hawks.

They’re here to become leaders in action.

And the newest data shows they’re here in growing quantity and quality.

According to fourth-week enrollment figures, the number of new freshmen at UND rose from 1,928 to 1,939, a growth of nearly 1 percent from last fall. UND’s transfer students are up 5 percent from last year, and those seeking professional degrees have risen 4 percent.

As expected, overall enrollment has decreased because of large graduating classes. But with increasing new freshman numbers the past three years, UND is reaching a leveling-off point from a downward trend.

UND is also seeing an upturn in the academic caliber of its freshman class – which includes a record-high 11 National Merit Scholars – as well as an increasingly diverse student community.

“It’s a great sign that we’ve been able to show some increases, as well as increasing consistently in academic quality and diversity of our incoming freshman class,” UND Director of Admissions Jason Trainer said. “Those are all things that are goals for us as we look to be the Flagship University of the Northern Plains, and we’ve been able to hit those and maintain those.”

The rises may look modest in number, but the figures don’t reflect the real gains.

UND had to make some difficult decisions over the past year, forced by financial challenges. Academic programs were phased out and athletic teams were cut, and that led to the loss of many prospective students to other universities.

“UND showing an increase, even in a time when we’ve had to make some of those tough cuts as an institution, is just even more positive,” Trainer said. “Our strategy is to build off of the success that we’ve had. It’s great when you have momentum heading in the right direction.”

Building on positivity

Much of this year’s freshman enrollment growth can be attributed to the new progressive direction in which the University is heading, and its ability to communicate that message. A new Strategic Plan, a concrete University brand, and a string of well-publicized achievement in athletics stoked a confidence in graduating seniors and their families.

“We’re making a strong impression on students. They want to be here,” said Tom DiLorenzo, UND Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Others are seeing it, too. We know that, given the recent U.S. News ranking of being among the top 25 most innovative schools in the country.”

But what couldn’t be accomplished with reputation was made up for with experience. Trainer and his admissions and recruitment teams have worked hard to create engaging outreach that differentiates UND from other regional universities.

“We’ve had a lot of involvement across the campus in recruiting this year’s class, and we’ve had a lot of faculty participation. We’ve had several specific events and communications that are unique this year,” Trainer said. “All of those things have helped play a role in increasing the class.”

Trainer wants to elevate those gains for Fall 2018. Admissions is laying groundwork to more effectively leverage collaborations with Strategic Enrollment Management, individual academic units and faculty, and the UND Alumni Association and Foundation.

Faculty, alum connections

A large component of a student’s choice to attend and stay at a school is the ability of that student to make a connection, Trainer says. Some of the strongest connections can be found with initial contacts with University faculty or alumni.

“You don’t know where that connection is going to be made,” he said. “The more opportunities we can create to allow that connection to happen, the better.”

To produce more of those opportunities, Admissions is working with faculty to incorporate them into more campus visits and special events – by boosting one-on-one academic meetings, creating hands-on classroom experiences, and employing professors and advisors in more direct communication efforts.

Admissions is also interested in adding some young alumni to the mix, with the help of the UND Alumni Association and Foundation. The two units are discussing ways to link prospective students with recent UND graduates with similar career interests.

“Young alumni connect so well with prospective students because their UND experiences are fresh in their minds, and they are so keenly aware of the fact that they have achieved their success due to their time at the University of North Dakota,” said UND Alumni Association & Foundation CEO DeAnna Carlson Zink.

“There are so many passionate young alumni who are excited about the University,” DiLorenzo said. “Although they may not be in a position to provide monetary support, they are telling us that they are willing and able to help in any way they can.”

Active learning experiences with faculty and alumni interaction are part of the equation of a UND Open House event for prospective students and families set for Oct. 27-28. But the planning team is adding a third important element of the UND environment – athletics. This year, the weekend will feature a Men’s Hockey watch party and a football tailgating experience.

Whether they’re seeking a rich, innovative, and engaging academic setting; a role model who’s become a leader in action in the professional world; or a sports team that soars – more now than ever, they can find it at UND.

“There’s just a buzz and a pride that occurs here,” Trainer smiled. “It’s like joining a giant family.”