Western enrollment increases for 7th consecutive year

By Caitlin Cress

Enrollment at Missouri Western has increased for the seventh consecutive year according to numbers released at the Board of Governors meeting Sept. 28.

There are 6,296 students enrolled at Western as of the official census date of Sept. 27. Jeanne Daffron, vice president for academic affairs, announced that enrollment has risen 2.6 percent over last fall’s numbers and approximately 27 percent since fall 2003.

Daffron noted that the percentages of part-time and non-traditional students have risen.

“I expect that has a whole lot to do with the economy,” Daffron said. “Perhaps people who have lost jobs or are finding jobs may consider this to be a good time to continue their education.”

Daffron went on to point out that, within the state of Missouri, the number of unemployed people with only a high school diploma is twice that of unemployed people with a higher degree. She applauded the students who have the initiative to continue their education.

“In this part of the state, and in Missouri as a whole, we have pretty low educational levels compared to other states around the country,” Daffron said. “We do know that it’s really important for the economic future to have well-educated citizens.”

Esther Peralez, vice president of student affairs, cited Griffon Hall as a reason for the increased enrollment numbers.

She stated that the resident halls are 92 percent full, and that fall 2011 is the first semester in many without a waiting list for on-campus housing.

High school enrollment and graduation rates across the country have been rather flat, so this larger enrollment number is unexpected.

“We really didn’t anticipate, in terms of budget, that we would have an increase,” Daffron said.

Daffron added that while this larger-than-expected enrollment does mean added revenue, it also means added expenses and pressures for the university. Kylee Strough, chair of the Board of Governors, echoed this sentiment.

“We know that if this [increased enrollment] continues, it’s added stress and strain on our facilities, as well as our staff and faculty.”

Strough did not offer a direct answer when asked which part of infrastructure would be updated first due to increased enrollment numbers.

“That comes from those that are here every day during the week,” Strough said. “It’s not for the Board to look and say ‘what do we need to do?’, because we’re not on campus living and breathing it every day.”

Strough added that the Board relies very heavily on the suggestions of students, faculty and staff and encouraged students to give their input.

The Board has begun to brainstorm ways to financially handle Western’s growing student body.

“What I can tell you is that it didn’t take more enrollment to be announced this week for the Board to look at ‘how can we begin to supplement the budget?’,” Strough said. “Looking to the state for more dollars is not the answer. They’ve told us that.”