The class of 2013 is about 500 fewer than last year. According to fall 2009 payment records, approximately 789 freshmen were enrolled as of Sept. 1. These records report that 1,353 freshmen were enrolled in September 2008.
According to a Winston-Salem Journal article published Aug. 21, the smaller incoming class is a reflection of the school’s desire to admit fewer freshmen.
“The large freshmen class in 2008 led to challenges as the University faced maximum capacity,” said Aaron Singleton, in News and Media Relations at Winston-Salem State.
“This strain was felt throughout the campus in educational opportunities, including the hiring of faculty, the scheduling of classrooms, transportation and housing,” he said.
Tomikia LeGrande, assistant vice chancellor for enrollment management, has been instrumental in the University’s overall plan to lower freshmen enrollment.
“The large class that enrolled in 2008 put a strain on the University’s infrastructure,” LeGrande said.
“The 2009 freshmen enrollment is in alignment with our infrastructure and our continued commitment to excellence in student retention and the student experience at WSSU.
“The number of students in the 2009 freshmen class is consistent with our enrollment objectives.”
Inadequate housing was one of the obstacles as a result of the larger freshmen class in 2008.
Approximately one year ago, the University was forced to seek alternative housing for upper classmen to be able to house all freshmen on campus.
This year housing has not been an issue.
Linda Gregg, administrative support associate in the Office of Housing & Residence Life, said she thinks the overall process ran much smoother this year.
“With lower freshmen numbers, we were able to accommodate all freshmen with housing,” Gregg said.
A few changes were implemented this year along with the smaller freshmen class, including a new weeklong orientation called “Ramdition.”
Ramdition was created for small classroom-style groups working with student leaders.
This semester, WSSU’s goal was to admit students with high academic profiles.
“This is the highest-quality freshmen class, overall, ever enrolled at WSSU,” LeGrande said.
“The Chancellor’s strategic priority for retention and graduation requires an increase in the admission standards.”
Michelle Releford, dean of University College worked with every area of the University to make the orientation a success.
“If you want to increase retention, you have to look at the academic side and the effective side of students,” Releford said.
“If you do that, you have a better chance to move forward.” The profile of the 2009 freshmen class will be released upon certification by UNC General Administration.
Edited by Marcus CunninghamCopy Desk Chief