4.3 percent decline in student attendance

President Jesse Rogers said enrollment is probably the university’s greatest priority at this time.

Due to the decline in enrollment, the university fell short of its budget by $1 million in tuition for this fiscal year.

“This is my greatest concern at this time and maybe so for the next few years,” Rogers said.

Midwestern took another hit by the state of Texas due to the university’s low enrollment. The state made budget cuts for higher education of $2.3 million per year. There was also an increase in tuition waivers required by the Hazelwood Act.

“Since students pay approximately 40 percent of the cost of our academic program, we must increase our enrollment to make up for the nearly $4 million decrease in revenue over the past two years,” he said.

According to Rogers, the university is down approximately $7 million per year.

Enrollment is down 266 students since fall 2011. The university saw an overall decrease in every classification, expect new first-time freshmen, which rose 0.8 percent. The university welcomed 606 full-time new first time freshmen this semester.

In a press release released by Midwestern, Keith Lamb, vice president for student affairs and enrollment management, said the fall enrollment numbers show an increase in retention rates, class loads and graduation rates.

Lamb was promoted last year to handling all enrollment management and given the primary duty of putting in place programs to increase the university’s enrollment. Former director of student development and orientation, Matthew Park was promoted this semester to associate vice president for student affairs and enrollment management.

“Matthew Park was elevated in order to take pressure off of Dr. Lamb as he spends much of his time on recruiting trips and developing recruiting plans,” Rogers said.

Seniors continue to have the largest enrollment group with 1,923 full-time and part-time enrollments.

“With a drop in enrollment comes a corresponding drop in available funding, including student service fees,” Park said.

Parks said the department is in the process of launching a new early alert and intervention system called MAP-works, which is designed to enhance student success and retention.

“Our first year will focus on beginning freshmen,” Park said. “As a result of collaborations across the institution throughout student affairs, academic affairs and enrollment management. We hope to better reach out, connect with and support our students with intention and objectivity.”

Rogers said due to the economic downtown and increased admission standards, the university has a smaller beginning class and a larger graduating class.

This resulted in the enrollment drop, Rogers said.

“A stable enrollment is the goal of everyone at the university,” said Howard Farrell, vice president for university advancement and public affairs. “Our focus on outstanding freshman will increase our retention and assist in our future growth.”