ACADEMICS For the third consecutive year, the freshman-to-sophomore retention rate for fulltime freshmen set a new university record. Additionally, the entering freshman class is again one of the most academically qualified in school history. The class of 1,715 had a composite ACT score of 24.2 and a composite high school GPA of 3.59. With 10,335 students, fall 2020 headcount was down 4.9% compared to Fall 2019. Overall student credit hour production is down 3.9%, which is less than the 5% decrease planned for in the university’s FY21 budget. The university budgeted for an expected enrollment decline. Factors related to COVID influenced concurrent, out-of-state and international enrollments. Still, enrollment exceeded university expectations and the student body remains at more than 10,000. “I see many things in our preliminary numbers that make me proud,” said Patricia Poulter, provost and executive vice president. “It is more important now than ever to ensure our students have the support they need to get from freshman orientation to graduation. Our incredible faculty and staff, strong student success initiatives, and outstanding academic instruction continue to set us apart and help our students succeed on campus and after graduation.” Almost eight out of every 10 freshmen from fall 2019 returned to UCA for the fall 2020 semester. At 78.8%, the retention rate for the fall 2019 cohort is the highest in university history, up from 74.7% in 2018. Overall freshman-to-sophomore retention of underrepresented students is at 79.2%, up from 72.3% the previous year. This includes an 86.4% retention rate for Asian students; 81.5% for Black students, which is a 10% increase over last year; and 75.2% for Hispanic students.
New degree program and certificate CERTIFICATE OF PROFICIENCY IN HEALTH COACHING This undergraduate certificate requires completion of 14 credit hours. It prepares students for employment in health promotion and wellness programs found in businesses, corporations, exercise/fitness centers, and clinics, as well as for self-employment opportunities.
EDUCATIONAL SPECIALIST DEGREE IN DIGITAL AGE TEACHING AND LEARNING This program is geared toward the education professional who wants to go beyond the master’s degree with a focus on how to transform their classroom into an environment where digital-age students have increased voice and choice in their learning. This is a 30-hour graduate degree program delivered fully online.
4 | 2020 - 21 AN N UA L R E PO R T
