Number of first-year students exceeds 300 for first time

by Jennifer Devereaux staff writer \

If it seems to you that there are a large number of first-year studen~you are right. There are 362 first-year student$ enrolled in the Fall 2000 semester. This chiss size is rather large compared to past years, considering the number of incoming students has never exceeded 300.

With all of these new students, one wQnders how the registrar's office dealt with these numbers. According to Katen Karlsen, who is the assistant registrar, their operations have run quite smoothly. Karlsen, along with the other members of the registrar's office, have been very busy since the onset of the semester. Karlsen was joined in this effort by Raymond I. Matzelle, Registrar/ Assistant Dean for Academic Services, Camille Tinney and May 2000 graduate Chad May.

Over the past summer, Lisa Meehan, a junior, worked very hard to complete all of the first-year student registration. As a result of her effort, most of the first-year student's schedules are completed prior to their

July 21 and 25 orientation dates.

According to Karlsen, the drop/add period of time was not as hectic as prior years, with the exception of Monday, August 28 the registrar's office did have to make quite an effort to fit many of the first-year students into certain classes.

For example, three more sections of English 101 had to be added to accommodate all the students. Also, some classes, like one Seminar 100 section, which is composed of first-year students who placed out of English 101, had to exceed the cap of 18 by one student. Another class which has been difficult to place many first-year students into is Psychology 101, Introduction to Psychology.

Inspite of the extra challenges the registrar's office has faced, Karlsen said, "I think the registration has gone well, we've done a good job at getting first-year students into good and appropriate classes."

Before the first-year students touched base with the registrar's office, they were in contact with the admissions department of the college.

According to Vicki Maumus and Steve

Colfer, assistant directors of admissions, the college has expanded its recruiting area. As a result of this, high school students from a more national level know about Cabrini.

Not only is the college going out to recruit more students, many are coming to us.

Cabrini's academic reputation is growing. We have many more prospective students coming to visit the campus, many more than we've had in past years. Moreover, the college's applicant pool for this academic year was greater than it's ever been.

Not only is Cabrini growing by numbers of students but also by numbers of majors. Three new majors have been added to the schools curriculum. They include Internet Computing, Environmental Science and Sports Science. With such a variety to choose from, prospective students are more likely to find something they like.

Both Maumus and Colfer were very pleased with the admission's process this year. Maumus said, "I think that overall, we've recruited a very good first-year class. They're smarter, more outgoing and because of their attitudes, everything's gone great. Everyone on Cabrini's campus has done a great job of getting the first-year students acclimated to Cabrini."

Colfer added,"Overall, I think that the transition of bringing the largest class of first-year students in has gone smoothly. The hard work of the administration and student services has paid off in allowing the class to begin their academics at Cabrini."

So from the point of view of both the registrar's and admissions offices, the large number of incoming students did not ·prove to be a problem. But what do the students think?

Commuting senior Brad Hurley said, 'Toe school is definitly overcrowded. It is very difficult and time consuming to find parking spaces. Even if you come to school early you may still not arrive to your class on time because you're driving around looking for somewhere to park."

Junior Christopher Swift, who resides on campus, said, "In general, the whole campus is crowded. It's most easily recognized in the cafeteria and the houses, where our lobbies were changed into dorm rooms. I really don't mind it though. At least things aren't boring."