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University of Central Oklahoma
The Student Voice Since 1903
THURSDAY January 16, 1997
Snowed in... UCO Physical Plant employee, Charles Brimer, shovels snow on the west side of the University Center last Friday. (Staff photo by John Clanton)
Enrollment down from last year By Patrice Patterson Staff Writer
U
CO's spring enrollment has decreased by 5.6 percent in comparison to spring enrollment of 1996, said Jerry Legere, assistant vice president of enrollment. As of Jan. 10, total spring enrollment was 12,908, versus 13,683 on the same day of last year. A boost in the economy may be one of the reasons enrollment has decreased. Jobs are available and
INDEX Editorial
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Sports 8,9 Around Campus ... 14 Around Town
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Classifieds
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unemployment is lower than it's been in the past, said Legere. "Enrollment mirrors the economy. When the economy is good and jobs are available, fewer students come to school. When the economy goes down and jobs are scarce, people go back to school," he said. To help combat the enrollment decline, UCO has been advertising on local television stations. A 30-second commercial starring President Nigh ran during the enrollment period until Jan. 10, said Linda Jones, director of communications and
COMMISSION Members of a Regents think tank examine education concerns.
publications. Dr. Ed Cunliff, director of institutional research and planning, said, "Few people realize that occasionally there are classes or workshops that don't start until the middle of the semester which will alter the ultimate number of those enrolled." "In late enrollment, 850 people enrolled during the first week last year," said Legere. This year's late registration will continue through Jan. 17, at which time there will be a more complete status of the total enrollment at UCO.
Fewer students canceled for non-payment fees There is a considerable decrease in the number of students being canceled for non-payment of fees this semester at UCO. As of Jan. 3, a total of 572 students were canceled, in comparison to 1,004 students in spring 1996. This represents a 47 percent reduction in those canceled for non-payment. There are several reasons for the decline in the number of students being canceled, said Jerry Legere, assistant vice president of enrollment. The payment deadline, Dec. 18, is separate from the cancellation deadline, Jan. 3. The Bursar office notified students who missed the payment deadline, that they could retain their class schedule by paying tuition along with a $10 penalty charge before the cancellation day. More financial-aid students were allowed automatic exemption from cancellation because financial aid is usually awarded. The final reason Legere gave for the decrease was the fact that late registration started immediately after cancellation. ,
INSIDE TODAY FEATURE Read about one UCO's professor 's two-week visit to Uganda.
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KING
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March, screening, speakers to mark Martin Luther King's birthday.