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University of Central Oklahoma
Pollution: new spermicide LONDON (AP) — Sperm may be a casualty of pollution, according to a new report that the average sperm count in healthy men has dropped by half in the past 50 years. Dr. Niels E. Skakkebaek of the University of Copenhagen directed the review of 61 studies around the world that looked at 14,947
men. "I think there is cause for concern," said Dr. Richard Sharpe, a respected reproductive biologist at the University of Edinburgh. "If there is something in our environment having an effect that is drastic enough to decrease sperm count by 50 percent, we should know what this factor is."
Iran buys nuke power WASHINGTON (AP) — China and Russia, rejecting strong appeals from U.S. officials, have decided to sell Iran nuclear reactors and technology. They argue that Iran's sole aim is to produce electricity, but the Bush administration is concerned that Iran intends to use the technology to produce weapons. See World Wrap, back page
The Student Voice Since 1903
1 .1 TUESDAY September 15, 1992
Enrollment jumps; classes crowded By Tami Watson Staff Writer
The University of Central Oklahoma is growing by leaps and bounds as fall enrollment reached an all-time high of 15,839. With 852 more students than the previous year, the figures show the largest increase since 1973 when the Vietnam War brought a large number of students back to class. The 5.5 percent increase is the biggest percentage jump since 1983 when oil patch problems brought students back to campus. "We are extremely pleased with the enrollment figures," said University President George Nigh. "I think these figures validate what we already know: that we have superior teaching, relevant programs and convenient scheduling to meet the needs of our students." Nigh addressed the problem of finding enough classroom space to meet the enrollment demands saying that "good news brings bad news." The University plans to combat the problem by stressing afternoon and evening classes. "This fall's offering of afternoon classes in a wide variety of subject matter is the greatest effort yet in our strategy to best utilize classroom space which is now at a premium, said Nigh. "Of the 284 afternoon sections now offered, half are
ENROLLMENT By Classification Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior Graduate
3,301 2,769 2,983 2,989 3,797
closed. Only 23 percent of the evening classes are closed." Nigh also added that offering weekend classes might help alleviate the crowded classroom situation. The University made available 252 additional parking spaces this semester, however with 825 additional students "we take one step forward and two steps back," said Nigh. With the added attraction of the Metro-transit bus service to the campus, Nigh hopes that more students will be encouraged to ride the bus rather than drive their cars. Carpooling would also help, he said. The total enrollment represents 75 counties in Oklahoma, 41 states and 67 foreign countries. "Although nearly 75 percent of our enrollment comes from the metro area, I think these figures reinforce the reputation that we are gaining for being a truly national and international as well as urban institution," said Nigh.
CHARACTERISTICS OF UCO STUDENTS Average Age # Female # Full-time # Minority Black Hispanic Asian Am. Indian # Foreign
28 9,174 8,684 1,863 1,028 164
245 426 962
Junior Kalyn Weir, top, (photo by Mike Simons) and Sophomore Curtis Owen, (photo by Whitney Wheeler) took advantage of Mother Nature's good mood recently .