ORU enrollment numbers increase
By Sheldon Yoder

Oral Roberts University experienced a marked increase in graduate school enrollment, while undergraduate school enrollment decreased for the 2002-2003 year.

The graduate schools grew by 8 percent, well above the anticipated percent growth. "It's probably the largest single increase in the last five years," said David Fulmer, Director of the Adult Learning Service Center (ALSC).

Summer school and correspondence enrollment experienced 5-year highs as well. Both of these programs are overseen by the center.

The number of new students for the undergraduate school, however, is down 19 students from last year's figures, according to Chris Belcher, Director of Undergraduate Admissions. The number of students who applied and were accepted was actually up from last year, which initially raised expectations for an increase in new students.

Overall, however, ORU has experienced a gradual increase in undergraduate enrollment numbers over the past decade, growing by several hundred.

Belcher believes the economic downturn affecting the U.S. was an important factor in the lower numbers, citing a study recently conducted by Boston educational consulting firm Maguire and Associates. The March 2002 study of graduating high school seniors indicated students and parents across the nation were concerned about the state of the U.S. economy, and that it could be a factor in their college choice.

In the graduate schools, the School of Business experienced the most growth, expanding by nearly 15 percent, while the Schools of Theology and Education increased by a marginal 2 percent. This compares to last year, when enrollment in the graduate schools fell by about 2 percent as a whole.

Fulmer attributes the growth to recruitment efforts and God's provision. "It's really the Lord," Fulmer said. "As far as our efforts go, we just feel that we've never done enough...The Lord multiplies the efforts that we've done, and the contacts that we've made and just brings in the students."

According to Fulmer, the increase does not create any problems with providing class space and faculty for the students. Most graduate classes meet at night, which alleviates the need for more classrooms.

Other factors also differentiate graduate school growth from undergraduate. "Since [most] graduate students don't live on campus, facility size-wise and resources-wise, there's still plenty of room for expansion," Fulmer said.

Both the ALSC and Undergraduate Admissions are reviewing methods for attracting potential students.

Because research shows that students are looking for colleges at younger ages than previously, undergraduate recruiters at ORU are focusing on a more service-oriented approach for attracting potential students. The University will give students and parents college preparation advice, such as how to save for college, look for scholarships and prepare for the desired school.

College visits such as College Weekend will be heavily emphasized as well. According to Lori Sylvester, Assistant Director of Recruitment, 75 to 80 percent of students who attend a College Weekend enroll at ORU.

Current students can play an important role in recruitment efforts, said Sylvester. The University hopes students will plug the school among their friends and acquaintances.

Recruitment efforts for the graduate school are currently focused on achieving wide-spread recognition. Fulmer said many people looking for a graduate school simply do not realize that ORU exists. "When [prospective students] see the quality of our program, they're like, 'Wow, I didn't know you were there!" Fulmer said. "Yes, we are here!"

According to Fulmer, however, the biggest advertisement ORU has available is word of mouth. "Our graduates and current students are the best form of PR that we could have, because the product is what [prospective students] are interested in," Fulmer said, echoing the sentiment of the undergraduate recruitment office.

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