Oct 06, 2008 - 06:54:14 CDT
Enrollment at the 11 colleges and universities in North Dakota's university system has reached a record high, a preliminary report shows.Officials attribute the jump to efforts at improving access to higher education in the state.
The university system says the preliminary report shows 43,442 students, an increase of 1,615 students, or 3.9 percent, from last year. The final report is due later this month.
The preliminary numbers show 63 percent of the students attending state colleges and universities are North Dakota residents.
"Record enrollment during a period of declining state demographics shows that the 11 university system campuses are using the flexibility recommended by the 'roundtable' process and implemented by state policy to meet the expectations of the people and state of North Dakota," said Richie Smith, president of the state Board of Higher Education.
The higher education "roundtable" of legislators, community leaders and college officials was formed about eight years ago. It gave the Higher Ed board and the 11 campuses more flexibility in managing their budgets and personnel. It also defined expectations of the university system and said the system should play a larger role in enhancing the economic and social vitality of North Dakota.
University System Chancellor Bill Goetz said outreach efforts benefit both campuses and potential students.
"Many university system colleges and universities are offering courses and programs at offsite locations, often on the campuses of sister institutions," he said. "University system campuses also are reaching additional students through access to high-quality online education."
Comments are reviewed for taste, tone and language before posting.
Some comments may be used in the Tribune's print edition.
We value and respect your privacy, but The Bismarck Tribune might
disclose certain information to governmental entities if served with subpoena.