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DSU STUDENT HEAD COUNT INCREASES DESPITE FEWER SD HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES

Madison-Dakota State University officials released enrollment numbers for Fall 2005 today (Tuesday).  The number of SD high school graduates is declining, but the student head count at DSU rose from 2,295 students in 2004 to 2,329, while full-time equivalent (FTE) dipped slightly from 1,514 to 1,504.  The full-time equivalent figure counts part-time students as a fraction of a student, so two half-time students equal one full-time equivalent student.

Also released were the final figures on new student registrations. Dakota State had a 15% increase in new student registrations, including freshmen and transfers,  up to 537 from 467 in 2004.

“We are pleased that once again DSU has set a new record enrollment,” stated DSU President Dr. Douglas Knowlton.  “The decline in the number of high school graduates in South Dakota presents particular challenges to Dakota State.  We have focused on getting the message out that at DSU our students receive personal attention, they have access to cutting edge technology, and as graduates, they have excellent job opportunities.  Our increased numbers show potential students are getting that message.” 

Admission Director Amy Crissinger agreed with Dr. Knowlton’s assessment, emphasizing the initiatives Dakota State had in place to recruit and retain students. “I’m pleased with the way the admission staff responded to and executed our enhanced recruitment plan,” said Crissinger.  “It was challenging and ultimately rewarding with our increase in new students.   I also appreciate how the campus as a whole contributed to the success of the plan by doing what they could to help in the development and implementation of the various recruitment strategies.”

Enrollment figures for the six public universities in South Dakota were released Tuesday from Pierre.