A surge of student interest has fueled a record-setting freshman class at the University of Indianapolis, which expects this fall’s total enrollment to rise well past 5,000.
Applications to UIndy jumped 45 percent this year to 7,426. The resulting crop of new faces on campus will include more than 800 freshmen and more than 200 transfer students, by conservative estimate. Classes begin Aug. 30.
The top two majors among new students are nursing and pre-physical therapy, disciplines in which UIndy has nationally recognized graduate programs. Students seem to be looking for so-called “recession-proof” fields that see job growth even in a down economy, said Mark Weigand, UIndy’s vice president for Student Affairs & Enrollment Management.
“Our health-related programs are definitely leading this increase,” Weigand said, noting that pre-occupational therapy and pre-medicine also are among the popular majors. “In times like these, higher education overall is more attractive, because investing in the future seems more prudent than entering the workforce right away.”
With the jump in applications, UIndy also saw an increase in campus tours by prospective students, he said. Those who visit tend to enroll.
“I think people are noticing the expanded housing options, the renovated student center and the increasingly inviting feel of the campus,” Weigand said. “Apparently they like what they see.”
Other UIndy news this fall includes:
Move-In Day – Aug. 25
The annual tradition of Move-In Day continues on Wednesday, Aug. 25, when hordes of new students will be greeted by hundreds of faculty, staff and student volunteers, who will happily guide them to their residence halls and carry their belongings to their rooms.
New athletics center
Construction is under way on the Student Athletics and Recreation Center, due to open later this year to boost capacity for field sports and other activities. The facility also will serve temporarily as the NFC practice site for the 2012 Super Bowl.
New academic programs
The School of Business’ minor in entrepreneurship is now available to non-business majors, offering all students hands-on experience in crafting a business plan and obtaining capital for a commercial venture. UIndy’s Center for Aging & Community has made its undergraduate certificate in aging studies available online, as an alternative to the classroom format.
New radio programming
University-owned radio station WICR-88.7 FM/HD1/HD2, Indianapolis’ home for jazz and classical music, will add pop and rock to its sound when a third HD channel debuts later this fall. For listeners without HD receivers, the music is available online at wicr.uindy.edu and on campus through the cable TV system.
