TWU Sets New Enrollment Record

9/15/04

DENTON – Strategic planning and hard work have resulted in an all-time enrollment record of 10,737 students at Texas Woman’s University. The 10.6 percent increase marks the fifth consecutive semester of double-digit enrollment growth at TWU.

Most important, TWU’s total semester credit hours are up 10.7 percent from 94,861 last fall to 104,990 hours — also a record. Student credit hours, not headcount, determine the university’s state funding. All numbers are based on 12th class day data.

“This milestone in TWU's history could not have been achieved without the diligent efforts of faculty and staff in working the university's strategic enrollment plan,” said TWU Chancellor and President Dr. Ann Stuart. “This is no small accomplishment, and I congratulate everyone for the part they played in setting this record.”

Expanded programs, admissions outreach efforts, improved processing of applications, enhanced marketing efforts and closer ties with high schools and community colleges are elements of the strategic enrollment plan lead by Dr. Stuart.

“The enrollment growth is a positive indicator of the excellence in the academic programs at TWU,” noted Dr. Cheryl Samuels, provost. “It is clear that the faculty and staff are dedicated to student success and they’ve built relationships to help ensure that success.”

Students also recognize and appreciate the efforts of faculty and staff. “I’m known by name here. I’m not a Social Security number like at other universities,” said Denton native Teneisha McKinney. The sophomore, a member of the Pioneers’ basketball team who transferred this fall from Grayson County College, noted that TWU began recruiting her while she was a junior in high school and maintained contact with her the past three years.

“When I started looking at colleges, TWU was the first and only university to respond to my e-mails,” said Kenny Jacobs, a freshman business major from Galveston. “Once I decided on TWU, the admissions office e-mailed me about every week keeping me updated on what I needed to know. Everybody, instructors and staff, have been great and helpful.”

Enrollment Breakdown

Enrollment at the Denton campus is 8,454 students, up from 7,547 in fall 2003. Enrollment at the Dallas centers grew to 1,019 students, up from 990. Houston center enrollment is 1,264, compared to 1,172 last fall.

Undergraduate enrollment increased to 5,820 students, from 5,344 in fall 2003. Graduate enrollment grew to 4,913 from 4,365. An additional four students were listed as unclassified at the close of the 12th class day.

The previous enrollment record of 10,090 students was set during fall 1994.

Honors Scholars Program

TWU’s Honors Scholars Program — which emphasizes research, writing and technology — enrolled 45 new freshmen whose average SAT score is 1,291. Started in 2000 with 25 students, the program currently is at capacity with 200 students, freshmen through seniors. Plans are underway to open the program to more students next fall.

Honors Scholar participants have the opportunity to work with faculty members, the option of living in special housing and can take advantage of a variety of extracurricular activities. To be eligible for the program, a freshman must score at least 1,220 on the SAT or have graduated in the top 10 percent of his or her high school class.

Professional Programs

Continued strong growth in the executive MBA, master of arts in teaching (MAT), and library sciences and family studies master’s degree programs reflects TWU’s success in achieving its mission of educating leaders in the professional fields.

“All these programs have online components, but also offer the opportunity for face-to-face interaction with faculty,” said Dr. Jennifer Martin, dean of the graduate school. “Students find that combination of online and personal contact appealing.”

More than 300 students are enrolled in the EMBA program, up from 232 students in fall 2003. EMBA enrollment continues past the official census day, so final enrollment figures for that program are not available. The MAT program has 211 students, compared to 73 when it was established last fall. Some 539 students are enrolled in the library sciences master’s program, up from 495 in fall 2003. The master’s program in family studies has increased to 169 students, up from last year’s number of 113.

General Studies Degree and Distance Education

The new bachelor of general studies degree (BGS), which allows upper-level courses to be completed online, was launched this fall with 104 students. The BGS is designed for transfer students, working adults returning to school to complete a degree or students who earned an associate’s degree elsewhere and desire a bachelor’s degree.

“The BGS is off to a strong start,” said Teresa Mauk, executive director of enrollment management. “Obviously, there’s a market for this program and TWU is proud to provide these students with the opportunity to complete their bachelor’s degrees.”

Indicative of the increasing popularity of online learning, the number of TWU students taking at least one distance learning class has increased to 3,004, up from 2,408 last fall. Students taking only distance learning classes increased to 1,367 from 1,077.

Building For Growth

TWU’s strategic growth plan includes building facilities and parking, and renovating existing buildings for new purposes.

Occupancy in university housing is up 7 percent this fall, and at capacity, with 1,438 students living on campus. To meet increased demand, TWU is building new apartment-style housing for students with families and for single students on the Denton campus.The new residence halls will open in August 2005. Also on the Denton campus, a new parking lot containing 88 spaces is under construction at the intersection of Bell Avenue and Administration Drive.

In 2005, TWU will break ground on a new $37 million state-of-the-art urban campus at Houston’s Texas Medical Center. The 10-story, 202,000 square-foot campus, which will replace TWU’s existing Houston Center, will prepare the state’s next generation of nurses, physical and occupational therapists and nutritionists to meet the evolving health needs of Texans.

At TWU’s Dallas-Parkland campus, plans are underway to renovate three floors of a former residence hall into classrooms and office space. Additional parking also will be made available.

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For Further Information Contact:

Roy Kron
Director of News and Information
Tel: (940) 898-3456
e-mail: rkron@twu.edu