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Enrollment Down, But SIUC Officials Point to Some Positives in Fall Numbers

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SIU Communications & Marketing
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SIU

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is down nearly 700 students for the Fall of 2015, but administrators say there are some bright points to focus on.

The total number of students taking classes after the first ten days of class is 17,292. That's 697 fewer than the same time last year - and statistics show there are fewer freshmen, seniors, and graduate students on campus.

On a positive note, SIU President and Interim SIUC Chancellor Randy Dunn says he's pleased to see larger sophomore and junior classes. He says it shows increased retention efforts are working.

Interim Provost Susan Ford says a smaller freshman class is not necessarily a negative. She says SIUC chose to admit fewer provisional students - those who have lower test scores and are at  higher risk of not succeeding - in an effort to keep more students on campus for a full college career.

We do students a disservice when we admit them before they are ready to be successful. ~SIUC Interim Provost Susan Ford

“We do students a disservice when we admit them before they are ready to be successful,” Ford said. “Many underprepared students drop out, even with the additional support we provide. At the same time, we remain committed to giving the students we do admit the tools they need to be successful if they have gaps in academic preparedness.”

Ford says a change in Brazil's Science Mobility Program means there are roughly half as many Brazilian students on campus.

In addition, the state budget crisis is being blamed in part for a smaller number of graduate students taking classes this fall. Dunn says because the university waited to offer assistantships while the stalemate continued, many students chose to go elsewhere rather than wait through the uncertainty. SIU moved to fill the positions shortly before the semester began.

Jennifer Fuller joined Capitol News Illinois in July 2023 as the organization’s broadcast director. She will oversee the launch and operations of CNI’s new broadcast division.

Contact Jennifer Fuller at jfuller@capitolnewsillinois.com
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