2008 Freshman Class Breaks Records
The arrival of fall means many new faces walking the tree-lined sidewalks of the University of Kentucky campus. Whether they are trying to understand current energy issues in a Discovery Seminar, looking for opportunities to work with UK faculty on federally-funded medical research projects, mapping out their own political futures by participating in Student Government, or cheering on the CATS in Commonwealth Stadium, this year’s freshmen class adds more diversity and academic achievements than ever before to the UK family.
UK is experiencing a record number of minority students in its 2008 freshman class, as the academic quality of the class advances as well: two of the core principles of UK’s quest to become a Top 20 Public Research University.
In addition to the encouraging enrollment news, UK received even more good news in its goal to retain the best and brightest students once they arrive on campus. Based on a preliminary analysis, retention of last year's freshmen who returned to UK this year is 81 percent, a record high.
"I am extremely pleased with the diversity and quality of this year's freshman class," said UK President Lee T. Todd, Jr. "Increasing our freshman African-American enrollment by one-third is an important stride in meeting our diversity goals. And having increased the average ACT score while increasing the number of students in the freshman class over last year is a testament to our faculty and admissions staff's ability to attract the best and brightest students."
According to preliminary enrollment figures, 4,044 students make up UK's 2008-2009 freshman class, up from 3,865 last year. This brings undergraduate enrollment to 18,995 and overall enrollment to 26,901 this fall. Minority enrollment increased significantly with the number of African-American freshmen reaching an all time high of 341, a 32 percent increase over last year. Freshman Hispanic enrollment is at 61 this year, a 39 percent increase.
UK Provost Kumble Subbaswamy believes the increase in African-American enrollment is due in part to the success of African-American students already enrolled at UK. "When high school students see their peers staying at the University of Kentucky and thriving in their academic programs here, they realize UK is a place where they, too, can succeed." Overall African-American undergraduate enrollment for fall 2008 is 1,628, a 14.7 percent increase over last year.
The larger class reflected the fact that the number of applications submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Admission increased. The University received a record number of undergraduate applications this year, 11,120, up 4.7 percent from last year and marking the first time that applications have topped the 11,000 mark.
"In addition to an overall downturn in the economy usually resulting in more college applications, this increase also reflects a more aggressive approach we've taken with recruitment," said Don Witt, assistant provost for enrollment management. "We worked with high school counselors and stressed applying early as well as communicating directly with students through targeted e-mails and other mailings."
The average ACT score increased from 24.3 last year to 24.4 this year and the average GPA jumped from 3.48 in 2007 to 3.52. The number of Governor's Scholars and Governor's Performing Arts Scholars hit a record high of 389 in UK's freshman class compared to 348 last year. The number of National Merit Scholars is up by four to 32 this year and the number of National Achievement Scholars increased to two.
Transfer student enrollment increased by nearly 100 students this year to 940. Graduate student enrollment held steady this fall with 5,783 students enrolled in the graduate and graduate professional programs.
"We are seeing a higher enrollment in the graduate professional programs of nursing, public health and physical therapy," said Jeannine Blackwell, dean of The Graduate School. "Doctorates in agriculture, fine arts, health sciences, and pharmacy are attracting more students."
Subbaswamy noted that not only are UK enrollment numbers up in many categories, but first-year student retention from 2007 to 2008 is up as well, confirming the initial success of the "War on Attrition" the Provost launched in fall 2007. The program included, among other things, the addition of new academic advisers for freshmen and an academic alert system to flag students who are at risk of not being successful.
UK's record retention rate is a sign of UK's commitment to enhancing the undergraduate experience and helping each student achieve success.
It is a campus-wide effort that includes the academic areas and the Office of Student Affairs. UK not only welcomed new students with K Week, but also offers countless opportunities to get involved in extracurricular activities from the moment they set foot on campus.
Discovering more about the support available to students and the opportunities offered to the entire UK community is simple. Just visit the Student Life page and you'll find dozens of links to help you find your place in the UK community.
