Ohio University announced that freshman Fall-to-Winter Quarter retention declined by 0.9 percent this year, less than a month after the university reported a drop in applications - another potential snag in next year's already troubled budget.
OU admitted 4,059 freshmen this fall. Of those, 94.8 percent - 3,848 freshmen - returned for Winter Quarter. Last academic year, 95.7 percent of freshman returned to OU after winter break.
The decline could be an indicator of trouble for OU's freshman-to-sophomore retention rate, which was 81.5 percent from fall 2008 to fall 2009.
A decrease in fall enrollment would force OU to make additional budget cuts.
OU has already proposed cutting $13.75 million from next year's budget.
This information just makes us all the more cautious (when planning the budget)
said Rebecca Vazquez-Skillings, associate vice president of budget planning and analysis. The increase in Fall Quarter 2009 enrollment left OU official optimistic but the retention and application numbers are, significantly lower compared to last year.
As of Feb. 8, the number of applications had decreased by 5 percent compared to the same time last year.
There is a real possibility that these student will come back
said Craig Cornell, vice provost for enrollment management. We are seeing students being much more mobile in their education.
Some students switch between the Athens campus and a branch campus or online courses, he added. OU doesn't record the number of students who leave and later re-enroll at the university.
Students are concerned about affordability, Cornell said, adding that he does not think the upcoming switch from quarters to semesters and planned budget cuts have affected retention or application numbers.
A study conducted in 2000 suggests that OU's enrollment could fall by as much as 19 percent during the switch from quarters to semesters and could cost OU up to $20 million in lost revenue, according to a previous Post story.
Last year
(students) applied later than ever before
Cornell said.
OU has seen significant growth in online and regional courses, he said.
The numbers of students enrolled off-campus for lifelong and distance learning increased from 647 to 1,344 students - or by 92.8 percent - from fall 2008 to 2009. Regional campus enrollment rose from 8,344 to 9,712 students, a 16.4 percent increase from last year.
I think as the economy continues to lag...I think there will be continued opportunity for growth (online and on regional campuses)
Cornell said.
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