UC Continues Record-Breaking Enrollment

The University of Cincinnati is again preparing for an all-time record enrollment in its 192-year history as students begin classes on Sept. 21. September figures suggest that UC could see a total enrollment of more than 42,750 students – up 3.4 percent from last year’s record-breaking enrollment. The freshman class, projected to number as high as 6,200, is up nearly 4 percent from last fall. The number of baccalaureate degree-seeking freshmen expected on UC’s Uptown campus – a projected 4,241 – is up nearly 9 percent from last fall.

Because of the housing demand on the Uptown Campus for out-of-town freshmen, UC’s Office of Housing and Food Services arranged to master-lease 100 beds at Sterling McMillan University Housing apartments near campus and is adding resident advisors to assist students. The apartments are located on the UC Shuttle run to campus. On-campus housing is filled at 4,000, including approximately 800 returning students.

The robust freshman class follows a 22 percent increase in campus visits, such as tours and open houses for prospective students.

“The academic strength of freshmen seeking baccalaureate degrees continues to meet the strong academic standards that UC has established to build on student success, retention and graduation rates,” says Santa Ono, UC senior vice president for academic affairs and provost.

The academic quality of the freshman class reflects goals outlined in the UC2019 Strategic Plan which is charting the transformation of the university into one of the best academic institutions in the world.

UC is welcoming 45 incoming freshman National Merit finalists, tying the record number entering as freshmen last fall. Nationally, these students represent the top 1 percent of all high school graduates. UC’s College of Engineering and Applied Science reports it has doubled the number of freshman National Merit Finalists entering the college this fall.

UC will have a record overall number of 157 National Merit finalists enrolled this fall as the university continues to strive toward a target goal of enrolling 200 National Merit finalists as part of the UC2019 Strategic Plan.

First-year retention of the 2010 freshman class is holding at 85 percent, with goals of retention of first-year students at 90 percent.

UC is also reporting increased numbers and percentages of students of color in the baccalaureate freshman class – 13.5 percent, compared with 12.7 percent last fall. “This is an important building block in UC’s soon to be released Diversity Plan,” notes Mitchel D. Livingston, vice president for student affairs and chief diversity officer.

Enrollment of undergraduate and graduate international students is up more than 9 percent from last fall, and UC’s graduate student enrollment is expected to be 8.8 percent higher than 2010.

“Other key markets for UC include the metro and reciprocity counties in Kentucky and Indiana where freshman enrollments project to increase by 22 percent and 61 percent respectively,” reports Caroline Miller, senior associate vice president for enrollment management.

Summer renovations to a former dining facility added additional classrooms to accommodate the growing crowds of students on UC’s Uptown Campus.

Click here for more background on UC’s record enrollment

Previous enrollment figures at UC

New This Fall

Transforming Learning

UC2019 Boosts Merit, First-Generation Scholarships – Dozens of incoming University of Cincinnati freshmen are awarded new funding to support their education under the UC2019 Strategic Plan.

The World as the Classroom – New UC2019 funding supports goals of doubling the number of University of Cincinnati students studying abroad and pursuing international experiences.

Tech Trends/Services

Residence Halls Go Wireless – While students were on summer break, UC Information Technologies installed wireless service in the residence halls, part of a UC 2019 Academic Plan to eventually create a campus that is 100 percent wireless.

Students on Social Media – UC Admissions reports that the office had 1,735 social followers – on Facebook – 1,082, and Twitter – 653. The UC Admissions Class of 2015/Co-op 2016 Facebook page has 2,029 fans.

Expanded Distance Learning Options – Three UC colleges are expanding distance learning options for students who are getting their learning time in on their own time.

New Classroom Space – Renovations accommodate UC’s growing student population.

New Shuttle Service – The UC Blue Ash shuttle connects students with the Uptown Campus.

New Dining Options – The Tangeman University Center Food Court opens a Taco Bell and Papa John’s this fall. UC’s Mick & Mack’s Contemporary Café, which attracts diners from UC and the outside community, is set to open on for lunch on Sept. 19 after undergoing summer renovations. Campus Services continues to address the dining preferences of today’s students, UC’s dining centers will offer gluten-free choices.

New Programs

New Bachelor’s Degree Program at UC Clermont College – The Bachelor of Technical and Applied Studies (BTAS) degree is designed for working adults who want to move into supervisory or administrative positions in a technological field. 

New Bachelor’s in Environmental Engineering – The program will examine environmental challenges in the air, water, land and subsurface, as well as how to address these problems in a sustainable manner.

MBA Program Expands – The MBA ACCEND program at the Carl H. Lindner College of Business expands across all baccalaureate colleges this fall. From education to music to design, students can earn a bachelor’s in their chosen field and a master’s degree in business administration in as little as five years. The program first launched in the College of Engineering and Applied Science, which celebrated its first graduates last spring.

New Certificate Programs – UC’s McMicken College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) begins three new certificate programs: religious studies, film and media, and critical visions.

Arts Expansion for Community Surrounding UC Blue Ash – This fall at UC Blue Ash College, UC’s College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) Preparatory Department begins classes in music and theater.

Continuing Initiatives

The Green Move-In – During the move into the residence halls, UC’s recycling initiatives aim to equal or surpass the eight tons of cardboard collected from last fall’s move-in.

Bear-ginnings Ambassadors Set to Greet Students
Students navigating campus on the first day of classes will be greeted across the West Campus by 25 UC employees who are volunteers for the new Bear-ginnings Ambassador Program, under the direction of Student Affairs and Services. The volunteers will welcome students, offer candy and answer questions as the activity on campus gets into full swing.

Rent-A-Text: An Affordable Alternative
University of Cincinnati Bookstores enters the second year of its Rent-A-Text Program, which provides 50 percent or more savings off the price of new textbooks. Linda Gindele, director of UC Bookstores, says the program saved students $926,000 during the 2010-11 academic year, and those savings are anticipated to grow even more over the current academic year.

New Names

UC Blue Ash – A new name for what was formerly Raymond Walters College.

Carl H. Lindner College of Business – The new name for what was formerly the College of Business honors a longtime supporter and outstanding business leader.

New People

Thomas Boat, MD, became dean of the UC College of Medicine on July 1.

Peter Landgren became dean of the College-Conservatory of Music on Sept. 1.

Greer Glazer is the newly appointed dean of the College of Nursing, effective January 2012.

William Ball, MD, is the appointed interim vice president for research.

Robert Zierolf is interim dean of the UC Graduate School.

Ryan Hays was recently appointed vice provost for faculty development and deputy to the provost.

New Accolades

The University of Cincinnati is classified as a Research University (Very High Research Activity) by the Carnegie Commission and is ranked as one of America’s top 25 public research universities by the National Science Foundation. The Princeton Review lists UC in the 2012 edition of its annual college guide, “The Best 376 Colleges.” Sky Magazine recently named UC among the world’s top 10 inspiring campuses.