September 3, 2014

Record number of students welcomed

CU Colorado Springs Convocation 2014
By Tom Hutton | CU Colorado Springs

Most members of a 1,700-strong freshman class at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs attended Opening Convocation Aug. 20 at the Gallogly Events Center.

But this was no pomp and circumstance ceremony. The students were greeted by faculty and staff wearing black and gold t-shirts who applauded them and donned sunglasses in their honor, a reference to the students’ bright futures.

Following brief speeches by Chancellor Pam Shockley-Zalabak and Provost Mary Coussons-Read, the students used sticky notes to post their hopes and dreams to six-foot-tall U-C-C-S letters before proceeding to Playfair events at the Recreation Center.

More than 11,100 students enrolled at UCCS for the fall 2014 semester, a new record, and more than 5 percent larger than last year’s record student enrollment.

Classes began Aug. 25 and official, detailed enrollment reports are expected in mid-September.

Preliminary reports prepared by the Office of Institutional Research show 11,199 students enrolled for the fall 2014 semester, a 601 student or 5.7 percent increase from the 10,598 students who enrolled for the fall 2013 semester. Since 2005, UCCS has grown by more than 3,500 students or 47 percent.

UCCS officials cautioned that final enrollment figures will differ slightly from preliminary reports compiled after only a few days of classes.

“We are pleased that a record number of people selected UCCS as the place to continue their futures,” Pam Shockley-Zalabak, chancellor, said. “I appreciate the significant efforts of faculty and staff members who continue to provide personal support for students, explain that the university is an excellent value, and help students achieve their dream of a college education.”

In addition to the overall enrollment, Homer Wesley, vice chancellor for student success and enrollment management, noted enrollment of the largest freshman class in UCCS history. For fall 2014, preliminary figures indicate 1,759 freshman are enrolled, a 177 student or 11.2 percent increase from the record-setting 1,582 students in the fall 2013 freshman class.

Additional enrollment details will be provided following the official census date, Sept. 11.