27
September
2012
|
07:59 AM
America/Chicago

Fall 2012 Enrollment Up 7.7 Percent, Sets University Record

By: Claire Caton

The University of Houston-Downtown's (UHD) fall 2012 enrollment of 13,916 students is the largest in the institution's history.

The fall enrollment exceeds the mark set in fall 2011 with a 7.7 percent increase in students and an 8.4 percent increase in semester credit hours.

The record is of particular note following UHD's decision not to pursue a change of name but to remain known as the University of Houston-Downtown, the second largest institution within the University of Houston System. During the past year, UHD announced plans to institute admission standards in fall 2013, "supporting the University's decision to pursue a path toward becoming an institution of choice," according to President Bill Flores.

The student enrollment at UHD is 40 percent Hispanic, 27 percent African-American, 9 percent Asian and 20 percent White, mirroring the Houston region's ethnic diversity. UHD is designated by the U.S. Department of Education as both an Hispanic-Serving Institution and a Minority-Serving Institution, federal designations awarded for serving Hispanic and African-American students.

Throughout the university, processes were streamlined to serve students more efficiently.

UHD recruitment teams and advisors at local community colleges helped to broaden outreach to transfer students, while admissions staff strengthened their presence at area high schools and recruitment events. More than 26 percent of fall semester credit hours are offered through online and hybrid (combination of online and face-to-face) courses, helping to spur enrollment growth.

"Our goal is not just to admit more students, but to ensure their successful graduation from UHD. This is only the first step and we plan to support students until they accept their diplomas at a UHD graduation ceremony in a few short years," said President Flores.