A record number of incoming freshmen will be calling UB home this fall. For the first time since 1980-before the incoming students were even born-the freshman class will number an estimated 3,782 students, according to UB officials.
"The university is on the rise," said Dennis Black, vice president for student affairs. "There's growth everywhere."
The enrollment rate in 1980 was 3,574, while the last few years have averaged around 3,060.
Growth in enrollment also means a need for growth in accommodations. The recent swell in applications also affects housing, food, transportation and class size.
Sean Sullivan, vice provost for enrollment and planning, said adjustments will be made in order to provide a successful start to the new school year. Out of town freshmen and transfer students who turned in their deposits by May 1, were guaranteed accommodations.
"It's a challenge to house all of both freshman and transfer students," Sullivan said. "But we have made a commitment, and we'll honor that commitment."
Black also assures new students that their welcoming will be as warm and smooth as it ever has been.
"We're adding to our facilities as well as our reputation," said Black. In order to make sure each freshman has a bed to sleep in, some double-occupancy dormitory rooms will increase to triple-occupancy, and on-campus apartments will also house more beds.
In addition, the university intends to utilize residential areas that surround the North Campus, as well as placing students in temporary motels and modular housing. Off-campus housing is encouraged, said Black.
Campus officials have attributed the increase in enrollment to a growing trend among universities of similar size, such as the University of Michigan and Ohio State University. The attractiveness of UB, says Black, is the difference in price and value.
"UB used to be a bargain. Now it's an incredible bargain," said Black. "You can get a quality education at a significantly discounted rate."
Officials also state that not only are there more students coming to UB, more of the applicants scored higher on SAT tests, increasing the image of the university as a whole. The mean score rose 10 points from last year, from 1178 to 1188. Applications were also on the rise, about 10 percent, with a 50 percent increase from the metro New York area, said Sullivan.
While the recent MTV reality shows "Sorority Life 2" and "Fraternity Life" certainly boosted UB's and Western New York's exposure to the rest of the world, both Black and Sullivan are hesitant to attribute the rise in freshman to the MTV craze.
"I'm not a big believer in the MTV factor," Black said. "Those shows didn't start (airing) until applications were due. Two-thirds of the episodes had passed before the cutoff."
Still, the likeness of Buffalo as a warm, friendly-let alone sunny-city has had its effects.
"Suddenly, UB is MTV-cool," said Black.
Before students even arrive in August, their introduction to the campus and their new home begins with orientation, held throughout the month of July and into early August. Over the course of two days, a wide array of social and educational programs will acclimate students and their family to UB.
Day one begins with check-in and lunch, after which Black will give an introductory speech and introduce the staff of Orientation Aides. The aides, UB students who can offer words of advice and guidance, will serve as tour guides for the two days.
They will also act as performers for the traditional orientation skits, which will take the stage during the evening on day one.
The Office of New Student Programs says the skits will include topics on succeeding in academics, balancing school with a social life, as well as roommate issues, according to Matt Weigand, director of New Student Programs.
Day two begins bright and early with a 7:15 a.m. wakeup and workshops on UB's growing technology and MyUB Web site, as well as departmental meetings to discuss graduation requirements and course work.
For more information on the incoming freshmen class or orientation procedures, call the Office of New Student Programs at 645-6125.
-Editor in Chief Erin Shultz contributed to this report.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
