Closing in on YSU enrollment goal

YOUNGSTOWN -- Early enrollment numbers are running ahead of last year and Youngstown State University stands a good chance of meeting projections of a head count of more than 12,900 students this fall.
Monday is the first day of classes, and Dr. Thomas Maraffa, special assistant to the president and coordinator of the university's enrollment management plan, said the goal of 12,913 students for the fall semester appears to be attainable.
YSU enrollment had increased annually for four years, reaching 13,101 in the fall of 2004, but dropped to 12,812 in fall 2005, a 2.2-percent decline.
The university launched a variety of programs over the spring summer aimed at raising that number -- from television, print, radio and billboard ads to special advance registration sessions and a post card mailing campaign.
Deans, department heads and advisers were brought into the program, urged to contact continuing students to encourage them to stay at YSU.
Maraffa said early numbers are running nearly on a par with the fall 2004 enrollment figures, and he is "cautiously optimistic" about meeting the 12,913 projection.
YSU officials have said in the past that students traditionally wait until the last minute to complete their registrations.
Additional enrollments during the first week of classes will be critical, Maraffa said.