After the first week of class, tallies showed 990 freshmen and 828 transfer students registered for classes this term. Last year, first-week tallies counted 843 freshmen and 794 transfers registered. That equates to a 17.4 percent increase in first-time freshmen and a 4.3 percent increase in transfers.
"This is a record - this is the largest freshman class we've ever had," said HSU Director of Admissions Scott Hagg. The last record was in 1995, with a freshman class of 927.
Combined, new freshmen and transfer student registration numbers, released by the university Friday, indicate an 11 percent increase over this time last year.
"We had a strong university-wide effort this year, thanks to the support of faculty, staff, and President Richmond," he said.
The total student headcount is still considered unofficial until census four weeks into the semester, but year-to-date comparisons indicate a positive increase.
Hagg said they have also seen a rise in minority enrollment - nearly doubling the number of American Indian students in the freshman class, and increasing the enrollment of freshmen African American students by 38 percent.
"It was one of the university's top priorities this year: increase enrollment and ethnic diversity," Hagg said. "So, our admissions team made a very strong effort to make that happen."
On the flipside, numbers for continuing students are, at this time, fewer than last year.
"The new-student enrollment levels are very encouraging," said Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Rick Vrem, "but it is still quite possible that we will fall short of this year's enrollment target."
The unexpectedly large freshman class has also left approximately 50 students still seeking housing. The on-campus Housing Office is working to find community members who may be interested in renting out a room in their home.