November 18, 2008
UW over-enrolled by more than 1,000 students
Undergraduate students returned to the University of Washington this fall in numbers well above what was expected, resulting in the Seattle campus having about 1,100 students more than predicted and authorized under the state budget for the UW.
This fall, there are about 500 more continuing sophomore and junior students than expected, and about 500 more seniors than anticipated.
Detailed studies have not been performed, but enrollment experts believe the bulge in enrollments is related to the economic downturn. Higher education enrollments typically rise during recessions.
“It is important that we consider and prepare for the impact that these unanticipated students will have on university resources,” said Paul Jenny, UW vice provost for planning and budgeting. “The increased numbers can affect the quality of undergraduate education as well as such measures as the graduation rate and time to degree. Increased unanticipated enrollments also can affect the availability of required classes.”
“We know that the state budget is under stress,” said UW President Mark Emmert. “However, in the short term and the long term the state would be better served by an enhanced commitment to higher education because it holds the promise of a brighter economic future for everyone.”
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