Freshmen trump seniors

There is an uncanny disparity between the rates of enrollment for seniors and freshmen at UVSC.

In the fall of 2007, 47.2 percent of the 23,840 students enrolled were freshmen, while only 18 percent were seniors. Despite UVSC’s open enrollment policy, only 41 percent of those in 2007 actually enrolled in classes.

Especially considering the imminent transition to university status, coming July 1, the apparent decline in the number of students who successfully pursue four-year degrees is alarming.

There are several different feasible explanations for this dwindling figure. Student responses to these statistics place blame on issues of laziness and the lack of goals and structure many students encounter, or on the influence of the predominant religious culture that surrounds the school.

"I think a lot of students don’t begin with the end in mind," said David Kasperson, Speech Communications Major. "They need to define what their goals are. How many times would a professional sports team win if they don’t have a plan? Never."
"Some students don’t have long term goals," said Nick Salas, public relations major.

Other common advice given to new students suggests utilizing general requirements as a way to pick their major and "see what they like." This may also serve in prolonging their graduation date.

"People prolong education by changing majors, (which makes) their chances of finishing less," Salas said. "The trend is that only a select few finish."

One student mentioned that there is push for high school graduates to go to college. Society expects students to go to college after graduating high school, but some find out that it is not for them, and, dropping out of school, choose instead to pursue full-time jobs.

Immediate moneymaking and instant gratification may be more satisfying for some.

The LDS religion may also influence these statistics.
"It’s because of the culture that a lot of the female students get married and drop out," said Cathy Helman, a recent graduate in public relations. "They have kids and put their education on hold."

For more facts and figures on student enrollment, scholarships, budgets, and anything else you might want to know about the school, see the UVU Fact Book at www.uvsc.edu/ir/factbooks