Record Freshman Class At HSU
Looks like Humboldt State University is kicking off with a bang this semester with record numbers of freshman attending. I suppose we should give all the credit to whoever did that redesign of the entrance to the campus.
But, looks like the number of continuing students is still down. I can't help but wonder if they ended up going to some other school or finally realized it made more sense just to get a job somewhere?
posted by Fred Mangels @ 9:07 AM
15 comments
15 Comments:
Apropos of this subject is a good article at: http://www.brookesnews.com/061007redgreen.html
A marketing success, a retention failure. Works out well for the wealthy, landlords, business owners, everybody important!
Wow 1:30, you're almost completely wrong. HSU students who transfer out to non-local universities benefit no one in this county. Landlords have to acquire new tenants. Employers have to hire new staff. And I'm not sure how to respond to your catch-all "wealthy" people claim. Let me guess... any time that something bad happens, you think a secret society of wealthy people benefit?
You got one thing right though. HSU has succeeded in attracting new students while their existing students flee. As the gap between marketing and reality widens, watch problem worsen. Despite the bumper crop of freshmen, HSU still hasn't met its (low) enrollment target.
HSU lost at least 300 students the second half of last year.
The freshman increase is pure spin. Many students are very unhappy with the administration.
Word-of-mouth is slowly but surely bleeding the school dry.
Maybe Earth First can take up the slack.
I would like to know the percentage of unretained students who failed to meet admission requirements. My understanding is that students are allowed to take remedial courses at HSU to achieve what they were supposed to achieve in high school. When you have a recruitment problem, maybe you're not too picky on who you accept.
Students are leaving because they cannot find decent work here to support themselves while they go to school.
I don't know much about the situation at HSU, but there have been reports of state colleges and community colleges being too good for their own good, so that their students end up qualifying for UC or other universities before they finish.
There's no excuse for not attracting qualified students to HSU. It's one of the most beautiful locations, with plenty of opportunities for outdoors activities. Most students tend to work retail jobs, and there's no shortage of those around here. And Arcata reminds me of what Santa Cruz was when I was in college.
HSU paid for an expert report that told them the opposite. Don't emphasize nature. Don't be a tourism brochure. Emphasize academics.
"Come to beautiful Humboldt County in the middle of nowhere and forget visiting family on the holidays because gas is so damned expensive." That message doesn't sell.
As for 9:27's observation, it's more likely students are leaving due to the reduction in instructors and reduction in class availability. It's the gap between marketing and reality.
Works if you want to get away from family.
Anyway, when I was a kid I always assumed I'd go to Berkely, right up until it was time to apply. But I visited a number of schools (including HSU) and decided after spending an hour at UCSC that I'd go there. I really didn't want to spend any more time in an urban area.
But then, my tastes are far from the rule. I like anchovies on my pizza - with pineapple.
anon 7:31,
Your understanding about students taking remedial classes at HSU and the college not been picky about which students are accepted of course has not nothing to do with current or recent enrollment or recent history.
Most students that have not completed all current admission requirements have to go through the EOP program, which currently comprises about 10% of the full time student population.
EOP students have higher retention rates and graduation rates then the general student body. Year after year.
Without EOP, HSU would be in serious trouble, both with target enrollments and diversity goals.
HSU has milked dry the "I wannt get away from mom and dad" and "I want a vacation school" demographic. After 10+ years what has it gotten them? Desperate for students.
Eric wrote, "But then, my tastes are far from the rule. I like anchovies on my pizza - with pineapple.".
YESSS!!! Finally someone else who likes anchovies on their pizza. Maybe I'm not the loneliest guy in the world.
I think all the students are leaving because they went down to the plaza...and all they saw were yuppies!!! They were so disappointed that they all dropped out immediatly and went to the hot springs in search of hippiness.
You know, I'm suprised you don't show more respect for HSU. Sure, the Endeavor is part of the reason Arcata is a happy hobo haven, but come on! Give HSU some credit. Count on 95% of that bumper crop of freshmen giving you a hand-out at *least* once before they formulate a plan of action on how to walk down the street amid the onslaught of pitches for coinage.
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