When considering the pursuit of a postsecondary education, students must consider a number of factors outside of academic achievement, such as cost and location.
Despite posting respectable national test scores in every subject, Idaho high school students are one of the least likely demographics to pursue a college education.
This is something the state and the University of Idaho are looking to change. A plan to waive application fees to UI for in-state students is in the works, while the Enroll Idaho program is still active in educating high school seniors about the opportunity to attend college.
These complement the State Board of Education’s (SBOE) recent Direct Admissions program, which notifies high school seniors with appropriate GPA and SAT or ACT scores that they have been pre-admitted to universities across the state.
UI President Chuck Staben said he wants to increase enrollment at UI by 50 percent by 2025. He said increasing UI’s student population is the only answer to generating university funds and solving institutional issues.
Several members of the faculty senate expressed concern that expanding the number of students would present an increased strain on lab space, teacher resources and academic advising. Enrollment goals are correlated to faculty wages. Faculty Senate chair Liz Brandt said low teacher pay is detrimental to the institution’s goals.
Just this year, UI administration created a policy to tackle enrollment and retention action. The vice provost of strategic enrollment will begin work Oct. 17, and Provost and Executive Vice President John Wiencek said the new hire will help UI reach Staben’s goal.
Despite all these programs and conversations, UI still suffered 3.8 percent decreased non-resident enrollment this semester. However, transfer student enrollment increased by 4.1 percent. Perhaps the positive impacts of these programs are not reflected in the statistics.
Many prospective college students are surprised to find that universities often charge an application fee, requiring $50 or more to be considered for acceptance into that institution. This often forces high school graduates to be incredibly selective with the colleges they apply for, as multiple application fees could quickly break the bank.
The proposed plan to waive application fees for in-state students can benefit both UI and high schools throughout the state. The plan allows students to freely apply without the worry of application costs, and it allows for the university to review a higher number of applicants.
Only time will tell if the implementation of the plan is a success, but the move immediately generates a positive academic atmosphere statewide.
— JO