July 19, 2005

Columbus State University appears to be headed toward another record enrollment this fall and officials are encouraging new and prospective students to avoid the fall rush by making sure everything is completed this summer.

Fall semester, which this year begins on Aug. 22, typically begins with lines at the bookstore, in the Enrollment Services offices and in front of advisers desks. For many students, the year also begins with a scramble to find open seats in classes.

Officials are encouraging new students to attend an orientation, register early, and work now to make sure all the details are worked out for a smooth transition to college life. Parking decals, classroom locations and advisers office numbers are just a few of the details students need to know.

Students hoping to attend CSU in the fall but who havent applied should send their paperwork in immediately to ensure everything is in order, and so they can get the classes they need and enrollment specialists counsel. Faculty leaders at a meeting this week reported class sections already are filling up for the fall.

The university is expecting about 7,500 students this fall, which would be right in line with the university's plan to grow enrollment by about 3 percent or 4 percent a year. Last falls final count of 7,224 was the third consecutive year CSU has set an enrollment record.

We continue to see more and more applications from students outside the Columbus area, said Kathy Carlisle, director of Enrollment Services. Its clear our campus housing, the expanding reputation of our academic quality and the breadth of CSUs offerings set us apart.

Obviously were excited about the growth, but it means a lot of work behind the scenes to prepare for these students, she said. The more we can get done this summer, the better it will be for the students when they arrive on campus in August.

As fall approaches, students and prospective students should remember the following dates :

Admissions Final Application Deadline - July 22

Early Registration for all students - July 18-28

Graduation Application Deadline - July 28

Early Registration Fee Payment Deadline - Aug. 4

New Student Orientations - Aug.15, Aug. 16

Late Registration & Late Registration Fee Payment Deadline - Aug. 18

Classes Begin - Aug. 22

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Contact: Kathy Carlisle, 568-2035