OU continues to see student enrollment growth

By Dave Groves, news editor

Despite financial challenges facing many college-age students in Michigan, Oakland University has seen a 2.1 percent increase in undergraduate student enrollment for the winter 2009 semester. The number of new students enrolling at the university rose by 7.7 percent over winter 2008 figures.

University officials attribute the welcome news at least partly to sweeping efforts to keep enrollment both affordable and accessible.

In addition to eliminating all student fees and allowing students with outstanding tuition balances to enroll in winter classes, Oakland has created a Special Tuition Assistance Fund to help those who’ve seen the state’s economic crisis put their ability to pay for college in jeopardy.

“Our comprehensive efforts to control operating costs and keep tuition rates as low as possible have kept Oakland one of the most affordable public universities in the state,” said OU President Gary Russi. “The enrollment increase we’ve seen this semester is a clear indication that these efforts are being welcomed by students and their families.”

Russi added that another crucial factor in serving the needs of the growing student population at Oakland is a long-standing commitment to maintain and enhance its many outstanding educational, cultural and community-oriented programs.

“Our reputation as a university of distinction continues to grow, and that pays tribute to the quality of our programs, our faculty and the vibrant campus life we offer,” he said. “Across the state and increasingly across the nation, people are recognizing the tremendous value of an Oakland University degree.”

To learn more about the nearly 230 undergraduate and graduate degree programs Oakland University offers, visit www.oakland.edu.