University Times

Pitt's student population is up 1.2 percent over last fall, reversing an eight-year trend of declining enrollment.

Enrollment at the Pittsburgh campus and the four regional campuses totaled 31,776 full-time and part-time students this fall, an increase of 381 students.

The increase in full-time equivalent (FTE) students was even larger, rising 2.2 percent from 26,800 to 27,395. The number of FTEs — a measurement used for budgeting purposes –is calculated by adding the number of full-time students to 40 percent of the number of part-time students.

Provost James Maher attributed the increase to rising freshman enrollments and University efforts to improve student life.

This fall's freshman class was the largest in Pitt history: 3,227, up by 14 percent over last year. Of the freshmen, 580 qualified for the Honors College, a 29 percent increase over last fall.

Among the student life initiatives cited by Maher were: greater coordination between faculty and career advisers; new programs in biotechnology, computer engineering, environmental studies and other academic areas to meet student demand; expanded recreational facilities; computer hook-ups in the residence halls; and development of more student internships.

This is the first year that Pitt's overall enrollment has increased since 1989, when 34,686 full- and part-time students were enrolled here. The all-time highest total Pitt enrollment was 35,613 students in 1983.

While the University's freshman enrollments have been rising for several years, those gains were more than offset by the number of students who dropped out or transferred to other schools. Statistics on student retention since last spring were not available.

— Bruce Steele