UM Alumni Share Concerns About Enrollment

The University of Montana announced at the beginning of the 2016 fall semester that 12,419 students were enrolled.

This number represents a 4.8 percent decrease in total enrollment at UM.

The homecoming parade and football game are the grand finale to a week of celebrations at the University of Montana.

Alumna, Patty Guiberson; along with other Alumni who came back for the week, are trying to figure out why a University that is loved by so many continues to drop in enrollment numbers.

“I believe that some of it has to do with people wanting to hit the ground running with getting two year degrees and get into employment quickly,” said Guiberson.

UM Alumna, Joan Wilson, agrees with Guiberson.

“ also think that there’s been so much talk about what’s going on with the athletic system and with women not being treated like they should. And that’s been not good for the university, and they have to overcome that and show spirit. Showing people that people are safe when they come here and girls are safe when they come here,” said Wilson.

Wilson thinks the university should offer students at UM more opportunities.

Alumnus, Tony Moore, argues that if people want more technology-involved degrees they have Bozeman available.

“Remember it’s a liberal arts university and stop cutting liberal arts programs, that’s what,” said Moore.

This year the University hired a new vice president for enrollment and student affairs.

Thomas Crady will oversee enrollment management functions, student support and advocacy areas, and auxiliary operations.

“I believe that if people do come here and go to the University of Montana, they will find out this is a wonderful place to be and they’ll be like the rest of us where we never want to leave,” said Guiberson.

Crady’s Responsibilities range from developing effective strategies to help UM recruit and retain students to overseeing the offices currently in the Division of Student Affairs; ultimately raising enrollment numbers.

Although total enrollment has gone down, the Graduate School at UM increased by 80 students this semester.

An increase in nonresident students is also helping meet budget projections.

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