by Stacie Minor
Feature Editor
The nation is experiencing a dilemma.
College enrollment is on a downswing. Across the nation, colleges and universities are reporting a drop in enrollment. There is a major decrease in graduating seniors, and the number is expected to continue decreasing until 1995.
Yet, ULV has beat out this national trend. “We have seen a tremendous increase in applications,” reports Acting Director of Admissions Art Stenmo.
“Things are looking real good at this point,” commented Stenmo.
Currently, new student applications received by Stenmo’s office are the highest in approximately four years.
Stenmo said there are 20,000 inquires every year at La Verne. ULV has received 1,506 applications as of April 27. It is a 42 percent increase over last year at this time.
Out of the 1,500 applications, approximately 885 have been accepted for admission to date. “Spotlight weekend generally separates the accepts to the confirms from 800 to about 300,” calculated Stenmo.
”Although applications are up, accepts are up and confirms are up, we don’t know how it’s going IQ look in September,” reflected Stemno.
A variety of reasons explain why La Verne’s enrollment is on the rise. Direct mailing is one. The publication of the new view book also attracts newcomers, said Stenmo. In addition, he cited that admissions representatives visit every school within a 50 mile radius and participate in high school visits and college nights.
Admissions representatives participate in National and Regional fairs as well. “Alone in L.A., 15,000 students participated” at a college fair hosted in the Convention Center, noted Stenmo. Recently, the acting director went to Hawaii. He also accompanied Michelle Tancredi, a ULV admissions representative, to Seattle, where they hosted a reception for prospective students.
“It’s really hard work. Debi (Stanley, associate director of admissions) had a lot to do with it even though she’s on leave,” said Stenmo.
Tele-marketing phone follow-ups where faculty and students call potential newcomers is also used.
La Verne is working with a limited staff. Along with Stenmo, there are four other admissions representatives: Michelle Tancredi, Brian Ninde, Mark Green and Stanley, who is currently on maternity leave. The director’s title is vacant, following the resignation of Mark Bornholdt in November.
