Southeast to defer some admissions starting in February

~ Housing shortage: 42 fall applicants may be deferred due to record enrollment

Southeast Missouri State University will tighten its admission requirements for students who live 50 miles or more outside of Cape Girardeau, beginning in February, university officials announced Tuesday.

The university expects to defer about 42 students that apply for the fall semester, due to a housing shortage and record enrollment figures.

Enrollment is 9,107 students this semester, up 2.9 percent over last year, according to preliminary reports. The freshman class, 1,800 students, is expected to remain the same or grow next year.

In December, the board of regents approved the construction of a 300-bed dorm at Henderson Avenue and Broadway. The $20.5 million project is scheduled to begin this spring.

The dorm is not expected to be complete until fall 2009, but deferred students will be admitted for the spring 2009 semester, when some rooms are expected to be vacated.

"We always have students who meet residency requirements, students who graduate, and some who don't return, so for the fall semesters where we are filled to capacity by spring we have some empty rooms," said Dr. Dennis Holt, vice president of administration and enrollment management.

This summer the Henderson House, a private apartment complex on campus, will be converted to an 80-bed residence hall, creating additional housing. The complex was purchased by the university's foundation.

At the December board of regents meeting, Holt indicated he did not think the university would have to defer admissions. But on Tuesday he said that since December the university has seen a "remarkable" increase in the number of students who are signing housing contracts.

Admissions requirements will not be changed for students who live within a 50-mile radius of Cape Girardeau or for those who attend one of the university's regional centers.

The university is classified as "moderately selective," but generally will make exceptions for students that "show promise." Beginning in February, such exceptions will not be made for students that live outside the 50-mile radius.

Holt said a similar plan was used this past fall to defer some students.

Complete admissions requirements are outlined on the university's Web site at www.semo.edu/admissions.

Students that may be deferred are still encouraged to apply by the deadline of May 1, as enrollment projections are only predictions and could have a high margin of error.

Holt attributes the increase in students to several factors.

"I think our message is a good message, that we offer personal attention, relatively small classes and real world experience," he said.

lbavolek@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 123