BE OUR GUEST: UNIVERSITY RESPONDS TO EDITORIAL ON ENROLLMENT

The editorial in the Sept. 15, 1994, Southeast Missourian on Southeast Missouri State University compels me to respond. It is important, I think, for readers to have an opportunity to hear some of "the rest of the story," particularly when such complex issues as institutional staffing and enrollment patterns are being discussed.

Regarding enrollment patterns specifically, following are some highlights:

1. In Fall, 1994, first-time students to Southeast INCREASED. Beginning Freshmen were down by 44; transfers from community colleges were up by 99. Thus, there was an INCREASE this Fall in first-time students to Southeast.

2. Degree-seeking graduate students were up by 67; unclassified graduate students (those who have not decided to affirm degree-seeking status but want to take a course or two for a number of purposes) were down by approximately 100.

3. In Fall, 1994, 160 students did not meet admissions criteria for regular admission to the University. Of those 160, approximately 39 only were from Southeast Missouri, including Jefferson County. Eight of those were from Jefferson County.

Those students denied regular admission are encouraged and counseled to attend a community college (we do believe in the strength of these institutions and the expanded opportunities which they provide), the successful Southeast Summer Prep Academy, and the Crisp Bootheel Education Center.

4. Undergraduate full-time student equivalent enrollment patterns from Fall, 1992 to Fall, 1993 at some other Missouri institutions affirm that Southeast is not the anomaly which the writer of the editorial seems to reflect:

Undergraduate FTE Enrollment Comparisons Fall, 1992 -- Fall, 1993

Southeast -6.6%

UM-Columbia -6.5%

UM-KC -9.0%

Southwest -5.4%

Central -6.4%

5. High school graduation rates have dropped in Missouri consistently since 1983 (Southeast Missourian 6/1/94).

6. At the same time, Southeast experienced full-time equivalent enrollment increases in Fall, 1990, and Fall, 1991 (Coordinating Board for Higher Education Statistical Summary).

7. Over 500 students are taking advantage of the "educational opportunities" at the Crisp Bootheel Education Center. This enterprise, under Southeast's leadership and initiative, has far exceeded the expectations of the people of the area. Incidentally, these 500 are listed as Three Rivers Community College students; and it truly is incidental, for the important thing is Southeast's ability to be a catalyst for enhanced educational opportunities rather than engage in a debate over whose students belong to whom.

In the final analysis, Southeast in essence is providing a community college option through the Crisp Bootheel Education Center.

8. The major geographical area from which enrollment variation has occurred for Southeast is in the metropolitan St. Louis area:

1983 1993

St. Louis City/County 2,179 1,010

St. Charles 341 196

Obviously, there are many public and private institutions in that immediate area, as well as Southwest Missouri State University and Northeast Missouri State University, competing for a limited number of students (many of whom are "home-bound"). Also, a new community college was created in St. Charles, which, by Fall, 1993, enrolled nearly 5,000 students. Further, Southeast no longer is accepting students from that area who do not meet minimum admissions standards.

9. Enrollment from St. Louis South County, Southeast Missouri, and other areas has held steady and/or increased, despite declining demographics:

1983 1993

Jefferson County 365 363

Franklin County 102 105

All Other 5,438 5,652

The writer states, "Southeast needs to consider carefully whether it wants to push these students into community colleges, where there are fewer educational opportunities." The State of Missouri has decided that community colleges are a viable option for many students. (In fact, it was Harry Truman who provided the impetus for the community college movement in this country.) The State has deemed further that it can't afford having all institutions serve the dual purpose of being a community college and also providing upper division and graduate level education. The conclusion is that institutions can't be all things to all people. The resources of regional universities such as Southeast must be directed toward its charge to offer baccalaureate and graduate degrees. Southeast values the role of community colleges in the educational enterprise. The formal articulation agreements which it has with many community colleges bear witness to expanded opportunities for students.

Secondly, Southeast's admissions requirements are a response to, not a cause of, declining enrollments, declining ability levels, and graduation rates. It is clear that students who come to the University academically prepared with the core curriculum and who have a strong ACT score are more likely to persist toward graduation. Colleges and universities in Missouri

James V. Biundo is assistant vice president of University Relations at Southeast Missouri State University.