SEMO NUMBERS CONTINUE TO SHOW GAINS

Southeast Missouri State University officials have to be pleased by the news. First-day enrollment edged up to surpass the 7,900 mark.

The numbers should continue to increase gradually until the official census day in late September. The university hopes to top the official enrollment figures of 8,234 last year.

Granted, it is still a distance from the ambitious goal of 10,300 in enrollment by 2006, the university's goal. But the numbers continue to head in the right direction.

The university hit its enrollment peak in 1984 when census day enrollment was 9,189.

Then in the early 1990s, the university battled enrollment declines. Southeast was not alone. The pool of graduating high school seniors was shrinking, and competition for students became intense.

The university has put a lot of emphasis on turning around the trend. This marks the fifth year that enrollment has shown gains. The real victory in this year's totals may be the number of total freshmen. The university has 11 percent more first-time freshmen than a year ago.

More freshmen is an essential building block for a growing enrollment. That's because the university must offset the number of students who typically drop out each year for whatever reason.

Give the university credit. It certainly is not sitting on its laurels or crossing its fingers for more students.

Southeast has aggressively sought out new students of all ages. It has expanded its class offerings, including new degrees such as the master's in business administration. The university has beefed up night and weekend classes with Southeast P.M. as a way to attract more non-traditional students. It has opened satellites in towns throughout the region, with more on the drawing board, as a way to build its student base.

University officials have pushed for the new polytech facility as a way to attract more students. Southeast hopes its proposed River Campus would not only attract more students, but better serve those already enrolled.

Why should the community -- or the region -- care about Southeast's enrollment?

Because those students and their families are a major factor in the region's economic development. They spend millions of dollars in our communities. And the more Southeast thrives, the more cultural, entertainment and sporting events they are likely to attract. And that benefits everyone.

Growing enrollment is a tough task. Just ask any university or college. But education and community officials should be proud of the rising numbers. It says a lot about the growing appeal of both Southeast and the region.

MARIJUANA STILL A DANGEROUS DRUG

The dangers of methamphetamine, crack cocaine, heroin and a long laundry list of other illegal drugs are lectured to our youths.

So youngsters sidestep the so-called big drugs and turn to what they consider is a low-risk one: marijuana.

As a result, the number of young people smoking marijuana is on the rise, especially among 12 to 17 year olds.

Ironic, isn't it? Experts say parents are so busy worrying about other drugs that they may actually be relieved that children are only smoking pot.

Don't be fooled. Marijuana is an illegal drug. It dumbs out our kids and can lead to other drug use. And it can earn a youngster a juvenile criminal record as fast as any other drug. It is still dangerous.

Any drug use also tempers perceptions. If marijuana is all right, then what's the big deal about a little meth? Everybody uses it, our teens reason.

Forget it. Parents and officials need to keep repeating the message: Drugs are bad news -- all drugs. The only way to prevent addiction is to never walk -- or stumble -- down that road.