By Scott Harvey
Commerce – This fall will mark the highest student enrollment in Texas A&M University-Commerce history.
Vice-President for Student Access and Success Dr. Mary Hendrix announced the latest tally Friday afternoon.
As of 3 p.m. Friday, 10,031 students had registered for fall classes, a figure that could still rise considerably.
"I can tell you from looking at last year our highest enrollment date was September 4," Hendrix said. "So if you use that as a benchmark you know that we're going to gain significantly."
She says graduate students don't typically enroll until the first week of classes. Additionally, international students will not go through orientation until next Friday and won't register until that time.
$100 scholarships will be awarded to those who helped the University meet its goal by registering between the hours of 1 and 3 p.m. Friday.
The largest influx of students so far has come from the incoming freshman class, which was listed at 16.65 percent as of Friday morning.
As freshman are required to live on campus in their first year unless they reside in close proximity to Commerce, Dr. Hendrix feels the large enrollment will provide a significant boost in campus life. The enrollment boost will also aid the University financially.
"Our percentage increase for credit hours surpasses headcount, which tells us we're getting more students to take classes," said Dr. Hendrix.
Classes begin August 30.
For more information on A&M-Commerce, or to register for classes, visit www.tamu-commerce.edu or call 903-886-5000.