Student Statements of Intent to Register for Fall 2009 Increase
by 27% Over Fall 2008
MERCED - Officials at the
University of California,
Merced, have begun their summer on a confident note. The campus
is getting more and more popular with incoming freshmen. UC Merced
has seen a 27-percent increase in freshmen selecting to attend over
Fall 2008, and a 94-percent increase over Fall 2007.
According to data released today, June 16, by the UC Office of
the President, Merced has received 1,358 Statements of Intent to
Register (SIRs) from first-time freshmen. UC Merced received 1,069
freshman SIRs at this time last year. SIRs are generally a reliable
indicator of the number of students who plan to enroll in any given year.
Kevin Browne, assistant vice chancellor for enrollment
management, predicts that these numbers put the university on track
for a total Fall 2009 enrollment of 3,200 students.
“This is the third banner year in a row for UC Merced,” Browne
said. “This proves that even in these uncertain fiscal times,
families recognize the benefits of a UC Merced education and value
the experience we offer our students.”
It’s clear that 2009 has been an exciting year for UC Merced. In
April, the campus received word its federal permit for expansion
was approved, allowing officials to move forward with plans to
develop the campus beyond its current 104 acres to the full 815
acres shown in its Long-Range Development Plan. In May, First Lady
Michelle Obama addressed the Class of 2009 as the Commencement
keynote speaker.
“Having the First Lady of the United States acknowledge the work
and accomplishments of our inaugural class gives greater visibility
to what our students, staff and faculty already know,” Chancellor
Steve Kang said. “UC Merced is the home of big thinkers who achieve
what others only dream about.”
Just as UC Merced’s inaugural class began the creation of the
campus’ student government, club sports programs, student
organizations and culture of environmental awareness, incoming
freshmen (UC Merced’s Class of 2013) will have the task of carrying
the torch.
Academic programs continue to develop as funding allows.
Sociology has been approved as a new major for fall, and the
university is planning a school of management and a school of medicine.
“The increase in freshmen interest in our campus shows that
students and their parents see UC Merced as a campus that provides
an intimate setting with a range of outstanding academic
opportunities,” Browne said, listing the campus culture of
welcoming students to actively participate in research with
high-achieving faculty as one of UC Merced’s most popular drawing cards.
To view UC systemwide SIR data, visit
http://www.ucop.edu/news/studstaff.html.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Tonya Luiz
Office of Communications
