The University of Wisconsin System is reporting record enrollment for the fall 2010 semester. Preliminary figures show almost 182,000 students attending the UW’s 26 campuses, as of this fall.
System spokesman David Giroux says a lot of the growth is the result of successful retention efforts, which have focused on getting students to stay at UW institutions to finish their degrees.
Giroux says the UW has seen enrollment growth of about 11-percent over the last decade, and campuses have been meeting the growing demand despite the budget crunches many are dealing with. Still, he says there are continued concerns about the quality of a UW education, which is something officials are keeping an eye on as well.
While Giroux says the preliminary head count gives them a good idea of campus needs, the real decisions can be made after they determine how many full-time students are enrolled. He says that gives them a better idea of the kind of pressure being put on professors in the classrooms. Those numbers are due out early next year.