University of Michigan enrollment hits record high; minority enrollment down
With 41,674 students, enrollment at the University of Michigan has reached record numbers this fall, the university announced this morning.
The number of graduate/professional students increased by 2.9 percent, according to the U-M Office of the Registrar. Meanwhile, undergraduates increased by 0.8 percent.
The total enrollment of all students includes a freshman class of 6,079 students - a 5.1 percent increase from the previous year.
University officials said freshman applications for 2009 were up 0.5 percent to a record high of 29,965. Offers of admission were up 19.12 percent.
The figures released today show the incoming freshman class is almost evenly divided between men and women and includes students from 1,800 high schools, all 50 states, and almost 70 countries.
"The University of Michigan continues to enroll some of the world's most gifted and productive students," President Mary Sue Coleman said in a release. "Our newest students have unlimited potential, and we look forward to the contributions they will make to the university and our region during their years at Michigan."
U-M also released figures today on minority enrollment showing a decline.
The 2008-2009 admissions process was the second full cycle conducted in accordance with adoption of Proposal 2 by Michigan voters in November 2006. The measure banned the use of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in the admissions process.
Among freshmen, underrepresented minority applications rose 3.7 percent and offers of admission rose 8.2 percent, U-M said.
But freshman underrepresented minority enrollment fell 11.4 percent, reducing the percentage of underrepresented minority freshmen from 10.4 percent in fall 2008 to 9.1 percent in fall 2009, a drop of 69 students.
Coleman said in the release that she is "working with staff to redouble our outreach efforts."
Comments
peihaha
Tue, Oct 13, 2009 : 12:53 p.m.
This is a true story - A friend (Asian) who had nearly 4.0 GPA and excellent high school records applied for UM and got rejected. The student called UM admission and asked why? They told him "you are an Asian student and you are supposed to have 4.0 GPA." Is that a discrimination?
Macabre Sunset
Tue, Oct 13, 2009 : 12:28 p.m.
If you're white or Asian and applying for college, you should never answer any questions about race. It's just asking for discrimination. The sad thing is that these programs aren't helping minority students. It just places them in a situation where the odds of success are far lower than they would be if they went to a college better matched to their level of high school achievement. I don't think Mary Sue's campaign to defy our Constitution is having the effects she's hoping for. All she's doing is perpetuating stereotypes and harming those she seeks to help. Of course, in 21st Century academia, it's not like she has a choice. If she did actually treat everyone equally, she would lose her job in a nanosecond.
catfishrisin
Tue, Oct 13, 2009 : 10:31 a.m.
Finally admissions are becoming merit based. How refreshing and novel of a concept.
braggslaw
Tue, Oct 13, 2009 : 9:52 a.m.
A2G. UM tried socio-economic level, the problem was there are more poor white kids than poor underrepresented minorities. It did not work for the numbers.
11GOBLUE11
Tue, Oct 13, 2009 : 9:13 a.m.
I NEVER list race on anything for fear of being discriminated against. I always opt out.
A2G
Tue, Oct 13, 2009 : 9:09 a.m.
Not discussed is the socio-economic breakdown of the students. Although there are more, are the under- represented socio-economic groups applying, being accepted and attending the University? If not then is there true diversity within the University community? Or is the University becoming for the rich students who can afford the tuition only?
braggslaw
Tue, Oct 13, 2009 : 8:51 a.m.
One of the huge issues that I have with this type of social engineering is that qualified Asians are being discriminated against. Asians with above mean scores are not being admitted because they are over represented. Underrepresented minorities are taking their seats. Does that make sense? Can't we all just ignore skin color? Asian americans are now changing their surnames and not listing race to avoid being discriminated against.