Schools and colleges at the University of Colorado at Boulder will receive extra funds to handle a larger-than-expected fall enrollment, according to an announcement by CU-Boulder Chancellor Richard L. Byyny.
Although the official fall census will not be taken until Sept. 10, preliminary figures indicate the fall enrollment may top 25,000, including possibly the largest freshman class in CU-BoulderÂ’s history. Freshmen may total as many as 4,220 -- or 40 more than the all-time high set in 1995.
Increased enrollment means greater demand for classroom space, instructors, teaching assistance, and student services, among other needs, Byyny said.
“Clearly, we must respond quickly and effectively to this enrollment pressure in order to continue improving our educational experience,” Byyny said. “Therefore, I have authorized the allocation of $519,000 to the campus’ schools and colleges to meet immediate needs caused by increased student enrollment.”
The funds will be allocated as follows: $214,000 to the College of Arts and Sciences; $79,000 to the College of Business and Administration; $12,075 to the School of Education; $32,450 to the College of Engineering and Applied Science; $17,800 to the School of Law; $25,000 to the College of Music; $11,500 to the campus libraries; and $127,175 to the Division of Academic Affairs for student advising needs.
Funding for the allocation is based on projected increases in revenue from the additional enrollment, Byyny said.
When enrollment analyses projected higher enrollments, Byyny asked the deans to provide prioritized lists of immediate needs, as well as “second-level” priorities related to classroom, equipment and facilities upgrades needed to handle the additional students.
Third-level budget priorities included “immediate budget problems whose resolution would allow more focus on providing service to students,” the chancellor said.
The second- and third-level priorities would be addressed only if additional funds are available, he said.
“Enrollment pressures are felt even more this fall because of budget cuts the campus was forced to absorb this year,” Byyny said. “I hope these new funds will help meet the immediate needs. My only requests were that the funds be used to meet educational needs due to increased enrollment and that the funds be allocated out to the departments and faculty.”