Although the admissions report at the Feb. 18 Faculty Senate meeting indicated a few decreasing numbers in certain areas, the BU admissions office expects the number of incoming students to be similar to last year’s class.

The ultimate goal is to bring in 220 freshmen and 55 transfers for the 2014-15 academic year.

Related Stories

College scorecard provides accountability

According to the Faculty Senate briefing report, the number of applications received so far is 1,289, compared to 1,120 at this time in 2013.

“I think it’s evidence that our promotion has been very good in terms of both our marketing efforts and staff efforts in getting students … and the number of application numbers are a really good indication of that,” Senior Director of Admissions Kevin Kropf said.

However, the number of admitted students so far in 2014 is 618, compared to 630 on the same date in 2013. Although the number of admitted students is much lower than the number of applications received, Kropf said the admissions office will not change its admittance standards just to reach goal numbers.

Also, the number of enrollment deposits is down 10 from 2013, with 66 deposits so far. The enrollment deposit “is a commitment to attend Baker University for the semester for which (a student is) accepted.” It also guarantees the student privileges such as enrollment in classes, a residence hall and meals and services associated with residing at Baker University.

Although this is a drop from last year, Kropf said he is not entirely concerned by this number and expects it to rise after financial aid information is distributed and completed.

According to the faculty senate report, 530 seniors have taken campus visits since July 1. There were just 486 last year.

The quality of campus visits and the efforts of the entire campus, especially the faculty, often make an impact on prospective students. Campus renovations such as the Ivan L. Boyd Center for Collaborative Science Education and the student union are also major points of emphasis.

“It’s the personal attention they get while on the visits. Our visits are very individually scheduled,” Cheryl McCrary, director of the campus visit experience, said. “At any of our events or any individual visit, meeting the faculty is very important. I think that the faculty sell Baker. Coaches and that connection sell Baker, and then the relationships, just the friendliness.”

In addition to campus visits, 118 students took part in the Presidential and Dean’s Scholarship Competition on Feb. 22, while only 103 attended last year.

Although these numbers are simply indications of what is to come for the 2014-15 academic year, members of the admissions office are confident that the numbers will eventually reach the ultimate goal.

“Every year is an interesting year, and you start over at zero. Zero admitted students, zero enrolled students, and I’m just excited that we’re in a good place right now to put the finishing touches on the class,” Kropf said. “I think through hard work, we’re going to get to where we want to be.”