Christina Mungo, left, and Cecily Hooker get help from friend David Nieves on Saturday as they move into their dorm room on the campus of Southeastern University in Lakeland.
PIERRE DUCHARME | THE LEDGER
Published: Saturday, August 18, 2012 at 9:55 p.m.
Last Modified: Saturday, August 18, 2012 at 9:55 p.m.
LAKELAND | The invasion of the college student has begun.
Dormitories and other types of housing were being occupied over the weekend by students ready to begin or resume college educations. A poll of local universities shows there is no shortage of students this fall, and enrollment has gone up for most.
At Southeastern University, students from all 50 states and 44 countries are taking over the campus for the fall semester.
"It's funny, because when you think of Lakeland, I don't think most people think of it having that kind of diversity. But we are probably one of the most culturally diverse places in one location." said Brian C. Carroll, Vice President for University Advancement at Southeastern University.
Students were moving into on-campus housing on Saturday at the faith-based college, where enrollment is expected to be slightly over 2,700 for fall. Total enrollment is up by about 100 students from last year, said spokeswoman Dana Davis.
Florida Southern College students were also moving in Saturday. Planned activities for the weekend included campus tours, orientation meetings and an opening convocation. Classes for Florida Southern's 128th academic year begin Wednesday.
The faith-based, private college expects 550 freshmen, and a total enrollment of 2,450. Students will represent 41 states and territories, and 4 percent are international students from 13 countries.
President Anne Kerr said in a prepared statement, "The start of a college career is a time of major transition for young people and their families. I am delighted that so many talented students have selected Florida Southern as their college of choice."
New and returning students will find a few campus changes, including a large green space called "Mr. George's Green,' which will open formally Aug. 25. It's named after the late George Jenkins. There is also a new Wynee Warden Tennis Center, to be dedicated on Sept. 14.
Polk State College spokeswoman Rachel Pleasant said fall enrollment has reached a new high at 11,511, which is 3.6 percent higher than last year.
One area of growth is the 927 students who have enrolled in Polk State's recently added bachelor of applied science and bachelor of science in nursing degree programs. Those enrollments are almost double over last year's and the highest number since the college began offering the degrees.
New this fall at Polk State will be availability of course work toward a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.
At Warner University in Lake Wales, a private, faith-based college, officials report they are expecting record-breaking enrollment. Dawn Rafool, vice president for enrollment management and marketing, said about 1,100 to 1,200 students are expected. Housing is at full capacity.
"We currently have a waiting list for housing," Rafool said.
Classes for traditional students will start Wednesday, and weekend, evening, online and graduate classes begin the following week.
The school is excited about the start of a new football program, and an agricultural degree program that will begin 2013. Competition for football starts the fall of 2013.
Webber international University in Babson Park is gearing up for fall, but classes will not start until Sept. 3, said Keith Wade, president of the faith-based school. Enrollment at the private, faith-based school is projected to be about 675 for the fall for traditional, full-time undergraduates who live in dorms, he said. The university will offer its first classes in elementary education this year.
[ Mary Toothman can be reached at mary.toothman@theledger.com or 863-802-7512. Her Twitter feed is @MaryToothman.]
Source: http://www.theledger.com/article/20120818/news/120819327
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