Upward Trajectory

The momentum at UIS is palpable this fall – we are growing, our strategic plan is working, and we are becoming a premier small public liberal arts university. Record-breaking enrollment, a more diverse student body, more new faculty members, and an expanding physical campus are carrying us into the semester on a high note. All of us are experiencing a high level of confidence in our future.

Our enrollment is on a steady march upward, and breaking records in the process. A total of 4,855 students are enrolled this fall, the most ever, with 2,863 studying at the undergraduate level and 1,992 at the graduate level. Our freshman enrollment is 288, with about 65% of them from outside the Springfield area. And 1,030 students are enrolled in our 16 online degree programs, an 11.5% increase over last fall's 923 students. Nearly 900 students are living on campus this fall.

The new Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC) will open Tuesday, September 18. There will be an opportunity for staff and faculty to tour the new facility on the morning of September 26 when the Campus community will be invited to a private showing. That afternoon at 2 p.m., we'll dedicate the new Center in a brief ceremony. We hope to see you there.