USU sees rise in student enrollment

This academic year as the world continues to normalize after the COVID-19 pandemic, universities across Utah saw a spike in enrollment. 

Among the rise in enrollment, according to Utah State Today, there was also a 16.3% increase in first-generation and transfer students.  

Heidi Kesler, USU student retention and completion director suggested a possible reason for the rise. 

“This is the first year since COVID that we have been able to resume our full recruitment efforts including open house and school visits,” she said. “We have seen that students want to be back on campus.” 

Katie Jo North, USU new student enrollment executive director, suggested a reason for an increase in enrollment for first-generation students too. 

 “Fall 2022 was the first year we awarded the Utah State Promise scholarship,” North said. “We noticed this award helped many of our first-generation students that may not have believed higher education was an option.” 

These factors played a potent role in getting students from high school to Utah State University.  

USUSA executive vice president and first-generation student, Abraham Rodriguez, explained “My parents never had it easy. I have a lot of respect for them and took their advice to heart when it came to college. I’m very grateful I listened.” 

Another first-generation student and communications major, Stephanie Smith, said her parents are supportive and know how valuable an education is.  

Smith admitted she can’t always ask her parents for college advice because they don’t have the same background but she knows she can find it elsewhere. 

“Utah State has a lot of good first generation support systems,” she said. “There’s always people on campus you can go to for questions.” 

One of these important resources, according to Kesler, is Academic Success coaching.  

“Every student has access to a coach to discuss their sense of academic belonging, study skills, planning and time management,” she said. 

 Another resource is the Aggie First Scholars program, available to every first-generation student.  

Although steps have been taken, Kesler continued, “Nationally, there is some evidence that disruptions have led to students feeling less ready for college.” 

Smith’s advice to other first-generation students is to use all the resources they can.  

“Have your friends help you out and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Tell people your struggles so they can support you,” Smith said. 

Rodriguez also advocated for resources.  

“I commend programs like Aggie First Scholars in their efforts for first-generation students navigating uncharted territory,” he said. “Their mentorship was invaluable to me as I figured out what opportunities I wanted to take part in.” 

As more students take part in the university experience, Kesler reiterated “USU is prepared to help students be successful.” 

Academic advisors are a source of knowledge for students interested in participating and receiving support from the variety of programs on campus. 

-Tanner.Thomsen@usu.edu