COLORADO SPRINGS — Spring semester is just getting underway, but students at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs already seeing an increase in prospective students for next fall.
"That has a lot to do with being on the Common App for the first time which you usually get a bump for being on there for the first time. We've also done a very good job over the past three years of really trying to connect with sophomores, juniors, and seniors," said Chris Beiswanger, Director of Admissions, University of Colorado Colorado Springs.
He says increased interest in health fields such as nursing has also contributed as well as virtual events and students returning from a gap year.
"The gap year has really been an interesting conversation just nationwide. We're not a huge gap year school, some students will defer admission because, especially out of state students, don't want an online experience," said Beiswanger.
With the pandemic, UCCS senior Maddy Saucerman said it was an adjustment but she wanted to continue despite the pandemic.
"I figured I'm this close to the end. I know exactly what I want to do and do with this and I have the support of the faculty and students. It made sense for me to continue," said Saucerman.
While most of her classes were online, she didn't mind because of the support given by staff and fellow classmates.
"There was a lot of leniency, in my experience anyway. If my internet was done or if I needed an extension on an assignment. Everyone was really understanding about it," said Saucerman.
Beiswanger says the big questions students want to know is if they'll be returning in-person next fall. While they're starting off remotely, he says they'll eventually transition into hybrid with some in-person classes.
The university says summer will officially determine what next Fall will look like for enrollment.
