Campus expecting large class in Fall '03

By Sarah R. Buchholz, Chronicle staff

larger than expected class of incoming students may be headed UMass Amherst's way, according to Joseph Marshall, assistant vice chancellor of Student Affairs and dean of Enrollment Services. More than 4,400 people have put deposits on a place in the Class of 2007.

     This year's class is stronger than ever, Marshall said. "SAT scores and GPA are both up this year."

     Although the official target for the year was 3,700, Marshall said, "things seem surprisingly under control."

    Housing will likely have room for all students who apply in time, he said, once the new class has lost a percentage of the deposit-makers to different colleges or other changes in plans. In the meantime, he said, some upperclassmen are being notified that "housing may be tight" next fall.

     "There are enough seats in available classes, and we can pick up a large portion of the fee increase for the neediest students through financial aid."

     The New Students Program has experienced the biggest squeeze, he noted, saying they were running at capacity all summer, even having added sections, and that some students will have to be oriented after they arrive.

    "Systems will be stressed," he said, citing moving-in day as an example of a high-volume, high-stress effort. "But this is not unusual. The staff will be ready for it." He also noted a silver lining in the bigger-than-expected class.

     "If we get tuition retention, this largish class could be a portent of things to come," he said.