The results of the enrollment census recorded 1,392 students enrolled for the fall semester of 2018 at Dickinson State University. The census was completed Sept. 17, at midnight and reported 902 full-time students and 490 part time students enrolled. The total number of enrolled students decreased by 33 students compared to fall 2017.

“DSU was not immune to the decline in student enrollment being experienced across the state of North Dakota. We experienced a modest decline of 33 enrolled students this fall. We have still realized a 5.6 percent increase in student enrollment over the past three years, so are trending well. Obviously, we will focus on pathways to allow continued sustainable growth over the next several years, part of which is serving the almost 1400 students who entrusted DSU with their educational preparation,” said DSU President, Dr. Thomas Mitzel.

“As a campus we continue to evaluate curricular and co-curricular offerings to assure we are providing students with access to high-quality educational opportunities at an affordable cost and with training needed for the ever changing workforce. There is an increasing need for certificate and graduate programs in the region. The need for this type of educational opportunity is one the University will be moving forward to meet as we serve western North Dakota and the entire state,” said Mitzel.

The focus on serving students and improved programming is reflected in the number of first year students who enrolled in year two. Dr. Carmen Wilson, provost and vice president for academic and student affairs, has worked with her teams in academic and student affairs to increase activities and services focused on connecting students to DSU and increasing their sense of belonging. “I am delighted to see our efforts to create a campus culture that keeps students at DSU are achieving the results we hoped to see.”

“Our first to second year retention rate increased for the second straight year. Last year we saw the number rise from 54 percent to 64 percent. This year we increased to 71 percent,” said Wilson. “That means a growing number of students are choosing to continue their education at our university, which ultimately should increase the number of students who graduate from DSU.”