Record spring enrollment announced

Spring enrollment at Mississippi State University is setting another state record for the 1996-97 school year.

The total spring headcount is 13,881, an increase of 413 students from the same semester last year and a 3.1 percent increase. The figure includes students taking classes on the main campus, as well as the Meridian Campus and other off-campus centers.

Enrollment at Starkville is 13,045, an increase of 352 students from last spring.

"Enrollment of new students on the Starkville campus increased nearly 9 percent, while enrollment on the Meridian Campus was up over 9 percent," said Registrar W.S. "Bud" Smith in his report to University Provost Derek Hodgson.

In September, fall enrollment of more than 14,000 on the Starkville campus set a university record. That single-campus headcount, plus a total of almost 15,000 for all Mississippi State campuses and centers, also established all-time attendance records among the eight state universities.

The Meridian Campus, which was established in 1972, offers higher education to persons unable to attend a residential campus. Courses at the Lauderdale County campus are offered at junior, senior and graduate-degree levels.

A total of 739 are enrolled this semester in Meridian.