Flood Affecting MSU Enrollment | Video

Jenny Castro | 8/24/2012

During last summer`s flood, Minot State University was able to save several buildings when crews put up a dike on the south side of the campus. But the overall enrollment numbers still showed a six percent decline last year and a 2.5 percent decline this year. Officials at MSU say the numbers are disappointing, but not unexpected.

Taking a note from UND`s experience after the 1997 Red River flood in Grand Forks, Minot State anticipated that enrollment might be down for a few years.

"They were right. When you look at our community with the housing and all the challenges we have across this community, with the energy impact and all that`s occurred. There`s so much going on in this community that it`s affecting how people can find places to stay and come to school,” said MSU President Dr. David Fuller.

Right now, low income housing is almost non-existent for students interested in the university.

"We`re still getting calls individually from people saying we`ve registered but we just can`t find a place to stay or it`s too high, the rent is too high. And we hear that regularly from people who are considering coming to Minot State. And that`s sort of out of our control unless they stay on our residence halls but our residence halls are pretty much full right now,” said Fuller.

Minot State has more challenges than just the housing, the job market in Minot is very attractive to young adults.

"The allure of making pretty big money out in the energy field. I`m sure that`s affected our enrollment as well, that some students have decided to go out and do that,” said Fuller.

Walking around campus, you wouldn`t think that numbers are down. At the grand opening of the new student Wellness Center this week, there was a sense of eagerness from students.

"There is a palpable excitement and enthusiasm among our students, it just feels like we are way above what we have been in the past because of the vibrancy on this campus,” said Fuller.

It`s been a little hump that the university is paying attention to, and one they`re confident of overcoming.

Overall, the number of part time students has increased, while the number of full time students has gone down. Fuller says the enrollment from neighboring states is very strong, as well as the increase in international students.

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