If it seems like more and more students have descended upon Ames this fall, this is not an illusion. In fact, enrollments for both the university, as well as the College of Engineering, have reached new pinnacles. Total university enrollment has reached 31,040 students, a new record, while the College of Engineering has accrued 7,508 students, also a record (University, CoE see enrollment records again this year, Strawn).

This increase in enrollment has come to no surprise to Dr. Gary Mirka, Associate Dean of Undergraduate and Graduate Education for the College of Engineering. He explains what has gone on behind the scenes to lead to the recent enrollment surge. The first priority is assuring students already in attendance at Iowa State are comfortable and successful.

To do this, “We found that the learning communities are ways of getting groups of students that have common interest to work together; they’re taking similar classes, in some cases living in the same dorm room”, says Mirka. “We’ve found that’s a very effective way in improving our retention.”

After taking care of current students, a concerted effort is carried out to attract new students to Iowa State. Mirka notes, “The number of students graduating from high schools in Iowa is relatively flat. So if we’re interested in growth, we’ll need to be looking at international students, as well as students from surrounding states.”

He also mentions: “We’ve been particularly aggressive in trying to recruit underrepresented minority and women students.” Signs of this desired diversification have been eminent, as, according to the College of Engineering website, both female and underrepresented minority (as well as international) enrollments have all increased.

A potential problem that arises with an increase in students is accommodation capabilities. This issue has been handled in stride, however, as “the college of Liberal Arts and Sciences has been an excellent partner in making sure there’s enough seats available so these students can take the classes they need when they first arrive”, says Mirka. “That’s an improvement from many of our other competitors.” Also, $2.2 million has been invested in the college for the purpose of hiring additional professors, enhancing existing facilities and programs, etc. (Strawn).

The commitment to attract and accommodate students has been the key factor in this jump, not any lapses in admissions standards. Mirka insists that the Board of Regents has not changed their admissions standards for the College of Engineering, which goes to show that more and more qualified students are finding appeal in Iowa State.

To really hit home the incredibility of the College of Engineering here at Iowa State, Dr. Mufit Akinc, and Interim Dean for the college, recites that this year, the college has the most undergraduate students of any college at Iowa State, edging out the College of Liberal Arts. This is a rarity for any school, even for an Engineering-oriented institution such as Iowa State. The College of Liberal Arts does receive the last laugh in this unofficial contest in that they do have the most students when postgraduates are also included. Nonetheless, the recent increases in enrollment allow for an added excitement, as more and more students are receiving the opportunity to receive a unique and valuable education only found at Iowa State.