acuoptimist.com
Optimist the
Budget Brief, page 3
Friday, February 11, 2011
Vol. 99, No. 34
1 section, 8 pages
ENROLLMENT
ACU boosts retention despite lower enrollment Jeff Craig
Managing Editor
The university saw an 8 percent decrease in student population with the release of spring enrollment numbers on Wednesday, a normal decrease. The university reported 4,358 students enrolled, a
decrease from the 4,728 total enrolled students in the fall. Kevin Campbell, acting chief enrollment officer, said most universities typically see lower enrollment numbers in the spring semester. “Most every university in the spring sees that decline,” Campbell said. “We typically see lower numbers
for two reasons: We have a December graduation, and almost all freshmen start in the fall, so you don’t see an influx to replace the graduating class.” The total number of students enrolled this spring actually is lower than in spring 2009. A total of 4,984 were enrolled last spring.
However, Campbell said the total number of degreeseeking students is higher this year. Last year, the university saw a record number of students enrolled in dual-credit classes, inflating enrollment numbers. “This year, we have 3,464 degree-seeking undergraduates, and last
quick facts The total number of students enrolled at ACU has declined in the last three semesters. • Spring 2011 - 4,358 students • Fall 2010 - 4,728 students • Spring 2009 - 4,984 students Campbell also said the year, we had 3,436. So we actually have 28 more stu- university saw one of its dents than we did a year see STUDENTS page 4 ago,” Campbell said.
UNIVERSITY
Officials decrease campus spending Linda Bailey Editor in Chief
JOZIE SANDS // Online Editor
Mark Coley, athletic director and secondary principal, scrolls through the home screen of his iPad.
ACS creates iCampus Abilene Christian Schools initiate iPad technology in the classroom
W
hen Mark Coley turns on his iPad, he sees a picture of the Abilene Christian High School football helmet with his team praying in the background. “I put it on there, so everyone would know it was mine,” Coley said. Coley, principle and athletic director at ACHS, made sure to put his mark on his iPad because two weeks ago, all Abilene Christian Schools faculty, administration and staff received the devices free of charge.
Story by Linda Bailey
Randy Hill, ACU alumnus and Abilene businessman, donated the money for the faculty iPads and plans to do the same for all ACHS students starting in the fall. All younger grades will have access to iPads in a mobile lab that students can use in the classroom. ACS has been considering bringing more technology on campus in recent years, and President of ACS Craig Fisher said these devices, as well as other technology, in the class-
room will enhance instruction and give students tools for the future. “It’s going to give us more options to expose our kids to great learning tools and put devices in their hands that are going to be part of the future,” Fisher said. “Preparing them now, utilizing them now, will prepare them for a stronger future.” Before giving iPads to ACS, Hill gave the devices to all students at Dallas Christian
The university faces a $6.2 million shortfall for the fall of 2011 after lowering its expected enrollment. As part of the five-year plan enacted two years ago as part of the 21st Century Vision, the university estimated to sell 126,000 credit hours in the 2011 fall semester. However, now the university is budgeting for 118,000 credit hours – creating a shortfall of money from the 8,000-hour difference. Credit hours cost $712. Stacey McGee, associate chief financial officer, said to make up for that shortfall, cuts have been made in divisions across the board, in areas such as academics, staff divisions and capital expenses, such as construction costs. Phil Schubert, president of the university, said a combination of factors led to cuts in the university budget. Some of the factors were the economic downturn’s effect on the endowment, a sharp reduction in the number of non-traditional students enrolled in the Bachelor of Applied Studies program, students bringing in more hours from other universities and a drop in the retention rate
see ACS page 4 see BUDGET page 4
LOCAL
Abilene Zoo opens scaly exhibit Bill Gersonde, Zoo Director, said he is proud Opinion Page Editor that Abilene Zoo is one of The Abilene Zoo opened a the few zoos in the counnew reptile exhibit by the try to house a Coahuila Elm Creek Back Yard ex- box turtle. “It’s the most aquatic of hibit on Jan. 28. The exhibit consists of all box turtles and is found two windows containing only in a specific lake area a common iguana found in Mexico,” Gersonde said. in South America, two “We participate in a manred-footed tortoises and a agement program for that species and are one of ten Coahuila box turtle.
Matthew Woodrow
“We’ve had these reptiles for a while in the back. They were reserve animals, and people couldn’t see them,” Baez said. “Now they’re right here in the open, so people can.” Baez said the space was not being used, and after a few renovations, the animals were “plopped in.” see SCALY page 4
website
inside news The Students’ Association approved its spring budget Wednesday during its first meeting of the semester. page 3
zoos in the United States that exhibit the Coahuila Box turtle.” The zoo has housed the reptiles for a while now and even has successfully bred and raised the turtle’s offspring, but they haven’t been on display until now. Reptile Keeper Tony Baez said he was happy that the iguana, turtle and tortoises finally would be visible to zoo visitors.
arts After winter weather delayed opening night, the cast of Eruydice continues working to finish sets. page 5
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
A coiled green viper sits in its tank as part of the newly opened reptile exhibit at the Abilene Zoo.
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