MU closes fall 2008 enrollment

COLUMBIA— MU officials said Friday that effective Monday, the university will no longer accept freshman applications for the fall.

With a record number of freshmen already admitted, MU is full.

According to officials, stopping acceptance of freshman applications is the best way to ensure quality in education, services and housing.

MU Chancellor Brady Deaton said this decision is in the best interest of the students, both already accepted and not able to apply.

“We want to assure that every student receives the best possible educational experience at Mizzou,” Deaton said.

Deaton said they will be “making every effort to admit additional students for the spring 2009 semester.”

According to the MU News Bureau, figures show more than 5,860 freshman have paid an initial enrollment deposit for the fall semester. The official enrollment number isn’t determined until after the 20th day of classes, but if the current figure remains the same, this will be MU’s largest freshman class.

MU News Bureau Associate Director Christian Basi said, “We are closing admissions as of Monday ... and the applicants whose applications we have received prior to June 16 are not affected by this decision.”

“Their applications will still be evaluated, and if they meet the requirements, they will be accepted into the university.”

According to MU officials, the incoming freshman enrollment increase may be a result of the university’s successful student recruitment practices, MU’s academic reputation, renovations of the campus facilities and grounds and the recent success of the MU football program.