Shippensburg University officials are celebrating increased enrollment and retention rates, as well as U.S. News & World Report recognition.

In a Friday press release, SU announced increased enrollment numbers including a 0.6 % increase from fall 2019 with a 0.8 % increase reported for undergraduate students.

Officials also said SU has demonstrated a 2.3 % increase in retention over the previous year and a 6 % increase in retention over the previous three years.

The university’s fall 2020 enrollment is 6,130 students, 804 graduate and 5,326 undergraduate students, according to the release.

Officials attribute retention-targeted initiatives such as the First-Year Experience, Student Success Center, First-Generation college student programs and communication campaigns with aiding in students’ achievements.

Amid the pandemic, SU implemented an “Early Alert System,” which allows coaching staff to work one-on-one with students with unique challenges, the release said.

SU President Laurie Carter said officials worked hard during the spring 2020 closure to ensure a feasible, safe reopening for students.

“I am grateful to the faculty and staff who have not wavered in their commitment to student success. I am humbled by the students and families who have maintained their studies or may have joined us this year as new members of the Raider family,” Carter said. “Our increases in enrollment and retention are a rewarding affirmation of the high-quality Ship experience and education and speaks to our ability to work together during this challenging time. We may be teaching and learning differently, but student success, health and well-being remains our priority.”

During the closure, the university planned for a HyFlex learning model which allows students to learn both in-person and remotely. SU also purchased OWL cameras to stream classes, moved furniture and installed plexiglass to create a social-distance friendly campus.

On Monday, SU announced it moved up 12 spots on the U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Colleges” rankings.

According to the report, SU ranks 25th among top public schools on the list for regional universities (north). In 2020, the university ranked 27th. The university ranked 88th on the best colleges list for regional universities (north), moving up 12 spots from 2020.

Carter said the climb in rankings, “is a testament to the dedication of our faculty and staff.”

SU Provost Tom Ormond said, “It is deeply rewarding to be recognized with this noteworthy climb in rankings on the nationally-recognized Best Colleges list. This achievement is reflective of our renowned faculty, our diverse array of accredited programs, and our ever-expanding commitment to student learning and success.”

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