Texas A&M University-Texarkana officials say they are excited about the outlook for fall 2015 and are making a summertime splash to address the increased interest in the local university and to ensure that everyone knows it is not too late to apply for admission and financial aid.Because of increased demand, the university has added two more sessions of its Student Orientation, Advising and Registration (SOAR) program for freshmen to meet the needs of new students who have been admitted in recent weeks or who are just now applying for admission. The two new dates are Aug. 10 and Aug. 21.

“Once we fill the Aug. 10 SOAR session, we’ll open up the Aug. 21 event,” said A&M-Texarkana Assistant Director of Student Life Celeste McNiel.

University officials have registered about 7 percent more students for the fall 2015 semester than were registered this time last year. In fall 2014, total headcount enrollment represented an almost 4 percent increase from fall 2013 enrollment.

While President Dr. Emily Cutrer said she is pleased with enrollment so far, she looks forward to many more students enrolling for the fall semester.

“Our Enrollment Services team has done an amazing job in recruiting and admitting students to the university,” Dr. Cutrer said. “It’s now up to us to ensure that every admitted student who has the desire to attend A&M-Texarkana has that opportunity.”

“Applications for admission have increased dramatically from last year,” said A&M-Texarkana Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management Kathy Williams. “At this point, our applications are up by about 70 percent.”

It is not too late to apply to begin classes this fall, Williams said. Prospective students should visit the college website or visit the campus to begin the process.

Williams said students also have time to apply for financial assistance for fall. Applying through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid website is the first step.

The university implemented a new Enrollment Services model on July 1 of this year, with a mission to enhance quality service at the university.

“Our goal is to continue to improve services for students, alumni, family members and the community,” Williams said. “It’s a process that we hope to enhance as we begin to evaluate the results of our efforts.”

University officials also are pleased that student housing is filling quickly.

“Bringle Lake Village can accommodate 294 students at capacity,” said Carl Greig, associate vice president of student affairs. “I could give you an exact count for fall right now, but it will literally change the next minute. Students who plan to live on campus need to submit their housing application as soon as possible.”

A&M-Texarkana offers more than 40 bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education, liberal arts, business, science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“Most of our full-time faculty members have doctoral degrees, and students learn from top professors in their fields,” Dr. Cutrer said. “Small class sizes mean that our students receive the personalized attention they need to be successful in their educational careers.”

Dr. Cutrer said, “A great town and gown relationship has been the key to the growth of the university.” Town and gown is a term used to represent the relationship between the university community and the community at large.

“The support of the citizens, businesses and industries of Texarkana and the four-state region is essential to the university,” Dr. Cutrer said. “We look forward to expanding our partnerships with the community as we grow our student body and our campus footprint with the addition of another academic building in the next two years.”

For more information on enrollment at A&M-Texarkana, contact the Office of Admissions at (903) 223-3000 or admissions@tamut.edu.

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