Notes from President Robert E. Witt’s Back-to-School News Conference

It’s not often that one can report records in three major areas. This fall, I’m very proud to report record enrollment, record numbers of National Scholars and record giving. These are great indicators of progress.

Students

• We are expecting one of the largest and best qualified freshman classes in UA history. Final enrollment figures will be available in September.
• The freshman class includes a record number of 143 National Merit, National Achievement and National Hispanic Scholars, up from 94 in 2004 and 52 in 2003.
• More than 700 freshmen have enrolled in Honors College – a significant increase over 583 in 2004 and 430 in 2003. Acceptance in Honors College as a freshman requires a composite ACT score of 28 which is the 95th percentile. It is significant to note that one in six new freshmen is in Honors College.
• The Riverside Community — the first major new residence hall built on campus since 1972 — is open and housing more than 960 students. Living arrangements are primarily four-bedroom suites, each with a kitchenette and living room. The complex also includes a pool, clubhouse and coffee house. Construction is already under way on our next residential community and a new dining facility both of which will be located adjacent to Palmer Lake.

Total Giving at All-Time High

Gifts and pledges to The University of Alabama reached an all-time high for FY2005, totaling over $100 million for the year ending June 30, 2005. Total giving is up 40 percent over FY 2004 and 30 percent over the previous high of almost $70 million in FY2003.