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To the editor:
As we begin a new academic year, I am writing to clarify some confusion regarding Salem State University's enrollment and our newest residential facility, Marsh Hall.
The construction of Marsh Hall is part of the university's effort to transform commuter students who impact area traffic into residential students who are not commuting to campus by car.
Marsh Hall accommodates 525 students who would otherwise be driving to Salem State; thereby, increasing residential capacity — not undergraduate enrollment.
The opening of Marsh Hall resulted in a reduction of commuter traffic and moved more of our students onto campus and out of the adjacent neighborhoods.
This fall we welcomed 33 fewer freshman students and 59 more transfer students for a net gain of 26 undergraduates in a total undergraduate population of approximately 7,100 students. Our long-term intent is to have more persistence of freshman and transfer students to their junior and senior years, which will grow our undergraduate population by the one percent to two percent mentioned in a recent article in The Salem News.
The university's admissions process is an art, not a science. All universities must make their best estimate of the number of students that will accept their invitation to attend and adjust to the decisions made by students and their families.
Although we are not able to predict the exact numbers of students who will be a part of the Salem State University community every year, we remain committed to preparing our students to realize their educational goals and be contributing members of the local community.
Scott James
Associate VP, Enrollment Management
Salem State University, Salem
