NSM Faculty/Staff Newsletter

From the Office of the Dean

Student Success Update

Summer and Fall 2020 Enrollment Update

As of April 13, NSM enrollments are up significantly for both Summer 1 and Summer 4. Significant increases are also seen for UH as a whole. This is great news since some initial estimates projected very significant losses. For Summer 1, SCH is up 37.6% for NSM and 16.3% for UH. Similarly, for Summer 4 SCH is up is 20.2% for NSM and 14.9% for UH. These enrollment increases seem to indicate students are embracing the online teaching format.

The numbers are not as bright for Fall enrollments. As of April 13, Fall 2020 SCH is down 2.46% for NSM and 2.42% for UH. While these are negative numbers, they are not as bad as most projections. NSM will work with the departments to boost enrollment for the fall, and we still hope to get to a 2–4% increase. The early negative numbers may reflect a “wait and see” attitude by the students.

For the financial health of the College and University, it will be important to minimize a loss in enrollments. These numbers will be closely monitored as Summer and Fall 2020 registration continues.

Summer Scholars Academy Moves to Online Format

The NSM Summer Scholars Academy offers an intensive 9-week program designed for incoming students who have an outstanding high school academic record and are interested in majors in NSM or the Cullen College of Engineering. The program will be held from June 8–August 7, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Summer 2020 program adopted an online format. This transition will ensure that incoming freshmen have the opportunity to gain additional support while earning credit for Calculus 1, receiving a preview to Fundamentals of Chemistry I up to the first exam, and being offered the College Success course content. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be evaluated for admittance into their first-choice major in NSM or Engineering if they didn’t meet automatic admission requirements.