Applicants numbers may reach record

So far, the University has received about 4,000 more applications for all University locations than last year, said University President Graham Spanier at the University Board of Trustees meeting Friday. At the current rate, the number of applications will exceed the number of applications received in 1995 -- the most received ever, he added.

"Our admission folks thought that (number) was so unusual that we would never surpass that again," Spanier said. "We have surpassed that."

To keep the enrollment numbers at University Park between 4,800 and 5,200, the Office of Admissions has limited the number of people they have accepted, Spanier said. But more people are deciding to come here than anticipated, creating a potential for record enrollment numbers, he said.

This increase may cause a strain on the facilities at University Park, which is already at capacity, he said.

"We can't take any more than we took last year," Spanier said.

Even if the numbers are record-high again, Tom Gibson, assistant vice president for auxiliary services, said the Office of Housing and Food Services is prepared.

"We held out more spaces this year for freshman. . . . Returning students have a choice but freshman have to live on campus," he said. "I believe we're in a fairly good state."

--by Patricia K. Cole