EUGENE–Due to a record number of applicants, freshmen wanting to attend the University of Oregon in fall of 2001 need to submit their applications no later than May 1, 2001.

"We’re delighted at the level of freshman interest this year, which we believe speaks to the quality of programs here at the UO. But in order to continue to offer small classes and to maintain high quality programs, it is necessary for us to stop accepting freshman admission applications," says Martha Pitts, UO director of admissions. "We are in the process of notifying high school counselors around the state and region so that students are aware of the deadline."

According to Pitts, the university has received about 500 more applications than at the same time last year.

"Moreover, we’ve already exceeded the 8,107 freshman applications that we received by the start of fall term last year," she adds.

Freshman applications postmarked after May 1, 2001, will be placed on a waiting list for Fall Term 2001 and will be processed for Winter Term 2002. The application deadline for transfer students is May 15.

Students who already have received notice that they have been admitted should submit their intent-to-register forms and their advance tuition deposits by May 1, 2001. Admitted students who cannot pay the advance tuition deposit will find instructions about options for payment included in the intent-to-register form.

The University of Oregon is planning to admit more students than it did last year, part of its long-range plan for slow, sustained growth over the next several years. These plans include expansion of Learning Communities and other first-year programs, coupled with an enhanced program in academic advising.

"The enhancement of these programs requires that we grow slowly enough to house, teach and serve the needs of our students," says Pitts.

Freshman enrollment for fall 2001 is expected to be up by as much as 200 students, 150 of whom are from Oregon. Overall, UO enrollment for fall 2001 will exceed 18,000 students. Enrollment for fall 2000 was 17,843 students.

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