Orientation records fall

If this summer's record-breaking orientation sessions are any indication, the fall headcount could increase as well.

More than 1,600 incoming freshmen attended one of five pre-enrollment programs. With the 980-plus transfer students primarily from community colleges who attended separate sessions, more than 2,580 new students pre-registered for fall classes over the summer period.

Enrollment at the freshman and transfer orientation sessions each topped 1996 attendance figures, which also were record-setters. About 2,395 attended last year's sessions.

"Preliminary indications are that enrollment might increase this fall," said Jimmy Abraham, associate dean of student services. "The preliminary indicators look pretty good."

Last year's fall enrollment totalled 14,064 on the main campus.

Mississippi State first began holding pre-enrollment programs for new students in the 1960s.

Freshman orientation sessions are held over two days, while those for transfers require only a day to complete. In addition to registering for fall classes, the incoming students meet faculty, students and administrators. Separate, concurrent sessions are held for parents.