Fall enrollment hits an all-time high - For eight years in a row, Slippery Rock University has seen enrollment grow. This year’s 15th-day benchmark saw 8,325 students enrolled, an increase of 1.2 percent compared to last year.  Official enrollment numbers reported to the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education show SRU continuing a steady and planned growth.  “Once again, we are pleased to have hit our enrollment target,” said President Robert Smith in announcing the 2007-08 enrollment figures. “Our growth is testimony to the continued efforts we have undertaken to increase the value of a Slippery Rock University education and to the dedicated work of faculty and staff in ensuring our programs meet the rigorous demands of accrediting bodies that set national academic standards.” Undergraduate enrollment stands at 7,585, with graduate enrollment at 740 for the 2007-08 academic year. Total enrollment last year was 8,230. The figures show 4,749 women enrolled fall semester, up from 4,682 a year ago, and 3,576 men, up from 3,548 a year ago.  Credit hours also increased 1.12 percent for a total of 115,893 hours for the semester.

Park law enforcement program garners national spotlight - Slippery Rock University’s innovative seasonal law enforcement training program is receiving national exposure through a profile in the Association of National Park Rangers journal. The program is unique because it integrates law enforcement into SRU’s bachelor’s of science in park and resource management program.  “Students pick the emphasis area to broaden their employment credentials,” said John Lisco, SRU professor of parks and recreation. “Most institutions don’t have a seasonal law enforcement training specialization, so graduates have to attend an academy. Our program grabs students when they’re freshmen and gives them involvement in the specialty of their choice for four years. Students also do summer seasonal work in parks.”   Randy Pitstick, SRU professor of parks and recreation, and Lisco wrote the article for the fall 2007 issue. The quarterly journal cover issues of interest to park service employees, including seasonal opportunities.  Future rangers will fill many roles, and SRU’s integrated academic approach will meet the expanding needs of national and state park systems, Lisco and Pitstick said. Emerging areas of opportunity include law enforcement, emergency medicine, search and rescue, visitor service management and conflict resolution.

Student Government Association efforts help ‘green’ the campus - Slippery Rock University’s Student Government Association (SGA) recently completed a tree project that will benefit the University and students for years to come. The SGA began the project by purchasing 60 saplings to create a tree farm on campus. They recently added an additional $1,000 to the project in order to purchase an additional 40 trees that are large enough for immediate planting.  “We are very excited about creating a tree farm right here on campus. We feel that the project is important and needs to be seen as long term,’’ said Larry Brink, SGA president.  The SGA was also pleased to be able to make an immediate impact on the campus environment. “President Smith liked what we were doing and made a donation to match our financial commitment in order to help us buy more large trees,” Brink said.  The SGA hopes to see this project continue, Brink said, and plans to host an event this year on Arbor Day.