BEMIDJI, Minn. – Enrollment for summer session at Bemidji State University has experienced growth of just above 5.5 percent over 2007 figures, University officials announced today.

The figures show 1,181 undergraduate students enrolled on the sixth day of classes, up from 1,119 students enrolled at the same time last year – an increase of 5.54 percent. Graduate enrollment for summer is at 463, an 8.94-percent increase over last year’s enrollment of 424 at the same point in time.

“It’s exciting to see enrollment increase,” said Lynn Johnson, associate director of the Center for Extended Learning. “On-line enrollment is also up over last summer, as distance offerings become a more convenient way for students to work toward completing their degrees. It’s convenient for students to be able to take courses without having to give up five or 10 weeks of their summer to be in Bemidji.

“As enrollment improves, we’re able to improve our offerings, and as our offerings improve that leads to higher enrollment,” Johnson said.

The University’s point-in-time summer session enrollment numbers are up in most categories: 11 new freshman enrollees, up from six in 2007; 149 new undergraduates, up from 108; 982 returning undergraduates, up from 965; and 341 returning graduate students, up from 286.

Bemidji State’s enrollment number could continue to rise throughout the summer as students continue to enroll for distance learning options.

Summer session at Bemidji State began on Monday, June 2. Headcount reflects an unduplicated number of students enrolled in credit-generating courses on campus and through external study areas such as distance learning.