Posted: Friday, January 16, 2009 8:33 am

Applications for summer and fall admission at the University of Tennessee at Martin have increased by 15 percent over the same period last year, according to the Office of Admissions. “While not all applications translate into enrollments, we are pleased to see a continued increase as a reflection of student interest in the quality of our academic offerings and campus programming,” said Dr. Tom Rakes, UT Martin chancellor. “This is particularly significant considering our recent increase in academic standards.” This is the sixth consecutive year that application numbers have increased. A recent report showed that by Jan. 3, 2009, 2,131 students had applied for admission to UT Martin, up from 1,901 by that date in 2008. Also, there has been a 20 percent increase in housing applications this year. Students who plan to attend UT Martin and have not applied should note that Feb. 1 is the deadline for scholarship applications. “The number of applications has increased simply because UT Martin offers features and services students want,” said Judy Rayburn, UT Martin director of the Office of Admissions. “We think students tend to make their decisions based on a school’s atmosphere. Students are looking for more personal attention. They are looking at the size of the university and the opportunity to be involved in campus activities.” She added, “Students who choose UT Martin like the fact that their classes are going to be smaller and taught by faculty, not graduate students, and they like the fact that they will have access to those faculty members outside of class.” Rayburn said that in addition to strong programs, proximity to home, cost of attendance and apartment-style housing also are important considerations when students choose to apply to UT Martin. “I am pleased to see the growing interest and value attributed to a UT Martin degree,” Rakes added. “Continuation of our ongoing planning involving on- and off-campus initiatives ensures that our students have access to a world-class education.” For application information, visit the UT Martin admissions homepage at www.utm.edu/admis.php or call 1-800-829-UTM1.