CHICAGO, IL (August 31, 2010) – Classes for the 2010-2011 academic year began at North Park University on Monday with an increased number of incoming students over last year.
Mark Olson, dean of enrollment, said numbers are not considered official until the fourth week of the term, but initial counts show an increase of around 5 percent in new students. That includes transfers as well as freshmen.
A greater influx of international students is one of the reasons for the increase, Olson said. The school has stepped up its international efforts in recent years.
New students arrived on campus last Tuesday for Threshhold, the university’s orientation program. In addition to being introduced to the campus, the students were given an opportunity to experience some of the sights in Chicago, including a trip on a Lake Michigan cruise ship.
More than 60 students participated in two service projects on Thursday. One group picked up litter in neighborhood parks around the campus. Another group worked at the Greater Chicago Food Depository, preparing deliveries for food pantries in the area.
