A total of 1,594 students began classes this morning, Aug. 20, for the first day of the 2018 fall semester at Missouri State University-West Plains, university officials announced.

That is the number of students enrolled as of Sunday evening, Aug. 19, the end of the regular registration period for the fall semester, university officials said. Last year, 1,611 students were enrolled for the first day.

Today’s figures included enrollment numbers from Missouri State-West Plains’ extended campus in Mountain Grove, online courses and early enrollees in the dual credit/dual enrollment classes being offered this fall at several area high schools.

“In an environment where many Missouri two-year colleges have been going down in enrollment, we are pleased that our first-day numbers are holding steady with only a difference of 15 students,” Missouri State-West Plains Chancellor Shirley Lawler said. “It’s also encouraging to see increases in the number of students taking online courses and choosing to attend our campus in Mountain Grove.”

Students taking online courses rose from 873 on the first day of the 2017 fall semester to 901 today. And, the number of students taking classes at Shannon Hall in Mountain Grove increased from 75 to 92.

“The official enrollment numbers will come on census date, the 20th day of class, as we have a few programs that are still registering some students,” Lawler said.

Those programs which have extended registration periods include dual credit/dual enrollment at area high schools and the Viticulture and Enology Science and Technology Alliance (VESTA).

In addition to these students, 110 students are enrolled in the bachelor’s and master’s degree courses offered on site and via interactive television (ITV) by Missouri State University’s Outreach Program on the West Plains campus.

For more information about Missouri State-West Plains, its programs and registration deadlines, visit wp.missouristate.edu or call 417-255-7955.