UNLV has posted a preliminary full-time equivalent (FTE) figure of 13,835 for this fall - the largest FTE in the university's history and a 5.1 percent increase over the final figure of 13,166 for last fall - according to President Carol C. Harter.

The preliminary headcount for Fall Semester 1996, which started Aug. 26, is 20,043.

"These figures represent a continuation of the trend, which began last year, of increasing numbers of full-time students, and this is something we very much like to see," Harter said.

"It indicates that more students are seriously pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees, and it represents a maturing of this institution."

Noting that UNLV's new strategic plan for the next decade places heavy emphasis on student-centeredness and developing a user-friendly university, Harter said increases in the number of full-time students signal both improvement and challenge.

"We are dedicated to increasing our retention - to providing an educational environment that encourages students to continue once they have enrolled here as freshmen or transfers," Harter said.

"Through our Enrollment Management Office and Provost's Office we are taking steps to improve both enrollment and retention. These initiatives involve everyone at UNLV and will result, I'm confident, in a university that truly meets the needs of its students and helps them reach their educational and personal goals."

Juanita Fain, dean of enrollment management, said, "This is the highest FTE we have ever had, and we feel good about that, but we will be doing everything we can to further increase both FTE and total headcount."