JOPLIN, MO. --- Brooklyn Lampe is one of Missouri Southern State University's newly enrolled students.
"We're getting out student ID cards, setting up email accounts, answering financial aid questions," Lampe says.
The college freshman began her fall semester at Mizzou, but decided to transfer here for the spring semester.
"It's a lot closer to home and it's more personal. There's not so many people," she says.
MSSU leaders are hoping to attract more students like Lampe, after the university saw a second consecutive fall semester drop in enrollment.
"Many of our students are dealing with the after effects of the tornado. Ninety-two percent of our students work to support themselves and so some of them have the option to work full-time," Darren Fullerton, vice president of Student Affairs.
In fall 2010, there were more than 5,800 students enrolled. This fall that number dropped by about 400.
"We are split 40 percent of our funds coming from the state now, [about] 40 percent coming from the students," Fullerton says.
He says when enrollment is down, it ultimately affects everyone on campus.
"That may mean no salary raise increases, fewer items of equipment that need to be upgraded in the classroom."
Now, the university is looking at plans of action to take, and ways to enhance their marketing.
"We've hired a higher education consulting company to help us look at our recruitment and retention and our financial aid scholarship policies," Fullerton says.
It's a move they hope can help retain students like Lampe, who is looking forward to the spring semester.
"Getting the ability to propel myself forward instead of just feeling like i'm average, giving me a chance to excel," she says.
University leaders also examine enrollment based on credit hours.
They say while students are taking on full-course loads,they're seeing fewer part-time students enroll.
