Baker University reported an overall first-day enrollment of 3,621 students – an increase of 283 students from last year’s first day.

Louise Cummings-Simmons, vice president for enrollment management and financial aid, attributes the increase to recruiting efforts that include visiting more high schools.

“If you are going to have a presence in the market, you need to be in the market,” she said.

She said since last school year, university recruiters visited 1,453 high schools and attended 190 college fairs.

Cummings-Simmons said in 2004 the university was visiting about 1,000 high schools.

At the main campus in Baldwin City, 945 were enrolled, an increase of 309 students.

Steve Rottinghaus, director of public relations, said enrollment at the main campus is at its highest since 1984.

The School of Professional and Graduate Studies, and the School of Education graduate program based in Overland Park reported an enrollment of 2,521 students.

The School of Nursing at Stormont-Vail Regional Health Center in Topeka is operating at a maximum capacity of 155 students.

Official enrollment is not counted until the 20th day of classes, which is Sept. 19. Because students drop and add until then, the final number may change. The School of Professional and Graduate Studies enrollment is expected to increase at that time because of delayed reporting procedures, Rottinghaus said.