photo by: Journal-World file

A sign at the entrance to Haskell Indian Nations University is shown in this file photo from Friday, Aug. 5, 2016.

After a since-edited Facebook post from Haskell Indian Nations University told students Wednesday night it was “at capacity for Dorm spaces,” a spokesperson said a historic increase in enrollment created new challenges and opportunities.

Hours before the university was set to welcome students for orientation and move-in on Thursday, it posted on Facebook at 6:56 p.m.:

“New students, We appreciate that you have applied to Haskell, however, if you have been admitted into Haskell, but have not registered for classes. Please contact us first before you travel to Haskell. We are currently at capacity for Dorm spaces. Please contact the registrar’s office at 785.749.8440.”

At 8:22 p.m. Wednesday, the post was edited, removing the line about being at “capacity for Dorm spaces” and instead saying “Students must be registered in 12 credit hours in order to be considered for on campus housing.”

Jennifer Bell, a spokesperson with the Bureau of Indian Education, told the Journal-World Thursday that the university historically finalized the registration and provided dorm assignments to incoming students just before the start of classes. But due to increased enrollment, the administration felt that process “would not be feasible” for this semester, according to Bell.

Bell said the class of 970 students for the fall semester is the “largest class in a decade” and enrollment has increased by 30% over the past two years.

Bell said the school paused registration in early August, which allowed it to “assess available classroom and housing resources to support its growing student population.”

Haskell leadership said all registered students who confirmed on-campus housing status for the 2024-25 academic year will be provided on-campus housing, and the BIE said it has contingency plans in place.

“Haskell is working diligently to assist students and respond to their questions,” Bell said.

Students with questions regarding their housing status should contact the Haskell Registrar’s Office at 785-749-8440.