(August 28, 2009, New Orleans, La.) - Enrollment at the University of New Orleans at the end of the first week of classes for the fall 2009 semester is near 12,100, the highest since Hurricane Katrina struck four years ago.

The numbers are up among both undergraduate and graduate students, said Andy Benoit, director of admissions. Enrollment has increased 1.7 percent over last year when there were 11,856 enrolled at the end of the first week of classes.

"This is year another sign that progress is being made by both the University of New Orleans and the greater New Orleans community," said Chancellor Timothy P. Ryan.

"We are proud to see that our efforts to increase enrollment are showing gains," Benoit said.

The University of New Orleans (UNO), the urban research University of the State of Louisiana, provides essential support for the educational, economic, cultural and social well-being of the culturally rich and diverse New Orleans metropolitan area. It opened its doors in 1958 as part of the Louisiana State University System "to bring public-supported higher education to Louisiana's largest urban community." Today, UNO offers 43 undergraduate degree programs, 37 masters, and 11 doctoral programs. The 340-acre main campus sits on the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain, offering easy access to all parts of the metro area. For more information, visit www.uno.edu.

Johanna M. Schindler

(504) 280-6939

Fax (504) 280-1080

jschindl@uno.edu