The number of students enrolled at the Downtown campus, now in its fourth year, increased by more than 3,000 students from 2008 to 2009, an ASU official said.
The 2009 enrollment number was a little more than 11,500, said Sara Auffret, an ASU spokeswoman. The number increased from about 8,400 in 2008 and is projected to increase to about 15,000 students by fall 2011, she said.
The increase of students at the Downtown campus had a substantial effect on the number of residents living in Taylor Place, home to just under 800 students, said Debra Friedman, vice president of the Downtown campus.
Taylor Place, now a year old, nearly doubled its number of residents in 2009 compared to 2008 with the opening of its second tower. Tower I accommodates about 750 students while Tower II has room for an additional 540 students. Combined, the two towers house over 1,200 students, a number Friedman said she expects to be reached soon.
“All of the academics down here are in high demand,” Friedman said. “As people recover from the economic challenges we face now, we expect the numbers for next year to come closer to 1,000.”
With the enrollment at a new record, interdisciplinary studies junior Natasia Bongcas said the Downtown campus has begun to develop its own atmosphere.
“People think there is nothing to do down here, but if you know what to look for there is plenty to do,” Bongcas said. “It’s not Tempe but we have our own feel.”
Journalism freshman Nick Franck said as the Downtown campus matures, more and more students seem to be attracted to Taylor Place and appreciate all it has to offer.
“Taylor Place is a lot smaller,” Franck said. “It’s more of a close knit community. I literally know everyone on my floor.”
ASASUD President Tania Mendez said there is a difference between the Tempe and Downtown campuses, and that’s a good thing.
“It’s a great environment for us to be civically engaged,” Mendes said. “We are becoming distinct in our own way, and we are creating our own footprint at ASU, which is great.”
Contact the reporter at jmabercr@asu.edu
