Texas Tech University - La Ventana Yearbook (Lubbock, TX)

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TASP TEST CUTS SUMMER SHORT By Debbie Garcia Just as incoming freshmen were breathing a sigh of relief after taking the Scholastic Aptitude Test, Texas insti- tuted a new law that required yet another test to be administered. The TASP test, given by the Texas Academic Skills Program, measured col- lege-level skills of freshmen in reading, writing and mathematics. The test was mandatory for all fresh- men who wished to enroll in upper-level courses or register for credit courses in the spring. Those freshmen who did not take the test before the spring semester were forced to register for remedial courses for that semester. A grandfather clause within the new law enabled students with three or more college credit hours before the 1989 fall semester to be exempt from the test. Many freshmen cut summer short and started college early to avoid the test. To claim exemption through college credit, a course that was acknowledged as college credit from the institution from which it was being taken had to be pas- sed. Raider Recruiter Leslie Hanson gives a group of poten- tial Tectisans a tour of ttie campus and talks witti the students as they pass the business administration building. (Photo by Barry Johnson) 12 — TASP Test

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Corporate sponsors paid for such promotional items as the Game Plans handed out before each home game which instructed fans on how and when to show their spiht; reversible hats that could be worn with the red side showing for offense or the black side showing for the Black Attack defense; and clickers which were used when either Tech or its opponent were in third-down situations. To increase spirit, marketing director Dick Murray also introduced the Roof Raider, who stood atop the Jones Stadi- um north athletic offices waving a red flag when the Raiders were in control of the ball and a black flag when Tech was on defense. The changes Murray brought to the football program seemed to have an ef- fect on the atmosphere at the games. Greg Sears, a junior finance major from Plainview, summed up the new feeling brought to the games: The crowd got a lot more into the games this year, and for a change it was a lot of fun watching them win. fsm GO lES During the pre-game party, Raider fans display their sign made for the All American Bowl In Birmingham, Ala. (Photo by Rob Williams) As part of halftlme activities, All American Bowl fans are treated to a spectacular fireworks display at historic Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala. (Photo by Greg Humphries) Designed by Mark Valdez Spirit That Won The Game — 11

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Although not as big as Texas A M or the University of Texas, Texas Tech University ex- perienced an enrollment increase that pushed the enrollment figure past the 25,000 mark for the first time. A survey showed that the 1 989 Texas Tech enrollment increase was due to the quality of programs, the friendliness and attractiveness of the campus and the quality of on-campus housing. The survey, conducted by the Office of New Student Relations and designed by the College Board, showed that students who associate an exciting or challenging Image with a university are more likely to enroll In the university. With higher admission standards, Tech saw a decline in the number of entering freshmen and students applying for re- admisslon. This did not affect returning students, however. Because of the in- creased retention rates and a constantly Improving image, more incoming students were able to see Tech as an exciting and challenging place to attend school. Texas Tech ranks high In national sur- veys In the areas of contacting potential students, post-admission communications and college publications. Tech ranks high- er than other colleges considered by stu- dents and even higher in national aver- ages In attracting incoming freshmen. The ease of getting home Is one of the greatest concerns for prospective stu- dents. Compared to a national average of one-third of students being 300 miles from the school they choose, two-thirds of Tech ' s students are 300 miles or more from home. Although the 1989 freshman class was smaller than the previous year, record- size freshman classes for the past three years helped Tech reach its record enroll- ment of 25,027 this year. The Office of New Student Relations worked toward creating an Interest In Texas Tech and persuading interested students to enroll. Our main purpose Is to provide accu- rate and timely information to prospective students, ' ' said fvlarty Grassel of the Office of New Student Relations. Visiting high schools and sponsoring University Day are two ways New Student Relations introduces Tech to prospective students. The office responds to all re- quests, whether by phone or mail. The Office of New Student Relations also initiates contact with target -areas such as transfer students, minorities and the academically superior. Several of the Individual colleges have student groups who help with such recruiting. Through the efforts of New Student Relations and student groups. Tech ' s high enrollment is proving to critics everywhere that Texas Tech is twice the university. TECH ' S IMAGE IMPROVES By Anita Wilson and Debbie Garcia Students who remember long registration lines made within the past few years. James Grimmett at West Hall can appreciate the improvements registers with Christie Johns at the University Cen- ter. (Photo by Corby Roberts) Designed by Lora Lutz Total Enrollment for the Fall Semester Information provided by the Office of Statistics and Reports Graph By: Greg Humphries Record Enrollment — 13