Office of University Communications

2101 Turner Hall

College Park, MD, 20742-5411
301-405-4621
For Immediate Release
Apr. 17, 2014

Contact: Mike Calia

732-865-5838
MikeCalia93@gmail.com

Minority enrollment at the university increases 8.7%

According to newly released data from the Office of University Relations, minority
enrollment at the university is at an all-time high of 8.7%
COLLEGE PARK, Md. The university has become more diverse. Newly released
figures indicate an increase in minority enrollment by 8.7 percent with total
enrollment increasing by only one percent.
Wallace Loh, president of the university, said this is a significant step
forward. Our many efforts of recent years are beginning to produce desired
results, Loh said.
Five years ago, minority enrollment was 1,540 students. Minority enrollment
has increased to 1,750 last year and 1,900 this year.
Increases for each minority group are as follows:

American Indian student enrollment has increased by 46 to 204 (31%)

Asian student enrollment has increased by 44 to 565 (8%)

Black student enrollment has increased by 34 to 678 (5%)

Hispanic student enrollment increased by 28 to 452 (6%)

(more)

The increase in minority students is a gratifying sight for many students, faculty
and the administrators who have worked for it, Loh said. We still have more to do.
This is only the beginning.
For more information visit the University Relations website:
https://www.urhome.umd.edu/
###

News Release Synopsis

A. Type of story
a. This story is a news release about the increase in minority enrollment
at the University. I wrote it in a news release format with the
letterhead at the top of the page and the date of release, along with my
contact information. I used an inverted pyramid form displaying the
most important information first. I used the GOTM technique, which
displays the goals, communication objectives, target publics, and
message for the release.
B. Focus
a. The focus of the story is the increase in minority student enrollment.
This increase shows a significant step forward for the university,
because the university faculty is always trying to promote diversity on
campus. This story highlights the success in the great efforts of the
university, while aiming to make the university more appealing as a
diverse environment.
C. News values
a. Timeliness the figures were released days before the release was
written.
b. Proximity the information is about the University of Maryland.
Students of the university will find this information most useful, as
they are a part of the community.
c. Human Interest The statistics released are both interesting and
gratifying. The large increase will interest and attract readers, while
also making them have a better view of the university.
D. Target Audiences
a. The most specific audience would be students at the university who
belong to the indicated minority groups. They will find the
information appealing because it shows how the university is
becoming more diverse. Prospective students will also find this useful
because they will want to attend the university, as it is a welcoming
environment for everyone.