MUNCIE, Ind. - After closing fall freshman enrollment earlier this week, Ball State University is offering an additional alternative to students who had their enrollments deferred until spring.

Admissions counselors are advising students who plan to enroll at Ball State in the spring that they can transfer credits from Vincennes University.

"Our Connect Program with Vincennes allows the students we could not accommodate for fall to take as few as three credit hours and gain automatic entry into Ball State next spring, as long as they maintain a "C" average," said Douglas F. McConkey, vice president for student affairs and enrollment management.

"Another factor that might make Vincennes University attractive to students is that it offers a residential experience," McConkey said. "We realize some students want to get involved in life on campus, and they can do that at Vincennes before becoming a part of our campus community."

Besides the relationship with Vincennes University, Ball State's admissions office is also notifying students that they can begin their college careers in a Connect Program with Ivy Tech State College and receive the same transfer benefits.

Ball State closed fall freshman enrollment for the first time in 10 years to ensure there would be enough room in residence halls and classes. McConkey expects the freshman class to have between 3,925 and 3,980 students, which would be the largest freshman class since 1997.

The university continues to accept applications for fall from transfer students.

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact McConkey at (765) 285-1444 or dmcconkey@bsu.edu.)