More than 600 of the 9,800 University of West Florida students have either withdrawn from the University or from some of their classes.

University President John Cavanaugh said he anticipated withdrawals after the hurricane, and UWF said he believes he kept the number to a minimum by initiating a team approach to handling students leaving the University.

Students who wish to have their tuition reimbursed must fill out an appeal through the Admissions office. Tommie Ballard and Ann Dziadon review the appeal applications once they are submitted.

"Tuition and fees are part of the overall University budget," said Pete Metarko, vice president for Enrollment Services.

Metarko said the University would make adjustments as needed to handle the loss of funds from reimbursed tuitions.

In reference to early recruitment efforts, Director of Admissions Matthew Hulett said the hurricane has caused an understandable distraction for many high school students.

"UWF exists to serve the local community and draws the majority of its students from the surrounding area," he said. "The disruption and devastation caused by Ivan has forced many prospective students to momentarily focus on issues other than their education."

Fewer students have applied for admission than at this time last year, and he said he expects the number of applicants to increase as the area recovers.

In cooperation with local high school counselors, Hulett said the University will offer "Decision Days" at the high schools to try and get students more focused on their future.

"We will send a team to the school and provide an admission decision on the spot for students who bring their application materials to us," he said.

Students who are not accepted on the spot will be offered counseling on how to strengthen their application and be given other opportunities available, Hulett said.

"We hope that this service will assist counselors and benefit students by helping the students regain their long term focus through tangible opportunities," he said.

"The University is working closely with students to reasonably minimize the impact withdrawing from courses may have on their lives," Hulett said. "While a number of students have found it necessary to withdraw from courses, many tell us they are desperate to remain enrolled as it is important for their future and their peace of mind."

The admissions staff also uses community college visits, college nights, national fairs, counselor workshops and open houses as recruitment tools.

Cavanaugh said enrollment tends to stabilize as soon as students get all aspects of their personal lives back in order. The stress people are under is sufficiently high and it is important for students to feel comfortable returning to classes, he said.

"We continue to provide counseling services to students, as well as any other support that they need," he said. "I do not think we need to 'regroup' but rather continue to be the supportive University that we have always been."

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