Valley City, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — During his State of the University Address, on Monday (Nov 19, 2012) VCSU President, Dr. Steven Shirley said, enrollment at Valley City State University recorded the third highest level of 1,362 students this fall.

That, despite a one percent drop compared to 2011.

Dr. Shirley said a state university system enrollment rule reduced the number by 40 students on campus.

In 2011, the university had its second highest enrollment of 1,384 students.

VCSU had a significant economic impact for Valley City and Barnes County.

He added, the university will soon be offering a new software engineering major next fall pending final approval.

Dr. Shirley said construction on the $10.3 million dollar Rhodes Science Center expansion project is on schedule and within budget.

The project is expected to be completed by January of 2013.