The spring 2009 opening enrollment for the University of Hawaii system reached an all-time record of 50,952, the highest spring enrollment in the institution's history, the school said today in a press release.

The previous opening enrollment high for spring was 48,538, in 1995.

Compared to spring 2008, UH's preliminary opening credit enrollment figures increased by 2,706 students, or 5.6 percent. It is the second straight year that enrollment has increased after experiencing two years of decreases in 2006 and 2007.

"These record enrollments underscore the public's willingness to invest in education and training — especially in tough times," said Linda Johnsrud, vice president of Academic Planning & Policy for UH.

Spring enrollments increased at nine of the 10 UH campuses, as UH-Manoa posted a slight decrease of 50 students, or .3 percent, than at a comparable date in spring 2008, with a total enrollment of 18,768.