This fall's freshman class -- the first class to be chosen by the University of California, Davis, without consideration of race, ethnicity or gender -- will look much like incoming classes of the past several years. Despite a 20 percent decline in the number of admitted students from historically underrepresented groups, minority students accepting admission this year declined by just 2.5 percent -- from 552 to 538. Slight gains were registered among American Indians (from 38 to 39) and Chicanos (259 to 287); African Americans declined by 3 (from 107 to 104); and Latinos declined by 40 (from 148 to 108). Among other ethnic groups, Asian Americans increased by 87 (from 1,003 to 1,090), while declines were noted among East Indians (from 84 to 81), Filipinos (from 167 to 156), Caucasians (from 1,585 to 1,308) and other ethnicities (from 86 to 62). The number of students accepting admission who declined to state their ethnicity increased from 149 to 512. Additionally, 49 foreign students indicated they would enroll (down from last year's 53). "It is so very satisfying and encouraging that our incoming class again will be very diverse in their backgrounds and experiences," said Chancellor Larry N. Vanderhoef. "The relative stability in the numbers is heartening, and I suspect surprising to many, given the requirements of Proposition 209 and the regents' resolution. We specially encouraged our admitted students to consider the rich intellectual environment available at UC Davis, as well as our commitment to building a welcoming atmosphere for all of our students." Several factors contributed to continued diversity within the freshman class, according to Carol F. Wall, vice chancellor for student affairs. High school seniors responded to encouragement to apply to a larger number of UC campuses; special efforts were made to recruit underrepresented students offered admission; students denied admission to UC Berkeley and UCLA were redirected to other UC campuses; and all qualified students were guaranteed admission to at least one UC campus. "Many excellent students who were denied admission to UC Berkeley or UCLA may have chosen to attend UC Davis and other UC campuses," Wall said. "Locally, we may have benefited from the losses experienced at Berkeley and UCLA." The Davis campus made extra efforts to encourage admitted students -- particularly underrepresented students -- to enroll, Wall said. Alumni, faculty, staff and students were enlisted to court prospective students through statewide receptions, letters and telephone campaigns, campus visits and special "get-acquainted days." Current students were particularly influential recruiters, according to Gary D. Tudor, director of admissions and outreach. "They are particularly effective in panel and individual discussions about the enormous opportunities a major research institution of the caliber of UC Davis can provide to undergraduate education." This year, a record 20,335 applications were reviewed. Of the 13,694 applicants offered admission, 3,796 indicated by the May 1 deadline that they intend to register next fall. When the new academic year gets under way in September, the freshman class is expected to settle in at approximately 3,625.