New freshman enrollment projections for the fall of 1997 show a slightly smaller class than the previous year, according to UC Davis officials who released the figures today along with the entire University of California system.The total number of new UC Davis freshmen is projected to be 3,620. This figure compares to 3,708 in the fall of 1996 when the campus had a surprisingly high number of students accept the university's offer of admission, according to Gary Tudor, director of undergraduate admissions and outreach services. Overall enrollment for the entire student body in the fall of 1997 is expected to be about 24,450. Last year, the student body, including undergraduate, graduate and professional students, totaled 23,931 in the fall. To date, statements of intention to register from new freshmen number 3,689, compared to 3,900 in the fall of 1996. Expected enrollments by ethnicity are similar percentage-wise for all groups compared to the previous year. "We are pleased with the diversity of student backgrounds and experiences that will come with this new class," noted Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Carol Wall.