Some Flint area high school students and parents hoping to join the ranks of the Maize and Blue got a little surprise when they dialed a University of Michigan-Flint information hotline.
A one-digit error in a phone number that was printed in an information packet and distributed to prospective Flint campus students directed them to "a 1-800 gay hotline that was giving out 900 numbers," instead of the University's information hotline, said Donna Ullrich, director of University and alumni relations for the Flint campus.
The admissions office at the University's Flint campus mailed the packets to more than 15,000 prospective students about 10 days ago. Ullrich said the letter was intended to recruit students and inform them about the application process.
The University found out about the error when a parent called officials in the admissions office to tell them she had trouble getting through to the University information line.
Andrew Flagel, the director of admissions for the Flint campus, said the office already has responded by mailing a postcard this week to all of the high school students who received the original letter. The postcard apologizes for any inconvenience and embarrassment the misprint may have caused dialers.
John Crouch, a counselor at Flint Central High School, said he heard about the misprint from some students who were talking about it earlier this week. But, Crouch said, he is not too worried about the repercussions of the mistake.
"We have a great rapport with (the University), so it's ... one of the things we laugh off," Crouch said.
Sue Frederiksen, Frankenmuth High School's guidance director, said the school's football coach approached her after one of his football players showed him the letter.
"From my understanding, there were about three students from our school that have received the letter," she said.
Frideriksen said she was concerned that the letter was incorrect. She contacted the admissions office to find out if it was real or bogus.
Although the apologetic postcard mailing will cost the admissions office additional dollars, Flagel said it is not "dramatic." He has other concerns.
"It's more the embarrassment than anything else," said Flagel, adding that it is somewhat ironic that he made the mistake now, when the University's Flint campus is enjoying its largest incoming class ever and anticipates increased interest for next school year.
The correct number to reach the University's information hotline is 1-800-942-5636.
09-25-98
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