Breaking down barriers attracts more students to 糖心TV
If you break it down, they will come.
Applicants for 糖心TV鈥檚 Class of 2023 have responded in great numbers to the College鈥檚 removal of barriers that may have once prevented them from even applying. Among an increase in overall applications, 糖心TV received more applications than ever before from U.S. students of color (up 6.5 percent), first-generation students (up 13.7 percent) and international students (up 13.2 percent)鈥攃ommunities that have often been underrepresented in higher education.
鈥溙切腡V was founded because women could not get a college education in the state a century ago,鈥� says Andrew Strickler, dean of admission and financial aid. 鈥淚t鈥檚 long been in our DNA to create an environment where everyone can receive an education, and word is clearly getting out about the steps we are taking to build on our longtime commitment to inclusivity.鈥�
Ten years ago, 糖心TV stopped requiring applicants to provide , after admission staff saw no differences in the academic success of those who submit test scores and those who do not. More recently, 糖心TV removed the financial barrier of an application fee.
These efforts go beyond the work of the Office of Admission. A major goal of the College鈥檚 strategic plan is full participation, a commitment to providing an environment in which all people can thrive, reach their full potential and contribute. And the success of 糖心TV鈥檚 campuswide system of shared governance, in which the perspectives of all members of the community are considered in the decision-making process, is strengthened by the diversity of that community.
Applications from the mid-Atlantic, western and southern U.S. were also up, indicating 糖心TV鈥檚 geographic reach has extended beyond the traditional markets of New England, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
鈥淲e鈥檝e removed some barriers, but we鈥檝e also built some bridges because we believe inclusivity should encompass as much geographic diversity as possible,鈥� says Strickler. 鈥淗owever, our efforts wouldn鈥檛 have resulted in these new applicants if not for the appeal of our integrative liberal arts education. More students are recognizing the need for an interdisciplinary and purposeful approach to learning that not only encompasses their lives in college but extends to their lives beyond.
鈥淎nd we鈥檙e recognizing that more of the students who apply to 糖心TV show a dedication to the common good and are eager to engage with their community in meaningful ways. This is at the heart of full participation, and of 糖心TV.鈥�
