Higher expectations for admissions
Wendy Holdren
Issue date: 2/4/09 Section: News
President Aloia, along with the Admissions and Financial Aid Office, are refocusing some of their goals. They want to improve retention and graduation rates, as well as find more ways to financially support Concord students.
Kent Gamble, Director of Enrollment, says that Concord has an admissions goal of recruiting 715 students. This number includes non-traditional as well as first-time freshmen.
Gamble says the Admissions Office is "going after everyone we can attract to this university" including part-time, full-time, non-traditional, and traditional students.
The number of students enrolled does not directly correlate with the amount of funding a university receives from the state of West Virginia. There is an expected enrollment number contained within the WV Campus Compact, which is currently under revision.
"We want to recruit students who are going to retain," Gamble said. He said that each year Concord's number of inquiries, applications, and acceptances have gone up. However, the number of graduates has not.
There are several ways Concord plans to recruit more students who have a high probability of graduating. Gamble says the Admissions Office is planning several events in order to attract a diverse group of applicants.
They will set up external visitation days in Beckley, two days in March and two days in April. They will also be visiting the Women's Expo February 14 and 15.
On February 26th, a program is going to be held on campus in order for high school guidance counselors, GED instructors, veterans, and community colleges to visit the campus in hopes of "channeling students into Concord."
In order to recruit more students who will graduate, Dr. Aloia suggests that "high-risk" students should consider a two-year community college or attend remedial summer courses in order to attain entry-level university skills.
With this in mind, a class called "Education 91" is now being taught. Terry Philpot, Interim Director of Student Support Services, says this course will provide students with foundational skills, such as writing, critical thinking, math, and research skills.
Kent Gamble, Director of Enrollment, says that Concord has an admissions goal of recruiting 715 students. This number includes non-traditional as well as first-time freshmen.
Gamble says the Admissions Office is "going after everyone we can attract to this university" including part-time, full-time, non-traditional, and traditional students.
The number of students enrolled does not directly correlate with the amount of funding a university receives from the state of West Virginia. There is an expected enrollment number contained within the WV Campus Compact, which is currently under revision.
"We want to recruit students who are going to retain," Gamble said. He said that each year Concord's number of inquiries, applications, and acceptances have gone up. However, the number of graduates has not.
There are several ways Concord plans to recruit more students who have a high probability of graduating. Gamble says the Admissions Office is planning several events in order to attract a diverse group of applicants.
They will set up external visitation days in Beckley, two days in March and two days in April. They will also be visiting the Women's Expo February 14 and 15.
On February 26th, a program is going to be held on campus in order for high school guidance counselors, GED instructors, veterans, and community colleges to visit the campus in hopes of "channeling students into Concord."
In order to recruit more students who will graduate, Dr. Aloia suggests that "high-risk" students should consider a two-year community college or attend remedial summer courses in order to attain entry-level university skills.
With this in mind, a class called "Education 91" is now being taught. Terry Philpot, Interim Director of Student Support Services, says this course will provide students with foundational skills, such as writing, critical thinking, math, and research skills.
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