Leaps and bounds
As classes began today, Heidelberg College welcomed an incoming class of 422 – the largest class since 1968 and the second largest in the college’s history.
The new class – which is 40 percent larger than last year’s class – includes freshmen, transfer students and full-time adult undergraduate students, said Lindsay Sooy, director of admission at Heidelberg. The new class also includes 66 out-of-state students representing 12 states – a 73 percent increase from a year ago.
Overall, Heidelberg’s overall full-time undergraduate enrollment stands at 1,111.
Several factors have contributed to the successful recruiting effort, she said. “We credit the overall involvement and commitment of the entire campus community. Everyone from coaches to alumni, faculty, trustees and current students played a vital role in our recruitment and marketing efforts.”
In addition to its increased size, the diversity of the new class also has been exponentially enhanced. Compared to last year, the new class is comprised of 46 percent more minority students. Of those, there is a 32 percent increase in African American students and a 71 percent increase in Hispanic students.
Thanda Maceo, vice president of enrollment and marketing, explained that the college has embraced a more strategic, intentional approach to the overall recruitment and marketing process. And while Heidelberg officials are pleased with the numbers, Maceo said the college remains focused on its goal of enrolling students who are a good “fit” with the mission and learning environment at Heidelberg.
“When we look at prospective students, we look at more than test scores and GPA, although those are surely important,” Maceo said. “We are interested in identifying and enrolling students who we believe have a strong potential for success while they are students at Heidelberg and in their professional and personal lives after they graduate. The successful Heidelberg student is someone who will be involved in their learning, both inside and outside of the classroom. I think this year’s class, as a whole, will have an excellent record of achievement when their graduation arrives.”
To help the new students acclimate to college life, Heidelberg planned and executed a series of Welcome Days activities, beginning with Move-In Day last Thursday and concluding Sunday. New Student Orientation – which is in addition to the typical summer orientation where students spend two days on campus – is packed with activities, both formal and informal. Families were involved until they say their goodbyes Thursday evening. NSO also included residence hall meetings, proficiency exams, discussion about important campus and social issues, an involvement fair, service projects on campus and in the community – and fun. From a luau to giant twister to Heidelberg’s rendition of Who’s Line is it Anyway, the new class has already learned there’s plenty for everyone to do on campus.
Another new initiative aimed at helping all students succeed is the Academic Success Center, which opens with the beginning of classes. The center, under the direction of Dr. Ellen Nagy, is a centrally located facility where academic support services from tutoring to study groups and career guidance will be coordinated for both new and returning students.
Other highlights of this year’s incoming class:
- There are 36 percent more freshmen on campus this fall – 100 more than a year ago.
- The Honors Program has grown with the addition of 37 new students, compared to 24 in the fall of 2006, a 54 percent increase.
- The number of out-of-state students represents a 73 percent increase over last year’s incoming class.
- Three majors – biology, business and education – experienced significant growth.
Maceo said the large incoming class, paired with Heidelberg’s recent ranking among the top colleges in the Midwest, is a strong indicator that a Heidelberg education continues to be a great value.
Date: Aug. 27, 2007
Contact: Angela Giles, Associate Director of College Relations, (419) 448-2168