SCHOOL NEWS
UD Applications Set Records -- Again
Prospective freshmen have until March to apply to the University of Dayton, but already applications are topping last year's record-setting numbers.
Kathy McEuen Harmon, assistant vice president and dean of admission and financial aid, has received more than 12,500 applications -- an increase of 20% over last year at this time -- and expects a total of about 14,000. That bucks the national trend of declining enrollments to private universities.
Although applications at private universities spiked earlier in last decade, that trend has slowed. UD's administrators attribute the increase to better marketing, campus visits, and the strength of the university itself.
"This speaks to the value of a University of Dayton education in transforming young people into successful professionals, people who give back to their communities," Harmon said. "A Marianist education offers the kinds of skills graduates need to succeed in the future collaboration, inclusion, excellent academic preparation and the ability to adapt with the times. Students and their families recognize that and are responding."
The University is reaching more prospective students than ever, she explained, using cutting-edge technology complemented by personal contact to acquaint them with the core values of the University's Catholic, Marianist education.
"We're using technology in a way that is building on our success," she said. A new iPad viewbook application, for example, uses fast-moving video, bold graphics, and videoconferencing with professors and admission counselors to connect with students and families. A video contest on Facebook also connects with prospects through technology and relationships. Like UD's new welcome center and student-led tours, they demonstrate the Marianist emphasis on the importance of relationships to education. Seventy-two percent of prospective students who make campus visits apply.
The admissions office has received applications from 65 countries and 49 states -- every state but North Dakota. Why not North Dakota?
"It's a mystery, Harmon says. "Perhaps there is the mistaken impression North Dakota's favorite dish, fleishkuekle, is not available in Dayton, making finals that much tougher to endure. I am committed to doing everything I can about that, and I will personally make fleishkuekle for any student from North Dakota who becomes a Flyer.
"We remain hopeful."
Photo courtesy the University of Dayton.
