For the past two years, Waynesburg University has grown as a student body by enrolling the two largest classes in its history. The Office of Admissions is working to enroll yet another record-breaking class in the coming semester, with their goal at 450 students. 

Compared to previous years, prospective students are taking a greater interest in Waynesburg according to Jacqueline Palko, director of Admissions.  

“I can confirm, to date, more students have applied for admission to [Waynesburg University] for this year compared to last year, but this will not be finalized until the class matriculates,” said Palko. 

Everyone from the admissions counselors to the student ambassadors are experiencing the growing interest through various tactics such as mailings, high school visitations and campus visits.  

“I can say from last year to this year, we have seen more campus visitors,” said Palko.  

Currently, 53 prospective students are registered for Accepted Student’s Day, but 200 are expected to be in attendance. For prospective students who may need an extended amount of time to decide where they would like to further their education, the university operates on a rolling admissions process. Although Waynesburg offers this process, there are certain deadlines students that interested students need to be aware of. Enrolled students who complete their new student form by March 1 will receive first priority in housing as well as their Fall semester schedules earlier.  

“March 1 is like midterms,” Payne said.  “It’s a pretty good indicator [of how many students will begin in the Fall].” 

A second priority deadline and regular registration deadline follow where students will receive their housing assignment and schedule later. While it may seem that the university aspires to continue growing their student body, according to Payne, growth isn’t the goal. “You’re really thinking about who is leaving,” said Payne.  

The goal is to fill the void left by the graduating class of that year. Once the University reaches a certain capacity, Payne says “we’ll be more maintaining than growing.”  

When the incoming freshman class is enrolled, the Office of Admissions will take a moment to reflect on how they did in order to prepare recruiting for the next class.  

This may include recruiting in different locations, hosting more events, or publishing more content online that can reach potential applicants.  

“Every year we have to look at what we did well and need to improve,” said Payne. This may include recruiting in different locations, hosting more events, or publishing more content online that can reach potential applicants.