We were happy to host a record number of prospective students on campus
this past weekend for our first Marlins Day Open House of the academic
year. I appreciate the leadership of Vice President for Enrollment David
Waggoner, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Beth Clarke, and
their team, as well as the many faculty, staff and student ambassadors
whose hard work made this day so successful.
In my welcoming
remarks to the students and their families, I restated our commitment to
accessibility and affordability. I shared our efforts to keep a
Virginia Wesleyan education affordable, including the capping of our
tuition and fees at their current level, our establishment of the Opus
student-work program, endowed scholarships through the new Batten Honors
College, and our expanded early- and dual-enrollment options. In
addition, I mentioned our very competitive financial aid packages,
including scholarships, and that 98 percent of our students receive
financial aid.
I encourage students and their families to think
value, not just advertised cost—and one very important way of looking at
this is the length of time needed to earn a degree. The nationwide
average is more than five years, and rising (at state schools, it is now
over six years). Because of overcrowding at many public institutions,
an increasing number of students are often not able to enroll in the
classes they need to graduate. This additional time increases the cost
of a student’s education. At smaller institutions such as Virginia
Wesleyan, however, most students complete their degrees within four
years.
I hope my enthusiasm for Virginia Wesleyan was contagious
for these potential Marlins. Our reputation precedes us, not just here
in the Commonwealth but around the country, as one of the most dynamic
small universities, where friendliness and fun are combined with
affordability and outstanding academics. It was an enjoyable day filled
with many activities, including campus tours, freshman and transfer
sessions, a parent panel, and the Academic Department Fair.
We look forward to welcoming many new members of the Virginia Wesleyan family next fall. Our next Marlins Day is scheduled for Saturday, February 17.
