USF welcomes largest freshman class in decade
The University of St. Francis is welcoming its largest freshman class in more than a decade, according to Chuck Beutel, chief admissions and enrollment officer. Last Thursday, Aug. 18, 195 freshman and their families came to campus for orientation, noted Beutel.
Freshmen moved into the newly renovated Marian Hall residence facility and celebrated with their families at a picnic on the campus quadrangle. As part of a long-standing tradition, a class candle representing one of the university’s core values—Respect, Service, Integrity, Compassion—was lit in a ceremony. The class candle will follow students throughout their years at USF. A class picture was taken on the Motherhouse back porch, a reinstituted tradition from the institution’s early years when new members to the Sisters of St. Francis were welcomed into the congregation. The Sisters of St. Francis founded the university in 1920 and continue as its sponsor.
Orientation events last throughout the weekend to provide students with a base of information so that they become comfortable with the university community and sharpen their academic skills. All freshmen participate in the yearlong Core I academic program which supports their success in college.
The freshman class is 24 percent larger than last year, according to Beutel. The freshmen are from 88 different high schools from Illinois and surrounding states.
"Quality academic programs are the main reason our freshmen note when enrolling at USF," Beutel added. University surveys show that students continue to appreciate the challenge of rigorous academic programs throughout their time at USF.
"We’re very excited about this freshman class and the academic levels that they bring to USF," said Beutel. "Our student-centered approach and the time we spend getting to know students as individuals, even before they enroll at USF, are apparent in the increase seen in the freshman class."
"With just a 13 to 1 student-to-professor ratio, we know that our students are getting an excellent academic experience by professors who not only know their names but know them as individuals. Our professors and everyone at USF is invested in the success of each of our students," said Beutel.
Enhanced facilities such as the renovated Marian Hall and the new College of Nursing building, which will have state-of-the-art simulation labs, will provide students with top-notch experiences, he added.
The University of St. Francis once again begins the new academic year in the top tier of U.S. News & World Report’s edition of America’s Best Colleges. USF is ranked 29th, of some 142 Midwestern master’s colleges and universities noted in the 2006 listing, moving up nine ranks this year. The magazine ranking is read by many prospective college students and their families. "We’re excited that our work at USF is being recognized by incoming students," said Beutel.
The number of transfer students has also increased by 24 percent to almost 200 full-time students. The university’s transfer students come primarily from Joliet Junior College, College of DuPage and Moraine Valley Community College, according to Beutel. USF has transfer agreements with the schools. USF also has a dual admission agreement with Joliet Junior College, which allows JJC students to indicate on their applications that they are interested in attending USF. This allows USF to work with advising JJC students throughout their first two years in college as well as to include them in activities in there area of interest, Beutel explained. USF and JJC also have unified agreements in the areas of nursing and education that ensures students beginning their college careers at JJC will be fully prepared academically for transfer to these programs at USF. The faculties at each school jointly work on the curriculums with the goal of students earning their bachelor’s degrees, he added.
For information about the University of St. Francis, call 800 735-7500. The University of St. Francis, at 500 Wilcox St. in Joliet, is a Catholic, Franciscan institution that offers more than 60 areas of undergraduate study in the areas of arts and sciences, business, education, music nursing and allied health and social work. USF also offers 11 graduate programs in health care, business and education. The university serves more than 4,100 students nationwide.