Aggressive recruiting, international programs and dedicated financial
assistance for needy non-citizens has nearly doubled the number of applications from
international students — from 110 last year to 190 this year — according to Dan
Lundquist, vice president for admissions and financial aid.
“Internationalizing the student population is an important priority in our
recruiting and we have been steadily increasing our visibility around the globe,” he
said. “In keeping with a general emphasis on globalization at the College — in
study abroad opportunities, in the curriculum, and in student exchanges — we feel
these efforts will enrich the educational experience here.”
For the past several years, Union admissions officers have traveled to Europe, Africa,
Asia, and the Middle East in addition to recruiting trips in Canada. Recently the College
established an English as a Second Language program, hired an international student
advisor, and established special orientation programs for non-U.S. citizens.
“The idea of internationalizing the student population arose from a discussion in
the College's Planning and Priorities Committee,” said Linda Cool, dean of the
faculty. “We see an enormous potential to diversify the student population and
dramatically increase the quality of the student body. We can accomplish both in one fell
swoop by aggressively recruiting international students.”
Most of the increase in applications — a doubling in the past two years — has
been from areas outside of North America, Lundquist noted.
The College currently enrolls 52 international students.