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Town Meeting

This town meeting discusses the impact of implementing an SAT optional policy on the admissions process. The results of the pilot study and case studies are presented, with a focus on the increase in applications, academic quality of the class, and diversity. The meeting also addresses the communication efforts to reach different target audiences and the future plans for campus development.

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Town Meeting

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Presentation Transcript

  1. Town Meeting April 19, 2007

  2. Ed Connor Director Undergraduate Admissions

  3. Sneak Preview: Class of 2011

  4. Applications by Type

  5. The Admissions Funnel 22,000 inquiries 5,691 applications 3,659 admits 800 enrollees 26% 64% 22%

  6. SAT Optional Admissions Policy

  7. SAT Discussion Timeline August 2005 – Rankings Commission Report January 2006 – CAP appoints subcommittee April 2006 – College Board Validity Study August 2006 – National Retention Study September 2006 – Food for Thought Luncheon October 2006 – Trustee Meeting Discussion November 2006 – Discussion at Faculty Meeting February 2007 – Faculty approves New Policy

  8. CAP Subcommittee Findings • Most test-optional colleges receive SAT scores from 75 – 85% of applicants • Colleges report significant increases in applications and selectivity • Applications from women and under-represented minorities increase greatly • Academic quality of class increases

  9. “Back when kids just got a good night’s sleep and took the SAT, it was a leveler that helped you find the diamond in the rough. Now that most of the great scores are from affluent kids with lots of preparation, it just increases the gap between the haves and the have-nots”. Steve Syverson Dean of Admissions Lawrence University

  10. Over 700 SAT-optional colleges and universities . . .

  11. Case Study: Bates College • 20 year study of landmark decision • 33% increase in applications in 1st 5 yrs • Applications doubled over 20 years • First yr GPA of non-submitters was .05 lower than submitters • Junior yr GPA was virtually identical • Graduation rates differed by .1%

  12. “We educators have created a culture in which parents spend thousands on mind steroids to help their kids score 50 points higher.” Robert Weisbuch President, Drew University “Worshipping False Gods”

  13. SAT Research: WPI • Admission decisions favor performance (grades, courses, RIC) over aptitude (SAT) • College Board Validity Study found HS GPA was most predictive (.59) and SAT was least predictive (.55) of Frosh GPA

  14. SAT Optional Policy • Pilot study for students entering Fall ’07 • Applicants offered choice to submit SAT or ACT or alternate measure of academic aptitude • All enrolling students asked to submit SATs for advising purposes and for study • Five year review of grades, retention and graduation rates and admissions impact

  15. Questions???

  16. Communicating About WPI to the Outside World Christopher Hardwick Vice President Marketing and Communication

  17. Communicating About WPI • WHO • Who are our target audiences? • WHAT • What do we want to communicate about WPI? • HOW • How can we reach them?

  18. Who: • Prospective Students • Recruiters • Research Funding Agencies • Corporations • Government Officials • Alumni • Prospective Donors • Current Students and Parents • Faculty and Staff

  19. What: • Our Breadth • Our Relevance and Impact • Our Forward Momentum

  20. Our Breadth • Departments and Programs • Faculty Research Areas and Expertise • Majors • Student Activities

  21. Our Impact • Research • Student Projects • Inventions • Educational Innovations • Community • K-12, Corporate Education • Alumni • Entrepreneurial Ventures

  22. Our Forward Momentum • Applications • Announcements • New construction • Gateway park • New faculty • Research funding • Recognition

  23. How: • News Media • Research Publications • Web Communications • Direct Marketing • Internet • Town Hall Meetings • Social Networking • Alumni Communications

  24. Where & When • WHERE: • We’re all communicators • Every external interaction is an opportunity • WHEN: • NOW! • Share your stories with us • Call, e-mail, stop by… x 5874 hardwick@wpi.edu Third Floor, Boynton Hall

  25. Campus Development Plans:A look at what’s ahead for the WPI community Janet Richardson Vice President Student Affairs and Campus Life

  26. A case for upper-class housing • Demand study of current undergraduates • Visits to numerous other universities • What the literature tells us about the Millennial students

  27. Residence Hall Construction New apartment style residence hall featuring: • Full kitchens and living rooms • 66% single rooms • 34% double rooms • Compartmentalized bathrooms • Tech suites for project work • 232 beds; air conditioned; wireless; parking

  28. Schematic Design Site Plan

  29. Schematic Design Building Section

  30. Schematic Design Building in Site

  31. Graduate housing • Site has already been identified on Grove Street across from the Marriott Courtyard hotel • Engaged the services of The Scion Group to conduct a demand study of WPI students • Scion’s survey and focus groups ended last week • Scion is studying the Worcester housing market in terms of available affordable housing and the right price point for new facilities • Considering all options to build including hiring a developer to develop the project

  32. Field renovation: summer of 2007 • New bleachers and press box relocation • ADA compliant; safe bleachers for 1,500 • Installation of new lighting and scoreboard • Proper illumination as recommended for various sports • Scoreboard for all sports and functionality for messages • Replace the turf • Turf at the end of its life cycle • New infill turf system replacing outdated Astroturf • Better, safer, easier to maintain, more attractive

  33. New Press Box & Stadium t

  34. Recreation complex: current status • Completed watercolor renditions for development purposes • Exploring financing options • Beginning fund-raising campaign • Selecting architect: summer 2007 • Integrating stadium project into recreation complex plans

  35. Field Level View of New Rec Center

  36. Campus Aerial View

  37. Interior View

  38. Lobby View

  39. Campus police station relocation To lower level of Founders Hall • Coincides with plans to accredit WPI Campus Police department • Demolition of police station completed last week • 1st class dispatch center • Reporting, investigation, intake, detention areas • Training room and emergency preparedness command center

  40. Dining Service Statistics • Annual Resident Meals Served-650,000 • Annual Retail Customer Transactions-402,000 • Volume of Food Purchases-$2.25M • Annual Catered Events-2,325

  41. Online Vending Utilize WPI ID’s at any Coca-Cola machines in these locations Morgan Hall Fuller Labs Salisbury Labs Atwater Kent Quizno’s Deli Open Summer of 2007 Delicious Made to Order Sandwiches, Salads and Soups Nation’s Restaurant News, Top 100, listed Quizno’s as the #1 chain ranked by “U.S. Growth in Total Number of Units” Restaurant Business, Top 50 Growth Chains, ranks Quizno’s #2 in % increase in sales; Future changes in Dining Services

  42. Founders Restaurant Style Pub Enhanced options for students, staff and faculty Open August 2007 Featuring brick oven entrees, pub style sandwiches and desserts Beer and wine service Wait staff service Menu similar to TGIF, Bertucci’s and Chili’s Outtakes Convenience Store Located in Founders Hall Offering convenience items to the WPI community Breakfast and light snack choices available Open 7am-11 pm, 7 days/week Resident Meal Plan accessible Future changes in Dining Services

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