As spring approaches, DePauw is beginning to admit the class of 2016. As a way to improve the experience for both prospective students and their families, the university has made efforts to smooth the admissions process this past year.
According to Dan Meyer, vice president of admissions, the changes made have been extensive.
Transforming Emison Museum into the admissions building offers prospective students a more engaging and appealing first impression of campus.
"Emison sets the right tone for the visit," Meyer said. "You now look out on the heart of campus and are in a setting that truly represents the quality of education associated with a DePauw education."
The admissions staff has been amped up, adding six staff members. The most transformative changes made this year were the new, more accessible website and completely updated publications to send to prospective students.
The admissions office has also made the decision to alter the process in which they send their acceptance letters. In past years, letters and merit notifications had been sent together, but this year acceptance letters have been sent ahead of merit notifications.
Acceptance letters have been made more personalized and are being mailed in a more attractive package. The admissions packet will now include information on upcoming campus events, technology requirements and information about Honors and Fellow programs.
According to Meyers, the university has received positive feedback on the changes from prospective students and families thus far.
"I have heard from families that they read the admission letter a bit more thoroughly this year since we didn't have the merit amount in the admit letter," Meyer said.
Meyer believes that these changes and updates to the admissions process have given the admissions staff a renewed sense of belief in the value associated with a DePauw educational experience.
"DePauw is a tremendous educational experience and everyday I see renewed confidence in a belief that DePauw's future is bright with promise and hope," Meyer said.
The university's efforts seem to already be yielding positive results, as DePauw received a strong pool of applications this year.
With new staff members added, 350 more applications have been read this year than at this time last year. The university is currently on track to achieve their enrollment objectives, thanks to new strategies to enthuse and attract prospective students.
"We have made for an exciting year that keeps you on your toes since the changes have been so extensive," Meyers said.