October 2,
2003

Admissions plan brings largest freshman corps class in 20 years

Norwich President Richard Schneider, third from left, hikes the Dog River as part of the annual Dog River Run to train new freshman corps members Aug. 23, 2003. The freshmen class this fall is the largest in the past 20 years.

By Luis Baberena
Norwich Guidon Staff Writer

The first Friday of Rook week dawned, and the cars started pouring onto campus. All day parents unloaded their children, said their goodbyes, and, teary-eyed, offered good luck as they watched their sons and daughters start their Norwich career.

In this respect, the 2003-04 school year was no different than any other year, but the number of students arriving was.

The increase in the number of freshman corps members, currently about 620, was not due to the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attack or a renewed sense of patriotism, but to Norwich's key changes in marketing, according to a university admissions official. After a three-year investment in marketing strategies, Norwich University was able to reap the payoff of admissions by accepting one of the largest classes in recent years, according to Skip Davison, director of recruitment. Davison explained that the university purchases names from The College Board, which oversees the implementation of the SAT scores.

"In the past, we would request names with a broader range of scores," he said. "Now we have focused in on those scores over 1000."

Davison added that NU is now also looking for individuals who have applied to one or more of the service academies. "Only 10 percent of those who apply to one of the academies get in," Davison said. "We think [Norwich] is a great alternative for them."

He said the new plan allows admissions to "mold and shape the class better." In addition, "significant changes" to publications and brochures sent to corps prospects had a major impact on individuals, Davison said.

The changes made to publications are now able to portray the true Norwich story, Davison said, adding that "the corps kind of got lost in the muddle. With the new changes that we've implemented, the corps was put up front."

Because of these changes and an increase in cadre staffing in preparation for freshman arrival, the number of students on campus swelled.

"I don't think that a lot of people really understood what was going to happen this year, and I think that it took a lot of people by surprise," Davison said. "It is unfortunate that the number creates some problems in housing, but from a business point of view, it is a good thing."

The corps lifestyle wasn't alone in the enrollment boost this year. Civilian and commuter student enrollment has been steady for the past four years and is slowly increasing, said Shelby Wallace, director of admissions. The admissions office is focusing on marketing and recruitment pertinent to particular lifestyle and academic interests. This year's class meets these new criteria.

"It's a phenomenal class, both in number and quality," Wallace said. "I think the class we brought in this year is very focused on academics as well as on leadership."

Because of the 430 rooks and 180 new freshman civilian students, there had to be more housing for corps freshmen, according to Maj. Helen Bryan, housing and administration officer for the commandant's office. The increase in the freshmen class meant bigger companies, the largest of which is at 45. It also meant the need to allow the formation of two additional companies, drill team and military company, Bryan said.

The overflow of freshmen also means that upperclassmen are displaced and forced to live temporarily in converted classrooms and lounges in some buildings. The addition of rooms in Crawford Hall helped but does not completely solve the problem.

"Sharing of dorms between lifestyles has become more common and has become the mix that makes Norwich unique," said Martha Mathis, Dean of Students.