By: Rose Beyer
Dominican University has welcomed two record-breaking freshman classes within the past two years. In 2022, Dominican had 598 first-time freshmen register for the fall term, which was the largest freshman class since 2016 when 497 students enrolled.
This was quite exciting news for campus officials as many had been hoping to finally push past the 500 mark. Dominican has managed to break this record once again just a year later as 658 first-time freshmen registered for the fall 2023 term.
Izzy Kibir, the coordinator for Residential Education, explained that it was amazing to see many people enroll at Dominican.
“I think it means people have more chances to make more friends, and they do not feel so isolated,” said Kibir. “
The housing department was also pleased to see larger freshman classes coming to Dominican despite a few drawbacks like space. In 2022, Dominican was “kind of booked,” but this year was extremely booked “with first years in Mazzuchelli, and in Power, and in Murray.”
While space has caused the recent influx of freshmen, many faculty members are more than willing to make changes to accommodate the incoming students.
Kibir also expressed how “having to tell people no for right now really sucks,” and that “in a perfect world, we could put everyone on campus.”
Many other faculty members are also willing to help Dominican grow. Student organizations, such as the Resident Student Association, believes that having stronger freshmen admission will have a better impact on student events.
Jupiter Jones, the incoming president of RSA, is “in the works of creating plenty of exciting events for residents,” and hopes the turnout for on-campus events will continue to grow.
RSA is currently looking for “three incoming freshmen to join the board” to help cater to every class’s need and want.
Kibir also said he thinks many students want to come to Dominican to earn a higher education.
“It is a good sign when students are able to not only apply and get into school, but are able to pay for school, attend school, and enjoy it,” said Kibir.
This recent influx of students enrolling gives hope that Dominican will continue to expand, especially after the opening of the Pilsen campus.
rbeyer@my.dom.edu
