April 14, 2025

Dear William Paterson Faculty and Staff,

With Census II for Spring 2025 having taken place on April 1, the final numbers show that overall enrollment increased by 6.41% compared to last year [Main Campus (MC) up 1.9% and WP Online (WPO) up 13%], just 0.1% shy of the overall goal. New student enrollment is up from last year by 8.18%, above goal by one student. First-time, full-time (FTFT) enrollment is up 31.03%, exceeding goal by seven students. Transfer enrollment is up 2.67% from last year, nine students short of the goal. New graduate student enrollment has grown by 2.38%, 14 students from goal. Overall continuing student enrollment is up 6.26%, year-over-year, which is 31 students from goal (MC, 5 above goal; WP, 81 students short of goal).

Fall 2025 registration is currently open to all cohorts. As of Friday, we have 3,704 enrolled students, which represents an 11.40% increase over last year. MC enrollment is running 6.72% ahead of last year. Undergraduate MC continuing student enrollment stands at 2,136, which is 4.86% ahead of last year at this time. For new students, FTFT domestic student applications are up 5.35% compared to this time last year (8,657), and we are 88% of the way to the number of applications forecasted to yield the Fall class. Acceptances have increased 5.06%, and while the dashboards will show deposits up significantly, it is important to note these may not be apt comparisons due to last year's delays in financial aid processing and the timing of accepted students events. International student metrics are also showing positive trends, with 2,120 international FTFT applications. While international enrollment indicators remain strong, we are mindful of the potential impact that visa revocations, travel restrictions, and visa processing delays may have on our ability to convert these applicants into enrolled students for Fall 2025. Overall, new domestic student applications for Fall 2025 have increased by 6.66%, with acceptances up 5.72%. 

I am sure many of us are watching with great interest and concern news of the recent number of international student visas that have been revoked. William Paterson has had one student impacted. The University was not notified by the government. While there is very little information we can share broadly, please know we are doing everything we can to assist this student. Enrollment Management is closely monitoring the situation daily, which will help us determine if there are any other international students impacted.  

Thank you to everyone who joined us on April 3 for the Enrollment and Budget Forum and Tuition and Fees Forum and to Vice President and CFO Kirsten Lowerigkeit and Vice President George Kacenga for providing a clear and thorough picture of our enrollment and budget status and outlook. Thanks also to Board of Trustees Chair Michael Seeve for joining us to participate in the hearing portion of the afternoon. If you weren’t able to join us or would like to take a closer look at the materials presented, the PowerPoint will be posted here later this morning. You can also catch the presentation again when VP Lowerigkeit and VP Kacenga appear at Faculty Senate’s April 22 meeting at 12:30 p.m. in the Auditorium at 1600 Valley Road.

A reminder that “Bring Your Child to Work Day” is next week, Thursday, April 24. This year’s theme is, “For a New Generation”, which acknowledges the unique challenges today’s young people face in a digital, interconnected, and constantly changing world. The day will include recreation opportunities, career discussions, a pizza lunch, and more. The initiative aims to connect students with diverse role models, providing experiences that make their future goals feel attainable and exciting. To RSVP for this event, please complete the registration form at this link. 

Please join us at Manhattan Bagel on Thursday, April 17 for the 6^th Annual Scholarship Event, when the restaurant will generously donate 50% of the proceeds from the day to support the Manhattan Bagel Scholarship at William Paterson University. Join fellow members of the William Paterson University community by stopping by for a coffee, bagel, sandwich or treat. In doing so, you’ll help support our students. The restaurant at 164 Hamburg Turnpike in Wayne is open from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. You will also receive a free coffee with any purchase! While you’re there, the Office of Alumni Engagement and Philanthropy will be there to greet you, beginning at 7:30 a.m. Please say Hello and enter a raffle to win WP swag. Please note that if you place an order ahead of April 17 for a pick-up that day, it will not be included in the proceeds for the day. However, If you place an order on April 17 for a future date, it will be included in the proceeds for the day.

This week’s WP: We are Proud – On Saturday, April 5, we hosted our Will. Power. Day for Accepted Students. It was a wonderful opportunity to show our campus, programs, and Powerhouse spirit to the 476 admitted students and their families, who came to campus for the day. This was a 7.2% increase in attendance over last year, meaning we had approximately 1,500 guests on campus. Students and their families heard from and met with faculty, toured campus with current students, had fun with photo booths and other activities, ate in Wayne Dining Hall, received financial aid consultations, interacted with various departments and student clubs, and so much more. These efforts help us ensure we will have a strong entering class in the fall. Thank you to all of our faculty, staff, and current students who participated in the event, and a special thanks to Justin Pannullo, Assistant Director of Event Management for University Admissions, for leading event planning, along with Missy Matera, Martha Echevarria, and Tyler Schreckenstein in University Admissions for helping ensure a successful event. 

Have a great couple of weeks until I write again on April 28.