July 14, 2025

Dear William Paterson Faculty and Staff,

As we head into the homestretch of the current Strategic Plan and prepare to launch the process for developing a new one, I want to update you on some related developments. My aim is for a December review and wrap-up of the 2022-2025 plan which will then help inform the planning process for a new, five-year plan that will carry us through 2030. My hope is that we can present the new plan next March after a lot of work and opportunities for community input. I am pleased to share that Dr. George Kacenga, Vice President for Enrollment Management, and Dr. Amy Ginsberg, Dean of the College of Education, have agreed to jointly lead this important work. I am confident that with everyone’s contribution, they will help guide us toward a plan that will continue to capitalize on our many institutional strengths, and I want to thank them for taking on this shared role. We will soon form a steering committee that will work with the co-chairs.

Looking to enrollment, as of Friday, we have 8,093 enrolled students, representing a 6.67% increase over last year. Main Campus enrollment is trending 2.44% ahead of last year. Undergraduate Main Campus continuing student enrollment stands at 3,552, which is 0.71% ahead of this time last year.

For new students, first-time full-time (FTFT) domestic student applications are up 4.87%, compared to this time last year (9,230). Acceptances have increased by 4.72% and deposits are up 0.68%. Domestic transfer enrollment is up 6.04% over last year, and graduate enrollments are up more than 1.37% over last year. Overall, new domestic student applications for Fall 2025 have increased by 5.44%, with acceptances up 4.06%. New domestic student enrollment is up 4.82%.

International student metrics are also showing positive trends, with 3,177 international FTFT applications and a 64.86% increase in international FTFT deposits at 114. Nearly 350international students have paid the $350 I-901 Student and Exchange Visitor fee for their visa appointments. While international enrollment indicators remain strong, visa appointment scarcity and heightened screening will impact our ability to convert these applicants into enrolled students for Fall 2025, and we are exploring all available options for doing so.

This bi-weekly update email will take a summer hiatus for July 28 and return on Monday, August 11. In the meantime, I will communicate separately in the event that developments warrant it. I hope everyone finds time to enjoy what matters most to you in the summer months and is, like me, looking forward to another great semester at Wiiliam Paterson.