Welcoming the Class of 2013

Rowan University's Class of 2013 - its largest freshmen class ever - arrived on campus August 29, a steamy Saturday morning, toting boxes and bins, backpacks and duffel bags.

In all, nearly 1,300 freshmen moved in across campus at Chestnut, Evergreen, Magnolia, Mimosa, Mullica and Willow residence halls. (In addition, nearly 1,000 transfer students moved in the following day along with the upperclassmen.)

So... Why Rowan?

Chemical engineering major Brian Sietsma, 18, of Mahwah, said he chose Rowan for the strong reputation of its programs despite the more than two-hour drive from home.

"The distance kind of works out too," Sietsma said between treks into Evergreen Hall. "I wanted to go away to college but be close enough if I need to go home."

As they do every year, Rowan President Dr. Donald Farish and his wife Maia helped move the new students in. Clad in bright orange t-shirts like the dozens of other Admissions Ambassadors helping out Saturday, they hauled boxes and suitcases and personally escorted newcomers to rooms.

Dr. Farish said a combination of factors has helped drive an ever-widening group of Rowan applicants, from a national reputation for excellence (the University has again been named a top pick by U.S. News & World Report) to a trend among many high-caliber high school graduates to remain in-state.

While the vast majority of Rowan students are still from New Jersey, students from 33 states applied for admission for the 2009-10 academic year, he said.

"We've seen a substantial jump in the quality and quantity of the applicant pool," Dr. Farish said.

Even within state, student demographics are changing. In the past, as many as two thirds of Rowan students came from southern New Jersey but today as many as half come from central and northern New Jersey and from outside the state, Dr. Farish said.

Growing campus

Welcoming students to campus this year (in addition to Dr. and Mrs. Farish) were a great many changes, from new housing to a new football stadium.

On August 27 a ribbon cutting was held to celebrate the opening of the University's newest housing option for students, a four-story apartment complex anchoring the Rowan Boulevard project at Route 322 and Main Street.

The complex, a two-phase project, will house roughly 560 upperclassmen this fall and about 800 upon completion in 2010.

"The new apartments allow us to shift some of the existing space back to freshmen students," Dr. Farish said.

In addition to the physical changes, Rowan's 200-acre main Glassboro campus went completely wireless.

Also new for 2009-10, all incoming freshmen are required to take Alcohol-Wise, an online course designed to inform students about, and help them avoid, alcohol abuse. Students are required to take the online course before starting classes.

Further, Rowan initiated "RU Ready to STEP UP," a program designed to help students make other wise, healthful choices. The program is administered by the Division of Student Affairs and counsels students on a wide swath of issues ranging from stress management to suicide prevention.

Exploring your options

For incoming students not enrolled in a major course of study, Rowan this year began the Exploratory Studies program through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Exploratory Studies students receive active guidance from the Career and Academic Planning Center as they work toward finding a major and career that fits their interests.

Darion Cook, 18, of Williamstown, will likely benefit from the Exploratory Studies program. He's undeclared but leaning toward a major in exercise science.

"I grew up around here so I know Rowan and I knew it was a good school," he said.

While membership in a Greek organization isn't for everyone, lots of students find they ease the transition to college life and provide opportunities to build lifelong friendships, leadership skills and experience in community service.

More than 150 members of Rowan's Greek community were on hand August 29 to help incoming freshmen find their rooms and settle in.

"We do a lot behind the scenes," said Tim Kravitz, a member of the Sigma Pi fraternity and president of the InterGreek Council at Rowan. "Move-in day is a great time for us to get our name out in a positive way."

He said the council represents 23 Greek organizations on campus and some 1,200 students, all of whom have committed to making community service part of their college career.