CHICAGO, Aug. 30, 2021
/PRNewswire/ -- Celebrating its 130-year anniversary, North Park University (North
Park) welcomes its largest incoming first-year class for
Fall 2021. Founded by Swedish immigrants in the late 19th century,
North Park's inviting wrought-iron
gates at the campus's Foster Avenue entrance on the Northwest side
of Chicago welcome the third most
diverse student population in the Midwest.
"An increase in our enrollment is an indicator of the strength
of our institution and the quality of our faculty, staff, and
academic programs," said North Park
President Mary K.
Surridge. "Our three distinctive characteristics –
Christian, city-centered and intercultural –combined with our
collective effort to maintain a safe learning environment, form the
foundation for our current and future success."
A hands-on COVID-19 Pandemic Response Team, combined with
a flexible holistic admissions process and an intentional
commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) attracted and
enrolled 100+ first-year students over last
year (students who are enrolling for the first-time in any
college or university).
COVID-19 Impact
Shifting away from a pandemic
propelled virtual learning model, North
Park first-year students appreciate in-person learning at a
small, supportive college located in the world-class city of
Chicago.
"Virtual visits allowed us to expand our reach and provide
face-to-face conversations and scholarship competitions with local
and out-of-state students," said Anthony
Scola, North Park's Vice
President for Enrollment Management and Marketing.
Flexible Holistic Admissions
Going test-optional for
2021-2022 has proven successful, broadening and diversifying the
applicant pool. North Park admissions
recognizes the challenge many qualified students may have
experienced with on-line learning. "By making the SAT/ACT optional,
North Park is removing what can be an
obstacle in meeting admission criteria," Scola said.
Addressing the financial needs of students most likely to attend
North Park, the admissions and
financial aid committees can meet students where they are – both
financially and academically.
Commitment to DEI
A designated Hispanic Serving
Institution and ranked by The Wall Street Journal in 2021 as
among the top 50 higher education institutions in the nation for
diversity, the university is rooted in its immigrant origins and
deeply committed to the intercultural community being served
today.
ABOUT NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY
North Park University is
city-centered, intercultural, and emerging as the model for
Christian higher education in 21st Century America.
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SOURCE North Park University