A Message from President Aceves: Regis welcoming returning students and a record-breaking new student class

  • August 15, 2023
  • Faculty and Staff

Dear Colleagues,

We have an exciting week ahead of us with a new incoming group of first-year students and their families arriving on campus tomorrow. We’ll be welcoming returning students next week and forging ahead with the fall academic term. I can sense the energy and excitement as our students return and very much look forward to what this new school year will bring. I asked Provost Jake Bucher, VP of Strategic Enrollment Management Senthil Kumar, and VP of Student Affairs Barbara Wilcots, to share their thoughts on the upcoming school year. Here is what they shared. 

“Regis University is set to welcome a record-breaking traditional undergraduate first year and transfer new student class this Fall. It is projected to be among the highest in the university’s history, with more than 600 students registered as of a week before classes are set to begin, an increase of 28 percent over the previous year. The university will also welcome over 900 new post-traditional, graduate, and doctoral students, an increase of 72 percent over last year,” said Dr. Kumar.

“Students and families are excited by the incredible experience they are having with our concierge enrollment services, student engagement, enhanced awarding policies, and especially our deep commitment to supporting our first-generation and Pell eligible students on their access and success at Regis,” Senthil added.

Here are some notable characteristics of the incoming Fall 2023 traditional undergraduate class and changes from Fall 2022:

 

  • 54 percent (327/606) are first-generation students; an increase of 60 percent (204 students)
  • 51 percent (309/606) are Pell-eligible students; an increase of 72 percent (180 students)
  • 43 percent (261/606) are Latinx students; an increase of 38 percent (189 students)
  • 14 percent (87/606) are from Catholic high schools; an increase of 300 percent (29 students)
  • 75 percent (455/606) are from Colorado; an increase of 43 percent (318 students)

 

Regis University experienced the highest yield for any first-year class since 2016. J.T. Smith, Dean of Admissions, added, “there are over 250 students on the waiting list for the pre-nursing program.”

The Regis community is excited to welcome our new and returning students to campus. Ranger Welcome Days is our opportunity to introduce incoming students to the many resources and programs offered to smooth the transition to college life, to help build new friendships, and to connect with faculty and staff. Activities include residence hall move-in and hall meetings, a BBQ kick-off, class photos, a resource fair and ice cream social, a silent disco, a pep rally and bonfire, and many more engaging events. Rangers and family will also enjoy the Blessing & Sending, a special Regis tradition that invites the newest members of the Regis community to officially sign the university ledger. “Welcome Weekend introduces students to what it means to be a part of the Regis Ranger family,” said Dr. Wilcots, Vice President of Student Affairs. “The Student Affairs team partners with Academic Affairs to support our new Rangers in creating a richly rewarding college experience,” said Dr. Wilcots. 

Our faculty across our diverse range of programs are of the highest quality and exhibit an immense commitment to student learning and experience, and eagerly await this new class looking forward to accompanying them on their academic, professional, and personal journeys. Dr. Bucher, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, is focused on opportunity and responsibility: “The diversity of this class, be it in identities or program level and type, requires us in our pursuit of cura personalis, to work towards a learning environment that is one of servingness, inclusion, belongingness, anti-racism and anti-oppression, and challenging conversations with rigorous critical thinking”. Bucher adds, “I am proud of our academic programming and our commitment to teaching, and am proud to serve this incoming class of undergraduate and graduate students. I am especially happy as I join this class as a fellow “first year,” and am grateful to walk alongside them in our paths.”

Thank you, Senthil, Barbara, and Jake for all your incredible work and for your continued commitment to our students, faculty, and staff. I remain grateful and energized about what we can accomplish together in this upcoming school year.

Kindly, 

Salvador D. Aceves, Ed.D

President