For the second straight year, The University of Olivet will welcome more than 400 new students Friday during the highly anticipated Move-In Day. Returning students will arrive on Sunday, bringing OC’s total enrollment to well over 1,000 students. The University of Olivet continues its trend of historic new student growth and increased retention.
“The University of Olivet family is excited to welcome our incoming class. We look forward to being a part of their educational journey,” said Tim Johnston, vice president for admissions and marketing. “The continued growth in our student body and increased retention confirms that it’s a relationship-based, diverse, learning experience that students seek. Exceptional academics, a commitment to service learning and global education, a rich residential life, and generous financial aid packages provide our students with a distinct advantage over many other colleges.”
One of Most Diverse Student Bodies
The University of Olivet provides students an opportunity to have an immersive, residential, small college relationship-based experience. It has always defined itself by who it includes, not who it excludes. Olivet’s student body is one of the most diverse among Michigan’s private colleges. The entering fall 2017 student body population is 38 percent students of color, up 8 percent from the fall of 2016.
Sixty-four percent of the incoming student population is male and 36 percent is female. Eight percent are out-of-state students, coming from Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. International students hail from Canada, India, Mexico and Nigeria.
Of the college’s 31 majors, criminal justice with a concentration in law enforcement, business administration with a concentration in management, exercise science, psychology and biology with a pre-med concentration have drawn the largest number of incoming students.
Since its founding in 1844, The University of Olivet has provided opportunities for students who dream of a college education to earn a degree. Every student, regardless of socioeconomic circumstances, receives some form of financial assistance, with the average award package for the fall of 2017 entering class totaling $26,276 (including all federal, state, institutional and private grants and loans).
Welcome Week and Beyond
Welcome Week kicks off with Move-In Day. Faculty, staff, administrators, alumni and returning students welcome new students and their families, lend a hand carrying boxes, answer questions, and more. President Steven M. Corey, Ph.D., hosts a picnic lunch in The Square for students, families, faculty and staff. Following lunch is the Provost’s Lighting the Lamp of Learning and Transition to College Ceremony, when students are officially welcomed as part of the The University of Olivet family. Students will also hear from a current The University of Olivet student about transitioning to The University of Olivet and the sense of family it brings.
Classes begin Monday, Aug. 21. A number of events and activities are planned over the six-week period leading up to Homecoming Weekend to help students make the transition to college life. Events include karaoke and movie nights, a Marching Comet preview, pool party, inflatable games, and more. The annual Night on the Town, in conjunction with the Olivet Chamber of Commerce, is Monday, Aug. 21, followed by the President’s Opening Convocation and Stand-Up on Wednesday, Aug. 23. Check out the complete schedule of events.
“There is actually still time for high school and transfer students to be part of this near record class of Comets, and we’d love to have you join OC Nation,” said Lisa Lehman, assistant vice president for admissions. “If you’re wondering what it’s like to be a Comet, schedule a campus visit today or contact the Office of Admissions at 800.456.7189.”