Wells College Position Paper #1
Changes to Wells College’s Admission Policy For 137 years, Wells College has attracted female students because of its focus on empowering and educating women. Founded by Henry Wells, creator of Wells Fargo and American Express, Wells College stands as one of 64 colleges in the nation that only enrolls women. Having less than 500 students enrolled, Wells College has had the opportunity to offer small classes, close professor‐student relationships and ample financial aid; these qualities are something the college strives to maintain. Through much research and consideration, Wells College has decided to allow male admittance starting in the fall semester of 2005. During research of opinions, the college received a wealth of negative feedback but would like to address the different motives for coeducation as well as the wealth of benefits. The Process The list below addresses concerns that initiated the proposal of allowing men to enroll at Wells College. Initial Concerns: • Only 3 percent potential college women considered attending an all‐women’s college • Unsustainable financial situation, proving the college operation unviable • Failed attempts to increase enrollment • Recruitment and retention rates continually decreasing • Serving as an all‐women’s college has not proved immensely beneficial In attempt to address these concerns, Wells College made efforts to meet recruitment and needed funding levels. These efforts included: • 30 percent tuition reduction • An increase in student aid • An addition of programs • Aggressive advertising and marketing Lisa Ryerson, the president of Wells College, began to question co‐education for the university after these attempts proved to be unsuccessful.
““We have now reached a place where steadfast and unwavering adherence to a model established for the college over a century ago places us at odds with public sentiment and economic realities,” Ryerson said.
Wells College first addressed these initial concerns in 2003, in which the Sustainable Wells committee proposed a transition to coeducation; the proposal was introduced to the college community in 2004. Wells College has a reputation as a premiere liberal arts college, a reputation that will continue regardless of male enrollment. Advised by an educational consultant, Wells College found that its value would increase with the inclusion of men in its program. This change would prove to increase Wells College’s competition in the market and continue to build its reputation as the premiere liberal arts college that it is. Our Decision The combination of concerns, external advice and failed attempts at meeting goals led the college trustees and board to vote in favor of coeducation. The board’s 18 members include: • Four members elected by alumni • Two student‐elected members • Nine members who are alumnae or alumnae’s spouses • Three members were selected by alumnae due to special skills Wells College will introduce coeducation in the fall semester of 2005. Upon co‐ed integration, the tuition increase allows the college to create more programs and students would have a choice of more majors. The stress of trying to meet funding and recruitment will also be resolved and use of endowments will be eliminated. Below is a chart of definite benefits upon the introduction and transition. Women‐Only Co‐ed Small class sizes Small class sizes Leadership development Emphasis on Leadership development Women empowerment Continued emphasis on empowering women Quaint and appeasing campus setting Maintenance of appealing campus Use of endowments for operation costs Tuition to cover operating expenses Unable to meet recruitment goals Major influx of students to meet recruitment Isolated social environment Increased social and cultural involvement 300 on‐campus students Need for 450+ students met
Continued Tradition Upon Transition “Wells will always be a small, close‐knit, high quality liberal arts college,” Ryerson said. “Even as we welcome more men to the campus, we will remain a college that honors women…”
Though Wells College received opposition with this decision, the college aims to continue its traditions and appeal. The presence of men on campus will allow for a deeper social and cultural experience for current and future students. The integration will widen the social bounds within the university. Wells College plans to keep class sizes small and continue strong women empowerment. The transition to coeducation provides a wealth of opportunities. As addressed above, the stability in funding allows the college to maintain state‐of‐the‐art facilities and expand programs for all students. For Wells College alumni, these traditions will remain present and reunion traditions will be kept. Alumni can remain confident in their legacy. “We looked at nearly 200 liberal arts colleges, including a number of women‐only colleges, and found that in nearly every case, applications and enrollments went up for colleges that made the transition from single‐ sex to coeducation,” Ryerson said. Upon integration, Wells College encourages students to remain the welcoming and empowering students they are as men enter the campus. Appropriate behavior among our new students is expected from both parties. Wells College understands the integrity of its students and feels secure in its opportunity for a smooth transition.