Friends, THE 2019-20 ACADEMIC AND FISCAL YEAR at Guilford College was remarkable in so many ways, as is reported in this issue of Guilford College Magazine. It is safe to say that the College we love dearly has experienced a year like no other and we will be working diligently in the new fiscal year to sustain Guilford for the long term. Beginning last August, we enjoyed successes in the academic realm built on well-laid plans and the incredible work of our faculty over the past few years. Principally, we launched our innovative experiential PRESIDENT JANE FERNANDES WITH STUDENTS DURING THE CL AS S OF 2020 WELCOME WEEK. / PHOTO BY JENNA SCHAD
initiative The Guilford Edge, which gained great traction with a large class of students entering as first years, as well as upper class students. Along with our returning students, they experienced a completely
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
refreshed curriculum and academic calendar that included intensive opportunities in the 3-week term that opened fall semester. In that term many students studied abroad, and collaboration among faculty across departments enriched the learning experience. While adjustments to the new approach were significant, enthusiasm was building as we moved from fall to spring semester. We made great progress in our efforts to support our students in the academic journey and postcollege planning. Our Guilford Guides, the group of professional advisors established a year earlier, built good relationships with many students. This contributed to an excellent rate of student retention between the prior and current school years and the semesters this year. In October, we launched our Volunteer Program as part of our updated alumni engagement efforts. Over the next six months nearly 200 alumni, parents and friends enrolled as volunteers, with the requisite orientation and follow up, and they supported students in their career considerations through one-on-one conversations as well as panel discussions. Advancement partners with Guided Discovery in matching alumni with students.
