Edgewood College Accelerates Goal of Student/Faculty Ratio of 13:1 by Next Fall

Madison, Wis. (September 9, 2019) – Edgewood College will accelerate efforts to achieve a 13:1 student/faculty ratio when classes begin in the Fall of 2020. Sister Mary Ellen Gevelinger, O.P., Interim President of Edgewood College, shared that information this afternoon at College Assembly, which is a monthly meeting of faculty and staff.

“We are taking the necessary steps today to ensure we remain financially healthy, and to ensure we’re well-positioned for a bright future,” Gevelinger said. “The difficult work that has been done, and will continue yet this year, will both secure the excellent experience our current students expect, and create a strong foundation for our students five, 55, and 105 years from now.”

Edgewood College has been eyeing simplifying its organizational structure, consolidation of some academic and student services departments, reducing the number of majors offered, and other proposals designed to increase efficiency in meeting the needs of students. That work, done by faculty, staff, and Trustees, began nearly two years ago and continued through this summer. The challenging demographic shift impacting all colleges and current enrollment at Edgewood College has accelerated the need to make changes in the current academic year.

“These changes will require the release of some faculty and staff colleagues from their time here,” Gevelinger said. “This is very difficult news to share with you, and I offer it with compassion, and in community and partnership. This change is uncomfortable, and it must occur so that the future of Edgewood College can be bright.”

Implementation of these proposals is expected before the start of the Spring 2020 semester.

Because of the dramatic national demographic shift, “Every responsible college and university is taking an honest, close look at how its resources are aligned with the needs of today’s students, and the students who will follow,” Gevelinger said. “Edgewood College is not alone in these changing times. But we must not hesitate to take steps to secure our mission, our strategic plan, and to secure an Edgewood College that meets the needs of our times and the needs of our students. We assure our community that we are making significant investments in growing our enrollment and continuing to add areas of study and learning solutions that the students of tomorrow demand.”
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