Ohio:

In the US state of Ohio, a Catholic university is witnessing a massive surge in admissions. The Franciscan University of Steubenville admitted 772 new students at the start of the new school year.

The university had to open a new dorm facility before the start of the new school year to accommodate the 700-plus students who joined freshman class. According to John Hermann, the vice-president of the university’s enrollment management, “We just purchased a hotel, and renovated it in about six weeks to make it into a dormitory-style residence hall.” Soon after admissions, the dorm became full.

Over the past seven years, the Catholic university has been witnessing stupendous growth. This is happening when elsewhere in the state, universities are witnessing a fall in new admissions. Even Catholic parishes in the diocese are witnessing consolidations as pews are emptying. Hermann said they are exceeding all of their goals and they need to explore new places to house these students.

It is the strong integration of the Catholic faith that makes the Franciscan University of Steubenville really attractive to young men and women. Its varied programs and faith-oriented activities and access to sacraments draw many Catholics as well as potential converts to Catholicism.

President and General Counsel of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio Todd Jones said the change in the demographics of the state is also affecting the enrollment in other varsities.

“Independents and public [colleges] have seen the same issue in Ohio since around 2010, which is, we’ve had a steep decline in the number of traditional-aged students who are graduating,” said Jones. This forces universities to find a way to either adapt to a smaller student group or attract more young men and women from outside the state.

Meanwhile, the Franciscan University has announced the creation of a quicker transfer process for Jewish students who are facing antisemitic discrimination and violence on campuses in America. This comes in the wake of stepped-up attacks on Jews elsewhere following the eruption of the conflict in the Holy Land between Israel and the militant group Hamas.