Rosemont College to become co-ed
By NADIA MARIA SMITH
CS&T Staff Writer
ROSEMONT — The Board of Trustees of Rosemont College recently approved a strategic plan that will make the undergraduate college a coeducational institution starting with the fall 2009 semester.
It is one change of many to come, said Sharon Latchaw Hirsh, president of the college.
After 15 months of study, research, discussion and deliberation among trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends, the trustees unanimously passed the new strategic plan. In addition to opening the doors to include male students, it proposes changes that include expanding online degrees and increasing educational partnerships with other institutions.
Though faced with declining enrollment in recent years, most of those involved in the strategic planning process were initially opposed to the college becoming co-ed. But a survey of high school girls proved crucial in changing their minds. It indicated that a majority of high school girls would not consider enrolling in a Catholic women’s college like Rosemont, but they would consider it if it were a coeducational institution.
Aside from the male students, “we expect to double our enrollment in the next three years by getting more applications from high school girls — those girls who wouldn’t consider an all girls’ Catholic education in this area,” Hirsh said.
Although most of the alumni are in favor of the changes once they reviewed the plan, according to Ann Myhr, the president of Rosemont’s Alumni Association Board of Directors, she admits that some are disappointed with turning Rosemont co-ed.
Another area the school will emphasize in the new plan is racial and ethnic diversity.
“In our mission statement it already says we are a Catholic college but we welcome and celebrate all faiths,” Hirsh said. “We have one of the most diverse student bodies at the undergraduate level in the nation on a per capita basis.”
Under the new plan, the school’s diversity will be reflected in the faculty, staff and administration as well, she said.
The school is also making strides in the realm of environmental stewardship by striving for carbon neutrality on campus and building awareness of the need for environmental sustainability. The school will also be adding a full major in environmental studies.
Hirsh says the anticipated changes are part of a Cornelian philosophy of education promoted by Cornelia Connelly, the founder of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus. The women’s religious order founded the college in 1921. Connelly was born and raised in Philadelphia. According to Hirsh, Connelly believed that education must identify the talents and gifts of each student, and help “them shine through.”
“She also wanted all learning to happen with joy. ‘Joy’ is a word we still have in our mission statement today,” Hirsh added.
“Today, we band together and move our beloved college into a healthy, bright and mission-driven future,” she said. “Together we shall expand the college ‘to meet the wants of the age.’”
CS&T staff writer Nadia Maria Smith may be reached at npozo@adphila.org or (215) 965-4614