YOU’RE IN! WHAT’S NEXT?
GUIDE FOR ACCEPTED STUDENTS HERE’S WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE US
CONGRAT
YOU’VE BEEN ACCEPTED TO WEST
ULATIONS ERN NEW ENGLAND UNIVERSITY
NOW IT’S DECISION TIME Time to choose the right university to help you prepare for an exciting and rewarding career. In the final analysis, ask yourself one question, “Where will I get the most out of my education?” For more than 47,300 people, that answer has been Western New England University.
A GREAT EDUCATIONAL VALUE Impressive Outcomes The biggest outcomes news this year comes from a report from Zippia that finds Western New England University #5 in the nation and #1 in Massachusetts when it comes to preparing graduates for the job market! The analysis by the career-focused site utilized data from the federal government’s College Scorecard, looking at employment rates 10 years after students graduated. Western New England University’s employment rate is 95.56%, placing it ahead of all but four institutions in the U.S.—including both public and private colleges and universities.
Excellent Salaries Among Massachusetts College and University Graduates The U.S. Department of Education collected data on the salaries of graduates of Massachusetts’ colleges and universities who received financial aid, 10 years after they entered their institutions. According to this report, Western New England graduates earned an average of $54,900, a minimum of $11,000 more than those of other four-year private and public colleges and universities in greater Springfield and from $4,100 to $13,900 more in annual salaries than graduates from all public Massachusetts universities.
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A U.S. News National Universities “Best College” In the 2020 edition of U.S. News and World Report, Western New England has moved into a new category – National Universities in the Best Colleges 2020 rankings. This category puts us in the company of many of the top universities in the nation such as Ivy League schools, state flagship institutions, and larger private universities. We are also ranked among the “Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs.”
A Culture That Cultivates Financial Wellness From the moment you connect to Western New England University, our staff is here to help students and families navigate the financial aid process and set a course for students to maintain financial wellness as young adults. We offer financial aid counseling, financial presentations during orientation, and money management programming as part of our Freshman Focus sessions.
Your Financial Aid Questions Answered Our staff in Enrollment Services is ready to help you and your family understand financing your Western New England education. For eligible students, Enrollment Services can also help with completing the online FAFSA form (www.fafsa.gov). The Title IV code for Western New England University is 002226. Give them a call at 413-796-2080 or email finaid@wne.edu if you have questions.
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MORE OPPORTUNITIES Make an Impact Before You Graduate From working with Bloomberg financial tools in the Cohen Trading Room, to engineering a surgical device for breast cancer patients, you’ll have amazing opportunities to make an impact on your field of study—and the world—even before you graduate.
A Great Education at Work Experiential learning is integrated into all programs to help you build a résumé that opens doors through impressive internships. From Pratt & Whitney to the Massachusetts State Police, Western New England University offers a network of more than 1,000 internship sites. Specialized opportunities include making valuable connections as a member of a nonprofit board of directors, fieldwork in social work or teaching settings, and the Washington Semester for Political Science majors.
Golden Bears Go Places
70,020 miles traveled by students on CISB trips
1,000+ Internship sponsors
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Got travel goals? Studying abroad tops the lists of many high school students’ college goals, but nobody does study abroad quite like Western New England. Through the Center for International Sport Business (CISB), our students are the only undergraduates in the world to have traveled to the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games to study the business of running the biggest sporting events on the planet. Our students also have opportunities to participate in faculty-led summer seminars (London, Italy, Spain, China, Guatemala, Cuba, South Africa, and more), or study independently at universities around the globe.
Get an Edge with Combined Degrees Want to really get a jump on the competition? Graduate with not one but two degrees from Western New England University. Our unique mix of academic programs lets you complement your bachelor’s degree with a master’s or law degree through accelerated five- or six-year combined programs—saving time and tuition in the process.
POSITANO, AMALFI COAST, ITALY
Buon Viaggio! Faculty-led short seminars and semester trips to Italy have become so popular that we now offer two locations: Sorrento and Florence. And students are eagerly signing up for courses in Italian.
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AN INCREDIBLE ENVIRONMENT We’re Building a Brighter Future—for You!
Take Your Seat in the New University Commons
Since 2011, the year we became a University, Western New England has invested more than $90 million in campus facilities. This includes new academic buildings, residence halls, athletic facilities, and our brand new University Commons— the largest construction project in University history! This commitment to continuous improvement has turned Western New England from a hidden gem into a shining star in the highly competitive, higher education landscape.
You will be among the first students to enjoy the amenities of our University Commons, a new dining and socializing hot spot. Come explore home-style cooking, vegetarian and vegan fare, allergy-friendly choices, and brick oven pizza in the student dining rooms, along with grab ’n go options from Starbucks® Bakery Café, Sushi Station, Grille Works, Firehouse Subs®, and the Food Court Market. Charge up your cell at convenient charging stations while you dine.
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$90
Million total invested in campus facilities since 2011
30 Engineering Labs
We’re Not Just Another Pretty Campus If you’ve visited us (and we hope you have), you’ve seen our gorgeous campus firsthand. You’ll also find us brimming with modern learning spaces for the way students learn and live today.
Major Investments in Labs and Technology A large part of recent investments on campus has been in our laboratories. The Center for Sciences and Pharmacy includes 19 state-ofthe-art laboratories for programs in forensics, psychology, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, physics, behavior analysis, and pharmacy. As a student in these disciplines, you’ll have access to industry- or medical-grade technology. The newest additions to Engineering’s Sleith Hall include a Biomedical Engineering Suite that replicates a hospital room, multiple Civil Engineering Labs, the Green Engineering Lab, the Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Processing Lab, and a new Center for Global Health Engineering. Students studying Occupational Therapy do so in our brand new high-tech OT Labs.
Real-world Financial and Analysis Tools Churchill Hall brings the energy of Wall Street to business students thanks to the Frances and Norman Cohen Trading Room and Financial Center. You can even take a course where you are an investor in a $100,000 studentrun fund. In the Business Analytics Center, you’ll gain the skills to become certified in SAP or SAS, today’s indemand business software tools.
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Great food and conversation are on the menu at the University Commons.
Feel at home in first-year housing.
Experience townhouse living as an upper-class student.
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Golden Bears crave Firehouse SubsÂŽ.
Go Golden Bears!
Enjoy food trucks, fun, and friends.
MEET UP WITH FRIENDS AT THE COMMONS
Get a big Golden Bear welcome at the new University Commons.
Make connections studying with friends.
The Commons is a welcoming space for commuters.
Kick off the semester at WNE Palooza.
EXPERIENCE MORE– LIVE ON CAMPUS. There’s nothing quite like living on campus to fully immerse yourself in all that Western New England has to offer. Wherever you live on campus, everything you need—classrooms, labs, the gym, the library, and the University Commons dining hall and food court—is within easy reach.
Residence Life: Your Network of Support The Residence Life staff at Western New England is here to offer you not only a great place to live, but guidance, support, and fun activities, too.
Freshman Year: Get Acquainted Your first on-campus living experience will be in one of the University’s traditional residence halls—the three halls that make up “The Quad” are Berkshire, Franklin, and Hampden, plus Windham Hall, which also houses sophomores.
Sophomore Year: Life Can Be Suite! Sophomores can choose to live in Commonwealth Hall or in the LaRiviere Center, a state-of-the-art living and learning facility, where you live in a suite with five other students.
Junior and Senior Years: Meet the Neighbors Gateway Village apartments, the Evergreen Village townhouses, and the Southwood Hall apartments feature full kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, and baths to offer upper-class students an ideal environment to prepare for life as young adults after graduation.
Build Bonds Through Common Interests Learning Interest Communities are a great way to live among students who share a common interest such as our Honors, Rising Business Professionals, STEM or other groups. Explore living on campus at wne.edu/student-life/housing.
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FEED THE BEAR. MEAL PLANS AND MORE! Whatever you’re hungry for, the new University Commons has got you covered. From Starbucks Café® to Firehouse Subs®, the Grille to the dining hall options served up by the Fresh Food Company®, there’s something for everyone at this new campus gathering hub.
AVAILABLE MEAL PLANS Required for all Residential Freshmen 7 Day All Access—unlimited access to the dining hall 7 days a week during operating hours. Includes 20 Magic Meals and $100 Bear Bucks.
Sophomore, Commuter, and Upperclass Options 5 Day All Access—unlimited access to the dining hall during operating hours Monday– Friday. Includes 20 Magic Meals and $200 Bear Bucks. 115 Meal Plan—115 meals in the dining hall, which can be used at any time during the semester. Includes 10 Magic Meals and $350 Bear Bucks. 85 Meal Plan—85 meals in the dining hall, which can be used at any time during the semester. Includes $300 Bear Bucks. 55 Meal Plan—55 Meals in the dining hall which can be used at any time during the semester. Includes $150 Bear Bucks. Magic Meals are extra meals that you can use to scan a visitor or a friend without a meal plan into the dining hall so that a guest can eat with you without you having to use your points. Bear Bucks are flexible food points that can be used to make food purchases throughout the University Commons. Visit wne.edu/student-life/dining for more details on costs and meal plans.
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BEARFEST AT CAMP BECKET
START WITH A GREAT FIRST YEAR More than Orientation
92%
of first year and transfer students attend SOAR
150+
hours of training by your peer advisor
Think you’re heading off to college alone? Think again. At Western New England University, our First Year Program offers a circle of support to make your transition to college positive and anxiety-free. We’ve developed one of the most comprehensive programs in the country for first year students. Whether living on campus or off, you will be welcomed and supported by our team of professors, administrators, and upper-class student mentors committed to helping you make your first year on campus your best year yet!
Get Started at SOAR You and your parents are invited to take part in the two-day SOAR (Summer Orientation and Registration) program held on selected dates through the summer months. Traditionally 92% of first year and transfer students, most with their parent(s) or guardian(s), participate. For international students, you are welcome to attend SOAR, but we also have a special orientation the week before classes start.
Your Circle of Support Your Peer Advisor (PA) is a very important person in the First Year network, serving as your mentor for the entire first year. These upper-class students are your go-to resource for information, point of first contact, and a link to programs and services. Other mentors and resources include your Academic Advisor, Resident Advisor, First Year Seminar Assistant (FSA), United & Mutually Equal Mentor, Student-Athlete NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills Mentor, as well as alumni mentors. At Western New England University you will be surrounded by a team to help you succeed. Visit wne.edu/first-year to learn more about these valuable mentors.
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Transitions
First Year Seminar
The first week of our Transitions program for first year and transfer students teaches you about your responsibilities as members of the University community while encouraging campus involvement.
Typically taught by faculty advisors, the First Year Seminar course focuses on critical thinking, information literacy, oral communication, confirmation of academic interests, promotion of educational values, and development of success-building skills and attitudes.
Fall Convocation is an academic tradition welcoming students to our learning community. BearFest is a one-day team-building outdoor adventure held opening weekend at an area camp. Our Amazing Experiences program includes trips to Boston, major league sporting events, and outdoor adventures like white-water rafting and paintball. At the start of the semester, you’ll develop a Personal Success Plan to define academic and personal goals. Throughout the semester, you’ll meet with your peer advisor to stay on track.
Freshman Focus Program The Freshman Focus Program Series offers workshops and talks on personal development designed to help you successfully navigate college life. These presentations address important topics from making smart decisions to prevent alcohol abuse to mental wellness and personal safety and responsibility.
Comprehensive Advisement Program This program supports you with a team of four advisors: faculty, professional, career, and peer focused on helping you be successful and graduate in four years.
Academic Support and Monitoring
Parents: Partners in First Year Transition
Supplemental Instruction (SI) is provided by upper-class students who sit in on classes and hold study sessions. Through the online early advisory system students are offered individual support.
Parents and guardians play an important role in the development and growth of students in the first year of college. Their influence, support, caring, and counsel are essential for the success of our students. Through their participation in the First Year Program, parents learn that this critical year is not a time for cutting ties, but one of transitioning into a new role of parenting as a coach.
Academic Progress Monitors work with students on a weekly basis. Peer Tutoring is available to all undergraduate students in most 100-200 level courses and throughout free tutoring centers. Class attendance is monitored throughout the first year.
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SPECIAL EVENTS FOR ADMITTED STUDENTS: SIGN UP TODAY! As an accepted student at Western New England University, you have a variety of specialized visit opportunities to get to know us better, explore your academic interests, and start to feel like a part of our community. Join us to experience all that WNE has to offer firsthand. Accepted Students’ Day—This is one event you won’t want to miss! Meet your future professors, enjoy lunch, make new friends, and meet current students in our new University Commons, explore our beautiful campus and residence halls, receive a personal financial aid consultation about your financial aid package, and learn about SOAR. Academic Preview Day—You’ll spend a day with your dean and professors to explore your major of interest in greater depth. Golden Bear for a Day—Get an insider’s view of what it’s like to be a Golden Bear when you sit in on a class or two and enjoy lunch with other accepted students. Active Experience Workshops—Fun, hands-on activities led by your future professors give you an insider’s look into what it will be like to be a student at WNE. Financial Aid Workshops—These events are for students and parents/guardians who need support through the financial aid process. Money management programming is also provided for incoming freshmen.
You are always welcome to make an appointment to tour campus and meet with our staff on an individual basis. We also offer a number of Saturday campus tours.
TO REGISTER: VISIT.WNE.EDU 14
MORE WAYS TO CONNECT Faculty Mentorship and Collaboration
12:1
Student-to-faculty ratio
70+ Student clubs and organizations
Jump into the Action
Our focus on individual attention creates the ideal environment for mentorship and research collaboration with your professors. Our students routinely present their research at professional conferences, participate in national and international competitions, collaborate in entrepreneurial ventures, and have even been co-inventors on patents.
Don’t be shy! Our small, inclusive campus will give you the confidence to jump into the action of campus life. We offer a wide variety of varsity sports, clubs, and organizations to fit your interests and passions. Join one of the popular student government organizations, special interest groups, recreational clubs, or create a new one. You’ll have countless opportunities to adopt a cause, make plans, or just unwind with friends.
Not Just a Number—Be Our #1 Priority
Feel at Home in Our Welcoming Community
Sitting in lecture halls at large universities you may feel like just a number. Here you’ll be our number one priority. With an undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1 and average class sizes of just 20 students, you will get to know your professors as they learn about your interests and aspirations.
Music, games, comedy, movies, trips... whatever you’re into, Western New England University has opportunities for you to make friends and get involved. Take the stage to share your poetry. Win great prizes at Big Prize Bingo nights. Hop a bus headed to NYC. Ski the slopes of Mount Snow. Or play your favorite sport with friends on an intramural team.
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A RISING RENAISSANCE CITY Springfield is experiencing an economic renaissance spearheaded by growth and development in its downtown dining and entertainment core. From the Dr. Seuss Museum at the Springfield Museums to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, to the popular Springfield Thunderbirds AHL Hockey, there is plenty to see and do. Major regional employers include MassMutual Financial Group, Baystate Medical Center, LEGO Systems, Pratt & Whitney, and the new $960 million MGM Springfield. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame has welcomed more than 300 inductees to the city that invented basketball. Six Flags New England is the area’s biggest theme park. It features dozens of thrill rides, family rides, shows, dining, shopping, and water activities. MGM Springfield is the region’s new resort and casino destination featuring a 250-room hotel, exciting dining options, fun outdoor musical events, a luxury movie theatre, and an arcade and bowling alley. Springfield Symphony Hall serves as a major focal point for concerts, Broadway tours, classical music, and stand-up comedy in the Pioneer Valley. he MassMutual Center is the premier arena and convention center in western T Massachusetts. It is home to the American Hockey League’s Springfield Thunderbirds. The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss is an interactive celebration of renowned children’s author Theodor Seuss Geisel (aka “Dr. Seuss”). He was born in Springfield, which inspired much of his work. Take a stroll through the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden. Yankee Candle Village is one of New England’s most popular destinations! Yankee Candle Village offers an entertaining charm, hands-on interactive candle making, and unique shopping. Basketball Hall of Fame
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Storrowton Village Museum is where New England village living comes to life through an authentic re-creation of 18th and 19th century buildings.
The Big E, also known as the “Eastern States Exposition” is one of the largest fairs in the nation, attracting 1.5 million visitors each year. The fair opens in midSeptember and runs for three weeks.
Six Flags New England
The Holyoke Mall at Ingleside, just 11.1 miles from campus, is one of the largest malls in New England, featuring more than 200 stores.
The Quabbin Reservoir is the largest inland body of water in Massachusetts. It is the primary water supply for Boston. The reservoir is a popular spot for hiking and other outdoor activities.
Bright Nights—During the holiday season, over 600,000 lights illuminate a 2.5 mile driving tour of Forest Park. Bright Nights at Forest Park starts the week before Thanksgiving and runs through the first week of January.
Skiing and Hiking—Situated in the beautiful Pioneer Valley, Springfield is an easy drive to outdoor recreational activities from skiing to hiking, kayaking to ziplining. It is also just a 2-3 hour trip to some of the best beaches in New England.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade—Seven miles north of Springfield’s center, the city of Holyoke, Massachusetts stages the United States’ second-largest, annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade (larger than Boston’s and Chicago’s, but slightly smaller than New York City’s).
The Parade of Big Balloons—Since 1991, the Parade of Big Balloons has helped to usher in the holiday season in Springfield. Inflatable big balloons, bands, and colorful marching contingents parade through Springfield’s center on the day after Thanksgiving entertaining crowds estimated at 75,000.
World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast—The City of Springfield invites residents and visitors to bring their appetites to the World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast, an event held on a Saturday in May. The event draws over 30,000 people to Main Street, where approximately 60,000 pancakes are served.
Bright Nights
15 Minutes from Amtrak and Union Station
30/90 Minutes from Bradley International Airport and Boston Logan International Airport, respectively MGM Springfield
Peaked Mountain
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YOUR NEXT STEPS CHECKLIST As an Accepted Student, there are a number of very important steps that you will want to take between now and when you make your final decision. We encourage you to take the opportunity to visit campus, remember to submit your deposit, and make sure that you understand how you will finance your Western New England education.
c Visit campus: Go to visit.wne.edu to sign up for exclusive admitted student events or go to wne.edu/virtual-tour for a virtual tour.
c L et us know you’re coming: Go to connect.wne.edu/account to accept your offer of admission and submit your deposit by May 1 to secure your spot in the incoming class.
c
onnect via social media: Connect with your future classmates; post C pictures; and direct message us on Facebook (Class of 2024 group), Twitter (@WNEUniversity), and Instagram or use the hashtags #WNE and #WNESPIRIT.
c A pply for financial aid: US citizens and permanent residents can apply at fafsa.ed.gov. Remember to list Western New England University on your application. Know Your Resources: Please contact our offices with any questions. Office of Admissions: learn@wne.edu, 413-782-1321 Office of International Admissions: international@wne.edu, 413-782-1321 International Student & Scholar Services: isss@wne.edu, 413-796-2389 Financial Aid Office: finaid@wne.edu, 413-796-2080 Office of Residence Life: residencelife@wne.edu, 413-782-1317 Office of First Year Students & Students in Transition: first.year@wne.edu, 413-782-1312
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