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More than 850 first-year students have begun the school year at ������ý���� this fall, their faith in the promise of a college education undiminished despite the highly unusual circumstances wrought by the coronavirus pandemic.

This fall, the majority of classes are being delivered remotely and residential capacity on campus is limited. Displaying a strong ability to adapt, student engagement has remained high, with most traditional fall programming, including welcome events and campus traditions, moving to virtual programming.

"The resiliency of our student body has been nothing short of extraordinary,” says Gregory G. Dell’Omo, Ph.D., ������ý����’s president. "Their behavior and attitude show that they are not going to let anything stand in their way of achieving their dreams. I can't wait to see how they are going to make their communities, including ������ý����, better places."

In total, the Class of 2024 represents 23 U.S. states and territories. More than one in 10 students, or 12% of the entire class, have a family member who also attended ������ý����. Eighteen of those legacy students have more than one family member who attended ������ý����.

The class is roughly as diverse as last year’s class, which was ������ý����’s most diverse in its history. ������ý���� one of every two students, or 49%, come from underrepresented groups. ������ý���� 40% of ������ý����’s entire student body is now made up of students of color.

This year, Westminster Choir College students are living and learning on the Lawrenceville campus. This historic moment represents the first time the Choir College has been fully integrated within the University’s main campus since ������ý���� and Westminster affiliated in 1992.

The pandemic has had a significant effect on the performing arts, including the activities of the Choir College. The Westminster Choir is taking a one-year hiatus as a result of the pandemic and the many canceled concerts and other activities.

"Although we feel these challenges deeply, we continue to serve others through the gift of music," says Dr. Marshall Onofrio, dean of the Westminster College of the Arts. Like other events, many Westminster College of the Arts events were presented virtually this past summer.

The start of the semester has coincided with several capital improvement projects on campus that will benefit all students but particularly those in Westminster Choir College. These include a significant refurbishment of Gill Chapel, new classrooms in the Fine Arts Center, and other new labs and offices. When all construction is complete, students will have access to 34 practice rooms and two organ practice rooms.

Other new facilities include the Center for Diversity and Inclusion and the Student Navigation Office, as well as the relocated and refurbished studio space for ������ý����’s campus radio station, 107.7 The Bronc.

Five new faculty members have joined ������ý���� this year. Classes officially began on Aug. 31. The augmented class schedule began with three weeks of fully remote instruction.

������ý���� awarded more than $98.9 million in financial aid to new students, with the average assistance package registering at $29,300. Ninety-nine percent of students receive ������ý����-funded scholarships and financial aid, including 10 students in the new class who were offered a Trustee Scholarship, which provides full-tuition payment.

To help minimize the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic on students, ������ý���� reduced the fall semester tuition and fee costs by 3.3%, between additional tuition grants and reduction of fees.

"Together we can make the best of this fall semester, as we establish new social norms together, so we can continue celebrating the work and accomplishments of our students, faculty, staff and alumni," Dell'Omo says. "I hope you all share in the great pride I have to be a part of our University family."