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State of the University | 2008 Enrollment | Homecoming-Rocky Loves the 90's | 2008 Reunion

State of the University

Western Illinois University President Al Goldfarb presented his seventh State of the University address at the September 23 Founders' Day celebrations on Western's Macomb and Moline campuses.

Goldfarb noted that Western began the 2008-2009 school year with a $1.6 million increase in the operating budget; and that state support, added to an additional $1.2 million in reallocated funds, provided Western employees an average salary increase of 3.5 percent.

"We made much progress in the area of academic programs that are at the heart of our strategic plan's academic excellence," Goldfarb added.

Click here to read more on the State of the University address.

2008 Enrollment

Like many universities across the state and the nation, Western Illinois University's Fall 2008 enrollment declined slightly; however, Quad Cities, extension and graduate and transfer student enrollment increased.

"Our enrollment in the Quad Cities is indicative of the support we receive from students and community leaders who collaborate with the University to expand degree offerings and to develop facilities at the proposed Riverfront Campus," said President Al Goldfarb. "Our transfer enrollment is a direct reflection of our dual admission program which allows a smooth transition to Western, while the increase in extension enrollment is due to the variety of quality courses the University provides via distance learning and at off-site locations."

The number of students enrolling at Western Illinois University-Quad Cities increased 2.2 percent and extension enrollment increased 31.8 percent. WIU-QCs enrollment is 1,360, up 29 students compared to 1,331 in Fall 2007. Extension enrollment at other off-campus locations is 1,030 students, compared to 781 in Fall 2007.

Graduate student numbers at Western Illinois University increased with Fall 2008 enrollment gaining 11.7 percent to 2,440, up 256 students from Fall 2007. Total transfer student enrollment for Fall 2008 increased 2.1 percent to 1,273, up 26 students from last year.

WIU Provost and Academic Vice President Jack Thomas indicated that an increase in graduate enrollment can possibly be attributed to new unique master's degrees programs, including the Master of Arts in Museum Studies and the Master of Liberal Arts and Sciences, which began this fall at the Quad Cities campus.

Click here to read more on graduate student enrollment.

Click here to read more on QC, extension and transfer enrollment.

Alumni & Friends are Invited to Homecoming 2008

Get ready for Homecoming 2008--"Rocky Loves the 90's." Homecoming activities will be held throughout the week of October 13, with a kick-off event to "Paint the Paws" up and down University Drive and Western Avenue set for October 9. All alumni, students, community members, faculty and staff are invited. Click here for details on "Paint the Paws". Visit the Student Life webpage in RockeNews to see the full slate of Homecoming Week activities.

Then, join us on October 17 and 18 for the Homecoming Weekend events. The weekend kicks off on Friday, October 17 with the All-Alumni Social at the Alumni House. Stop by the social to see former classmates, network and to enjoy great food and drinks.

On Saturday, start the day early with the Old Stompin' Ground Runaround 5K run/1.5 mile walk. Registration begins at the Alumni House at 7:00 a.m. The parade begins later this year, with breakfast at 9 a.m. and the parade at 10:30 a.m. Join us on the front lawn of the Alumni House to see it all.

Then, make your way down to the football field and "The Right Place," the big tent west of Hanson Field. There, you will be able to grab a bite to eat and visit with faculty and staff from the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business and Technology, Education and Human Services and Fine Arts and Communication; the Centennial Honors College; the Center for International Studies; University Libraries; the Board of Trustees Bachelor of Arts Degree Program; staff and friends from Student Services, the Alumni Association and Athletics, including a Volleyball Alumni Reunion on Saturday. Cap off the day by cheering on your Fighting Leathernecks as they play Indiana State University at 3:05 p.m. For more information about Homecoming, or to register, click here.

2008 Reunion--Classes of 1958, 1968 & 1983

Celebrating 50, 40 or 25 years since you graduated from Western? Let us help you commemorate your Reunion! Attend all the Homecoming events during your Reunion weekend which culminates on Saturday, October 18 with the Reunion dinner in the Lamoine Room of the University Union. We will induct members into the Half-Century Club and celebrate others who graduated more than 50 years ago. For a full list of Reunion weekend events or to register, click here.

**Congratulations to the October winner--Alex Drake '86. He found Rocky on the Student Life webpage. Watch for your chance to win in November!

**Congratulations to the September winner--Angela Veith. She found Rocky on the Board of Trustees Bachelor of Arts Degree webpage.

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