On September 16, the first Common Hour of the 2024-25 academic year took place in the Harry R. Brooks Complex for Science, Mathematics, and Technology. The event featured presentations by faculty scholars Daniella DiGregorio, Ph.D., associate professor of education, and Janet Foor, Ed.D., assistant professor of special education.
DiGregorio discussed her research on how teachers can improve the mental health of college students. She presented details of a student survey conducted during the last academic year where she gained insight into differences between international students and U.S. students and the challenges they face as college students. While DiGregorio’s research focused on how teachers can help all students by remaining flexible and responsive, she also encouraged that everyone in the college setting practice kindness and support toward each other as everyone is dealing with different things. She also included a list of resources, like tutoring, where students can find help, suggested stress-reducing activities that teachers can use to encourage participation and encouraged everyone to learn about each other’s backgrounds to make the community more inclusive.
Foor’s presentation focused on integrity and ethics regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the college classroom. In her research, Foor surveyed Wilson students and faculty to discover how they use AI. For this presentation, she discussed only responses from undergraduate and graduate students, which told her that many students use AI, and some would like more information about it. Foor shared some of the problems when using AI, which can provide biased answers to very basic prompts. However, she said, AI can be a powerful academic tool if used correctly. There are many AI tools available, but she suggested students use critical thinking skills when working with them.
This fall, the Common Hour sessions coincide with plenary sessions of Wilson’s first-year seminar course (FYS), providing an added opportunity for FYS faculty and the College’s annual Orr Forum scholar to present their research to the FYS seminar students while also sharing with the broader community. The faculty presentations help model both the end-product of FYS and the passion and dedication to research and learning that is so integral to Wilson.
Colombian American poet, speaker, actor, and inclusion strategist, Carlos Andrés Gómez, visited campus for Hispanic Heritage Month. In his own unique approach of storytelling mixed with humor and poetry, Carlos created an experience that was moving and thought-provoking.
Carlos is a Colombian American poet, speaker, actor, and inclusion strategist and spoke on "Creating Belonging on Campus".
The event included Melina Bromsoe, Argentinian teaching assistant from the FLTA Fulbright Program, sharing a poem by her sister with Wendell Smith, Associate Professor of Spanish translating.
In recognition of Constitution Day, political science major, Tristan Worlock '25 supervised a table on campus with voter registration information for students. As an extra bonus, he was also handing out free ice cream.
Tristan shared, "A lot of kids, especially around my age, think that their vote doesn't matter due to the Electoral College system. But in order for the Electoral College to cast a vote for the state, they need popular votes, so people need to get out and vote."
You can find information on how to register to vote here: https://www.allintovote.org
Despite national headlines of steep enrollment declines across higher education, Wilson College is bucking the trend, having attained its highest total enrollment in the history of the institution. Fall 2024 Census indicates 1,705 enrolled students, a 10% increase over Fall 2023.
“We are beyond excited that now, more than any time in the College’s 156-year history, more students have the opportunity to benefit from an outstanding Wilson education. Our approach to providing an affordable education rooted in the liberal arts and sciences with a strong career focus in a welcoming and supportive learning environment is resonating. Over the last decade, Wilson’s faculty and staff have worked strategically to provide innovative curricula delivered through various learning modalities that meet the needs of diverse populations of students. The results show 158% growth since the fall of 2013 when enrollment was only 662 students,” said President Wesley R. Fugate, Ph.D.
Two key categories of students have contributed to this year’s enrollment growth. Wilson’s Teacher Certification Program continues to expand, now with 391 students, 18% more than those enrolled during 2023-2024. Wilson proudly certifies a significant number of adults with a bachelor’s degree who seek to make a career change and become teachers in Pennsylvania. In addition, students continue to embrace Wilson College Online and the flexibility to earn a Wilson degree fully online. A total of 342 undergraduate and graduate degree seekers enrolled in Wilson College Online for Fall 2024, more than doubling enrollment since Fall 2023. This is an impressive feat, given this new online modality is only in its second full year of existence.
Wilson’s full-time undergraduate students remained steady with 555 students, compared to 544 in Fall 2023. These numbers speak to the innovation and resiliency of Wilson. The College is growing, creating new modalities of learning, and announcing new degrees of study to meet the needs of today’s students. Join us in celebrating this historic moment in the life of the College. The future is truly bright at Wilson.
Wilson College is pleased to announce its annual ArtsFest celebration will take place on campus the week of April 7-11, 2025. The theme for ArtsFest 2025 will be “ART IS...SHARED STORIES.”
The College’s ArtsFest Committee is seeking artists and arts educators (visual, performing, and literary) from Chambersburg and the surrounding area to share their experience, expertise, and work at ArtsFest 2025. Appropriate events include a presentation/reading, performance, project, workshop/class, exhibition, immersive experience, or other types of arts-based events.
Interested parties should complete the proposal form AVAILABLE HERE on the College’s ArtsFest webpage by November 8th. All ideas are welcome, and the ArtsFest Committee is happy to work with anyone who has an idea but needs assistance in bringing it to fruition. Proposals should be financially self-supported though funding may be available on a very limited case-by-case basis.
ArtsFest is a unique event for Franklin County and the surrounding communities that highlights the outstanding arts and artists within the community. The goal of this event is to engage the Wilson campus and greater regional community in art and art making opportunities that reach across disciplines, subjects, and boundaries to foster relationships, connections, and ideas for effecting positive change in the world.
If you have any questions, please contact Dillon Beede, chair of music, at dillon.beede@wilson.edu or Jen Graham, director of the M.F.A. program, at jen.graham@wilson.edu.
The JSM Library hosted a back-to-school craft crawl where students could make bookmarks, pencil pouches, or friendship bracelets. Student success librarian, Samantha Wessel, said "We wanted an event to build community among the students. It's a chance for them to get to know the space, become aware of our resources, and meet library staff."
Clubs and other organizations gathered outside Lenfest for the Fall 2024 activities fair. From Debate Club to Line Dancing to Ten Tones… there is something for everyone!
Campus was hopping on the first day of class! These Phoenix are looking forward to a great semester.
The Wilson community kicked off the fall semester with the time honored tradition of Convocation. Professor Ali Toms spoke on the topic of civility and then new students signed the Wilson College Honor Principle. A memorable way to begin the year. Welcome Wilson College Class of 2028! Let's go, Phoenix!
It's the most wonderful day of the year! At least at Wilson College. August 22 was move-in day for first year students and we are thrilled to have them on campus. Welcome to Wilson Phoenix!
