Class of 2012's profile inspires WCGA senate

The Westhampton College Government Association met for its first meeting of the school year in the North Court reception room and learned about incoming students and discussed pcoming events and elections.

Kate Wheeler, assistant director of admissions, spoke to the women about the record number of applications the university received for this year, 7,950, and the make-up of the incoming first year students. The women were told that about 32 percent of those who applied were accepted and 30 percent of those confirmed that they would attend.

The new student body comprises students from 44 states and 34 countries, 7 percent are international students, 10 percent learned English as a second language and 12 percent are self-reported students of color, Wheeler said.

A senate member asked about the number of women who applied and whether or not the university would continue its 50/50 policy that says there must be an equal amount of males and females accepted into the university. More women applied than men, Wheeler said, but the difference is not dramatic enough to reconsider its policy.

"These students are the future of this organization," Wheeler said. She encouraged the WCGA to get the new students involved in the campus community by speaking with different organizations they are associated with and by getting involved in recruiting. The admissions office has several programs to recruit new students, including traveling abroad and the Boomerang program, which sends students back to their high schools to speak about Richmond.

The meeting continued with reports from council members, including 2010 Class President Caroline Faughnan who said her cabinet will decide on a theme for Ring Dance by next week.

The WCGA is preparing for Spider Senate Saturday on August 30 where they will meet with faculty, administration and the Richmond College Student Government Association as well as a panel on President Edward Ayers' Strategic Plan.

Student concerns were discussed including confusion about the new meal plans and the lack of support and attendance at women's sporting events. The women discussed possibly advertising the events better and going to the games as a group after their weekly meetings.