By Rachel Konieczny
News Editor
“In our recent reports, we were trending ahead of the last three years,” Bernie Valento said of admissions efforts for the 2016-17 academic year.
Valento, vice president for enrollment, said the final week of April is unpredictable in terms of how many deposits will be submitted, but he is hopeful for the future.
“We’re developing plans towards the future, looking at new ways to recruit and enroll students and looking at new enrollment drivers,” Valento said.
Valento also said the university is developing a military-aligned program for military students and veterans and a discernment program for students to discover whether they want to pursue a particular vocation, as well as pursuing recruitment in international and secondary markets.
“We’ve been developing some international recruitment markets,” he said. “We’ve been expanding our efforts in secondary markets, like New Jersey, where we’ve done well, and Philadelphia. We’re tasked at looking for new markets and new opportunities there.”
Valento said the university has also expanded communication graduate programs, notably the online MBA program.
Valento stressed the importance of building partnerships to expand recruitment internationally, particularly in China and Brazil, despite the commitment of two to three years.
Stephanie Kennedy, a junior strategic communication and digital media major, agreed Bonaventure should recruit to more areas.
“I’m disappointed in the amount of enrollment, because I think this school has a lot more to offer than people realize,” Kennedy said.
Valento said he enjoyed his first year at Bonaventure.
“I’ve really appreciated partnering with the entire campus,” Valento said. “It takes everyone in order to be successful in admissions and enrollment. It takes the mobilization of the entire university community, and I feel very grateful.”
koniecrc14@bonaventure.edu
