Implementation of University’s Strategic Plan continues
Implementation of the University’s strategic plan, which provides a map to align resources and priorities, is underway across the campus. Four strategic goals are addressed: an exceptional student experience, strategic enrollment, creation of a culture supporting Westfield State’s values, and expansion and stewardship of all types of resources.
Parenzo Hall renovation project update
Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance, and Miller Dyer Spears architects are making steady progress on the plans to renovate Parenzo Hall. Plans call for Parenzo occupants to relocate to temporary space during the winter semester break in early 2021. Test fittings of various building layouts have been analyzed and modified and will be shared with the campus community this semester. Visit westfield.ma.edu/parenzorenovation for updates.
Welcome, Class of 2023
The first-year Class of 2023 includes nearly 1,100 students, with 87 percent residing on campus, 55 percent female, and 13 percent students of color. The class accumulated a collective high school GPA of 3.24 and average SAT score of 1,077. Criminal justice, education, and business were the top three intended majors, and the class includes 145 student athletes, 103 honors students, and 18 students who participated in The Westfield Promise early college program as high school students.
Sharp rise in U.S. News & World Report’s college rankings
Westfield State rose to 86th in the top tier of U.S. News & World Report’s rankings of “Regional Universities North,” a sharp rise from its rank of 112 last year and 116 two years ago. The University is ahead of its sister state universities in that category, as well as among the U.S. News “Top Public Schools,” where it placed No. 23. Rankings were determined by a number of factors, including a peer assessment, retention and graduation rates, faculty resources, class sizes, student/faculty ratio, student selectivity, and alumni giving rate.
2019 Homecoming and Family Weekend
Homecoming and Family Weekend attracted more than 1,000 alumni, family members, and guests in September 2019. Events included a Harvest Fest with family-friendly activities, chainsaw carving, student performances, miniature golf, and a petting zoo. The 40th anniversary of the Banacos Center, the University’s Learning Disabilities Program, was celebrated, and the event was highlighted by “A Night with the Legends,” featuring singing impersonators of Elvis, Neil Diamond, Cher, and Lady Gaga. Please save the dates of October 16–17 for this year’s event!
Urban Studies 2+2+1 program with STCC
The University signed an agreement in November with Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) to enable STCC students with an associate degree in urban studies to apply credits toward a bachelor’s degree in regional planning (with urban focus) with a double major in sociology at Westfield State. Graduates can then earn a master of public administration degree, completing all three degrees in five years.
