The class of 2017 is one of Fairfield’s largest and most diverse classes in recent history, according to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
Senior Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions Alison Hildenbrand said this freshman class, consisting of 967 students, comes in second to the class of 2016, which has 990 students.
Although the class sizes have been fluctuating for the past few years, Hildenbrand said Admissions aims to have “about 950 students year to year.’”
With more students applying to Fairfield each year, the university will adjust the budget to allow larger student enrollment, she added. Without the recent additions of McInnes and McCormick residences, accommodating current enrollment figures would have been impossible.
Students hail from all over the United States, and countries including Norway, South Africa and China.
In terms of sex ratio, the freshman class is 69 percent female, 31 percent male.
For Amanda McKenna ‘17, being a student at Fairfield is like being part of a family.
“I feel like we are already a tight-knit family,” McKenna said. “Whether it’s a kid from my class, or my dorm or another student athlete, I feel comfortable enough to smile and say hello when I see them around campus.”
Based on student reactions, attending Fairfield was mostly a positive choice, although many students were hesitant to share any negative feedback on their experiences thus far.
Freshman Liz Solar said coming to Fairfield has been a way to meet new people.
“Coming to [Fairfield], where the class is much larger than my high school, I’ve met a variety of people,” Solar said. “Luckily, the majority have been friendly and welcoming.”
However, not all students agree.
Freshman Chris Mattiessen was not afraid to share his opinion on why he does not like Fairfield so far. He is already considering transferring.
“I love the school and all the professors,” said Mattiessen. “It’s just the students. It’s very cliquey; the people aren’t so friendly”.
McKenna said she agrees that cliques have begun to form, but said, “as the next four years come and go, there will be happy, sad, funny and most importantly, memorable moments that the class of 2017 will have together.”
“Honestly, I can’t wait,” McKenna said.
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