WILBERFORCE, Ohio — Colleges and universities across the country are taking different approaches to move forward now that affirmative action is no longer a tool that can be used to diversify campuses.  

What You Need To Know

• Enrollment is up 34% at Wilberforce University 


• The university is looking at the possibility of rotating students being on campus for a time and then off campus for internships to address enrollment increases 


• Addressing Infrastructure needs is already in the works 

Wilberforce University, a historically Black college, has continued its proactive work in building out the campus and expanding its reach. This, as they are seeing a boost in the student population.

“Applications this year went up significantly and our enrollment’s up 34%,” said President Vann Newkirk.

While the ruling has affected enrollment, Newkirk said their aggressive outreach is also one reason they’re seeing the boost. The outreach was in response to making sure they stay ahead of the curve as other colleges and universities were seeking ways to rebound since they’d already experienced enrollment losses. 

While the enrollment increase is just the start, Newkirk believes that as students search for the place that best suits them post-affirmative action, there may be an increase in students of other races coming to Wilberforce.

“How do we get maximum efficiency as our enrollment grows?” Newkirk said. “We’re looking at new facilities in some cases and we’re looking at how we can restructure and do some things with our students.”

This includes building a modular apartment complex and band room, adding a campus facility in Dayton, and boosting its engineering and technology programs hoping to attract students affected by the affirmative action ruling.

Plus, securing additional dollars from foundations, building partnerships, and research infrastructure on campus is a part of those efforts. Newkirk said preparing now will help them be more competitive for the future.