Rather than announcing sweeping new initiatives or major projects, President Robert Kelly used this year’s convocation to highlight the university's recent achievements and set his priorities for the future. In response to concerns over financial challenges, Kelly announced a financial town hall on Sept. 30, where Vice President for Finance & Operations Eric Barger will outline plans to navigate the fiscal hurdles.
University priorities
Kelly outlined his two priorities for the university.
Because UP’s revenue largely relies on tuition and on-campus housing, Kelly said his first priority is to invest in initiatives that attract more applicants and increase enrollment, particularly of on-campus students.
“We will continue to invest in our enrollment management team to ensure that we have the best in class admissions and financial aid operations,” Kelly said.
Kelly noted part of this effort includes improving UP’s website and digital presence, a project already underway.
“Many of you, many of you, have told me, ‘I urge you,’” Kelly said. “I got it: The website and digital presence need a lot of TLC. We cannot go any longer [with the current website].”
Kelly also announced the launch of The Moreau Pathway Program, designed to boost enrollment of Catholic high school graduates from Oregon and southwest Washington by offering fast-track admission and substantial financial aid.
Kelly’s second priority is investing in faculty and staff.
“We don't sell widgets,” Kelly said. “We create a transformational educational experience for our students. Our people are the ones who design and deliver that experience. And know this when I'm wrestling with budget decisions, the total compensation of our employees is something that is at the forefront of my mind.
That means increasing pay and improving benefits, from health insurance to tuition exchange programs.
“I am working — we are all working — to create the financial conditions necessary to increase total compensation,” Kelly said.
While Kelly didn’t provide details on the University’s finances or its plans to address current challenges, he expects more clarity will come during the financial town hall scheduled for later this month.
Enrollment and demographic statistics
With the university over a week into the fall semester, Kelly gave the latest unofficial enrollment and student demographics statistics.
Enrollment and Retention
As of Tuesday, there are 96 new transfer students and 725 first-year students on The Bluff. Total enrollment stands at 3,324 students.
The average first-year GPA is 3.76 and the average SAT score is 1290 of those who submitted.
The retention rate among first- and second-year students is 88%, up from the last two years, which Kelly called “a stellar accomplishment.” The rate for all UP undergraduates is 92%.
First-year and new transfer demographics
First-year students and new transfers represent 32 states and 14 countries.
29% of first-year and new transfer students self-identified as white, 26% as Hispanic/Latino, 21% as Asian, 4% as Black, 1.5% as Native and Pacific Islander and under 1% Native Americian or Alaska Native. 13% identify as having multiple races.
69% self-identified as female, 31% as male.
31% self-identified as Catholic.
Student-athlete success
Kelly also touched on the recent successes of Pilot athletics.
183 student-athletes — over 60% — qualify for the WCC Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll.
Six UP athletics programs have maintained or increased their academic progress rate (APR). Five had perfect, single-year APRs.
UP’s student-athlete graduation rate is 95%, up from last year’s 93%.
Student and university accomplishments
President Kelly highlighted several student and institutional accomplishments.
The university introduced 13 new academic programs.
For the past 10 years, UP has maintained the highest graduation rate in Oregon.
Six students received Fulbright scholarships, and three received the Barry M. Goldwater scholarship last year.
From Oct. 18 to 20, UP will host what Kelly called a “groundbreaking conference [that] will explore the intersections of AI and ethics within Catholic higher education.”
Overall, Kelly expressed pride in last year’s achievements and optimism for the 2024-25 academic year.
“I’m excited, and I think you should be, too,” Kelly said.
Riley Martinez is a member of the editorial board. He can be reached at martinri24@up.edu.
