Carthage welcomes robust fall 2024 class
In the days leading up to the fall 2024 semester, Carthage rolled out the welcome mat for more than 900 new students who arrived ready to unlock their potential.
Additionally, more than 100 graduate students have enrolled in the College’s expanding array of programs. Master’s degrees are available in athletic training, business, education, and music.
Undergraduate students in the entering class come from 22 U.S. states and 11 countries. About 38% of them self-identify as American Indian, Asian, Black, Hispanic, Pacific Islander, or multiracial. One-fifth of the new arrivals plan to commute.
The rising transfer population — a 20% spike over the same point in August 2023 — reflects changes the College has adopted over the past couple of years to simplify the process. Carthage waives general education requirements for incoming students with an associate degree from another accredited institution.
The new policy caught the eye of Phi Theta Kappa, an international honor society that recently named Carthage to its Transfer Honor Roll. The accolade is given to the top 25% of participating U.S. colleges and universities for prioritizing “the support and success of transfer students.”
Packed with icebreakers and informational sessions, the four-day New Student Orientation helped Carthage’s fall 2024 newcomers get acclimated to campus resources and start making friends before classes began on Aug. 28. More than 80 returning students served as small group orientation leaders.
First-time events were sprinkled in, too. The Rev. Adam Miller-Stubbendick, who accepted the call as Carthage’s new campus pastor, introduced himself to students and their families with a welcoming worship service. The Aspire Center even led a service activity, “plarning” plastic grocery bags into sleeping mats for people experiencing homelessness.
Adjusting to college happens gradually, so Carthage continues to provide support after classes begin. To aid in the academic transition, all new students take the 10-week College Success Seminar — a 1-credit course that provides valuable study tips, resources, and campus contacts.
Similarly, Carthage Kickoff Days give everyone a chance to integrate socially. Held over three weeks, these on-campus activities and field trips are open to all students.