Indiana Wesleyan University Essay

Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) describes itself as “a Christian comprehensive university committed to liberal arts and professional education” (IWU, n.d.-e). IWU distinguishes itself through high-quality academics, an emphasis on spiritual growth and discipleship, and a commitment to changing the world for Jesus Christ. The IWU mission statement is as follows: “Indiana Wesleyan University is a Christ-centered academic community committed to changing the world by developing students in character, scholarship, and leadership” (IWU, n.d.-g.). The vision is stated thus: “Indiana Wesleyan University is truly a great Christian university serving the world” (IWU, n.d.-g.). The university identifies its primary value as Christlikeness, which is

IWU-Marion, the main campus, is led by a Chancellor and governs the offices of student life and development, athletics, the library, facilities, marketing, and enrollment in addition to the College of Arts and Sciences and part of the School of Nursing. IWU-National and Global, led by a Chancellor, requires the marketing, student support services, and enrollment for its respective programs, which include the academic units of the College of Adult and Professional Studies, the School of Health Sciences, and part of the School of Nursing. Finally, the Wesley Seminary, led by a President, is embedded into the more extensive infrastructure of the university, leaving its only responsibilities being advancement and student support services specifically for the seminary degree

As of Fall 2019, enrollment at IWU’s Marion campus was 3,165 students, and the National and Global programs enrolled 10,120 students, making a total of 13,285 students for the semester (IWU, n.d.-h). IWU reports a retention rate of 79% for first-time freshman undergraduate students for the Fall 2017 cohort. An updated report (IWU, 2022) shows an average 90% retention rate for all bachelors-seeking students over five years from 2018 to 2022. Since its founding in 1920, IWU has conferred 92,717 degrees, nearly 5,000 of which were granted in the 2019-2020 fiscal year (IWU, n.d.-h.). The Fall 2011 cohort reported a 71% graduation rate for first-time undergraduate students. The 2022 report notes a five-year average of 68% graduation rate for bachelors-seeking students compared to the national average of 64% (IWU, 2022). There is a higher average of women graduates than men; however, there is no reported demographic for average gender dispersion across enrollment. Of note, IWU’s graduation rates by race and ethnicity run very