The college journey for the Class of 2022 officially begins Sunday, Sept. 2, when students move into their residence halls at 9 a.m.
The 581 students were chosen in the most selective admissions process in the College’s history. Union has become the school of choice for many of the nation’s top students, with a record 6,718 applicants vying to join the incoming class.
The students hail from 24 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. They also represent 20 countries, including China, Ecuador, India and United Arab Emirates.
The class is one of the College’s most diverse and global, with 30 percent international or students of color. Nearly two-thirds of the class ranked in the top 10 percent of their high school class. Fifteen percent of the incoming students are the first in their families to attend college.
“We are excited to welcome the Class of 2022 to the academic, intellectual and extracurricular life of the College,” said Matt Malatesta ‘91, vice president for Admissions, Financial Aid and Enrollment.
The Class of 2022 and President David R. Harris begin their Union experience together. A former provost and senior vice president at Tufts University, Harris officially became the College’s 19th president on July 1.
Following a series of activities and programs on move-in day, the class and their families will be welcomed by President Harris, Malatesta and Kate Schurick, dean of first-year students, at 3 p.m. in Memorial Chapel.
At 3:30 p.m., students will say goodbye to their families before heading off to group orientation activities. There are two events specifically designed for parents: a tea in Schaffer Library from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and a reception hosted by College Relations at 4 p.m. in a tent near Memorial Chapel.
At 6:45 p.m., the students pose for a class picture at the Nott Memorial. They will then walk to the President’s House to sing the College’s alma mater, Ode to Old Union, for President Harris and his family.
Orientation activities continue on Monday.
Residence halls open for returning students Tuesday, Sept. 4. Fall term classes begin Wednesday, Sept. 5.
The campus will celebrate the inauguration of President Harris with a ceremony Saturday, Sept. 8, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Hull Plaza, in front of Schaffer Library. Other events to welcome Harris are planned throughout the weekend.
Founded in 1795 as the first planned campus in the country, Union is consistently ranked among the nation's top liberal arts colleges, including the college guide, “The Hidden Ivies.” The guide highlights exceptional schools that offer a broad liberal arts education. USA Today’s College Guide ranked Union among the top five STEM schools for women.
The College is also in the midst of creating an Integrated Science and Engineering Complex. The $100 million project is the most ambitious and largest in the school’s history. When completed, it will rank among the country’s finest undergraduate science and engineering facilities. The complex will be phased in over two years, with an addition ready for fall term.