Hiram – With physical distancing recommendations likely to remain in place for the foreseeable future, Hiram College is leveraging its small size and low-density environs to make real-time and future-focused decisions. To promote the health and well-being of its students, as well as the success of the institution, the College is pleased to announce many changes beginning summer 2020.
First, working from the assumption that Ohio colleges will be allowed to bring students back to campus this fall, all students assigned to a traditional residence hall for the 2020-21 calendar year will be issued a private room at the same cost as a double room. The standard additional cost for the premium room will be covered in full by a new grant program. No student will pay extra housing costs for a single room. Hiram College President Lori Varlotta, Ph.D., believes this perk is an important one.
“No college can guarantee a student’s health and physical well-being but giving all students in the traditional halls a private room is a perk that means a lot at this particular time,” said Varlotta.
Varlotta has confirmed other changes as well:
Later start date–– The official start date for the traditional fall semester is now August 31, 2020. The original date was August 24, 2020. College officials are working closely with state and county agencies to follow any guidelines that will be in place regarding course delivery modes and co-curricular activities.
Pathway flexibility–– Hiram has long offered three pathways toward the bachelor’s degree: Traditional College, 8-week sessions, and Weekend College. Until now, these pathways have been separate ones and barriers between them made it difficult for students to move from one pathway to another. Starting this fall, the obstacles that separated these pathways will be removed so that students can move more easily from one pathway to another as they progress to the degree. Proportionally priced housing options will be available to students in all pathways.
Free summer classes–– Starting this year, continuing Hiram students have the option to take up to two free summer courses each year through the junior-year summer. This summer, deposited incoming students will also be permitted to take a free course, giving them the opportunity to get an early start in their college journey. Successful completion of these courses could easily shave off a semester or a full year, thereby saving students a considerable sum of money.
Lower tuition and no mandatory fees–– Earlier this year the College announced a new tuition model that reduces the published price of tuition by 35% and eliminates mandatory fees. At $24,500 (excluding room and board), Hiram stands as a competitively priced private college in the area.
For more information, please visit www.hiram.edu.
