After deciding to admit male students in the undergraduate programs for the first time in its 105-year history last fall, the Georgian Court University (GCU) has experienced a 46 percent increase in its admission applications.
The university saw 282 additional applications from men, and around 9 percent extra applications from women.
"Going coed increases the opportunity for students to access a values-driven education in the Catholic Mercy tradition," said Sister Rosemary E. Jeffries , President of GCU, the only faith-based institution in the lower 15 counties of N.J. "Our values of respect, integrity, justice, compassion and service are independent of gender."
Since last May, the university has converted itself from being a female centric institution into a coed. Men will be able to reside on campus, participate in athletics and other student activities, beginning this Fall 2013 semester.
Male athletes have already signed national letters of intent and will have the unique opportunity to play a founding role in the men's athletics program at the NCAA Division II school.
Georgian Court University, established in 1908, is a private Roman Catholic liberal arts university operated by Sisters of Mercy. In 2004, it was given university status by the New Jersey Commission on Higher Education.
It comprises of nearly 2,500 students who belong to different faiths and backgrounds in both undergraduate and graduate programs.
The university offers more than 25 majors through the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business (undergraduate and MBA programs) and the School of Education.
