Official Hesston College enrollment numbers reflect a total enrollment of 447 students from 29 states and 15 countries for the 2012-13 year.

New students number 225, and 46 international students are enrolled for the year.

“We are excited about the increased number of  international students and students from the Great Lakes and western territories,” said Rachel Swartzendruber Miller, vice president of Admissions.

The highest percentage of returning students since the 2006-07 year is also encouragement that the conscious efforts faculty and staff make to offer student support and identify and address needs are beneficial.

The advising program was redesigned and requires first-year students to meet with their academic advisors weekly during the first eight weeks of the year.

The First-Year Experience seminar, now in its third year, uses global issues and perspectives, small- and large-group presentations, activities and discussions to help students connect to their community by introducing them to the college, the wider community and the resources available to them. This year’s First-Year Experience seminar is exploring the issue of immigration, including a first-year common read, “Enrique’s Journey” (Random House, 2007) by award-winning journalist and author Sonia Nazario.

“Student retention is an important factor in our enrollment and we are pleased to see increased student engagement in both academics and student life,” said Dr. Sandra Zerger, vice president for Academics.

There are 327 students living in the dorms, or about 73 percent of the total student population, a number that has held consistent for the last several years.