Overview of Illinois Wesleyan University: Academic Programs, Campus Life, and Recent Developments
Preview
Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) is a private liberal arts college located in Bloomington, Illinois. It offers a wide range of academic programs and a vibrant campus life, making it a notable institution for higher education.
Academic Programs
IWU provides a diverse array of majors, minors, and pre-professional programs. Some of the most popular majors include Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Health Professions and Related Programs; and Psychology. The university also offers unique programs such as Public Health, Quantitative Finance, and Professional Sales.
New Majors and Certificates
Starting this fall, IWU has introduced three new majors:
Public Health: This program is designed to meet the growing demand for public health professionals, especially highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. It combines courses from various disciplines, including English, economics, chemistry, environmental studies, health, philosophy, political science, psychology, and sociology.
Quantitative Finance: This major integrates finance theory and application with mathematics and data science. Students have access to state-of-the-art financial instruments, including Bloomberg Terminals, to prepare for careers in quantitative research, risk management, and more.
Preview
Professional Sales: This program equips students with the skills needed for careers in professional sales, emphasizing communication, critical thinking, and teamwork.
Campus Life
IWU offers a rich campus life with numerous opportunities for student involvement and personal growth. The university has over 100 student organizations, including academic, cultural, identity-based, and special interest groups. The Office of Student Involvement and the Office of Diversity & Inclusion work to create a supportive and inclusive community.
Housing Options
More than 75% of IWU students live on campus, with various housing options available:
Traditional Halls: These provide a supportive and inclusive environment for first-year students.
Suite Housing: Available to sophomores, juniors, and seniors, offering more privacy and independence.
Apartments: Reserved for juniors and seniors, combining campus housing with developing independence.
Recent News
New President: Sheahon Zenger was named the 21st president of IWU, effective July 1, 2024. Zenger has a background in higher education leadership and aims to build on the university's strengths in liberal arts education.
Wrestling Program: Adam Richards was elevated to interim head coach of the Titan men's and women's wrestling programs. Richards has extensive experience coaching wrestling at the high school level and aims to continue the growth of the program.
Safety and Security
Recently, there were false reports of active shooters at IWU and Illinois State University, which were quickly investigated and found to be unfounded. The misinformation was linked to a shooting incident near Western Illinois University, causing temporary confusion and concern.
Conclusion
Illinois Wesleyan University offers a comprehensive educational experience with a strong emphasis on liberal arts, a supportive campus community, and a variety of academic and extracurricular opportunities. The recent additions to its academic programs and the new leadership under President Zenger are poised to further enhance the university's reputation and offerings.
