In the wake of cancellations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Westminster College has announced plans to waive ACT and SAT requirements for fall 2020 applicants.
The college also announced it will guarantee the merit-based scholarships of those currently affected by the COVID-19 campus closure.
College officials said as long as students remain in good academic standing and return to campus next fall, they will keep their merit-based scholarships. That arrangement will continue for the next four years.
The announcement follows the nationwide cancellation of the May 2 SAT, the postponement of the April 4 ACT to June 13 and campus closures throughout the United States. Westminster began online coursework through its Digital Blue Program on March 23.
Westminster President Fletch Lamkin said the college is determined to help all students succeed.
"We know there are many excellent applicants out there without a test score yet, and we also know students struggle in various adjustments throughout their college education," Lamkin said. "Relaxing the testing requirement and guaranteeing merit-based scholarships are tangible ways we can help students right now."
Paul Orscheln, vice president of enrollment services, said the Department of Enrollment Services will instead evaluate applicants based on grade point averages and other factors. The decision likely could benefit students who do not test well, he said.
"We know that many students do not fit into the traditional educational mold, so we plan to reward their hard work in high school, taking into careful consideration all aspects of their educational experiences," Orscheln said.
Fund
Lamkin announced plans Thursday to launch an emergency fund for Westminster College students.
"Unfortunately, our students are facing unprecedented disruptions in their academic journeys as they transition to remote learning," he said. "Some are finding their jobs or their parents' positions have been eliminated, or work hours have been cut short. Many of you have reached out to ask how you can help during these uncertain times."
The pandemic is proving particularly damaging to first-generation and low-income college students, Lamkin said.
The solution: a fund administered by the Offices of Financial Aid and Student Life. Donated funds will provide "direct support to our students in assisting them with such necessities as lost wages, housing, food, relocation costs and other essentials, including technology, household goods, clothing and textbooks," Lamkin said.
However, college spokesperson Sarah Backer said the college doesn't actually plan to contribute directly to the fund.
"However, Westminster employees do contribute to the fund, as do parents, alumni and trustees," she added.
Donations can be made at wcmo.edu/giving/index. After selecting the donation amount, go to "Fund" and select "Other." Under "Special Instructions," type in "Student Emergency Fund."