Many freshman students at College of Notre Dame of Maryland plan to transfer because they are unsatisfied with the institution.
At any college, it is common for both freshman and sophomores to have the lowest retention rates. At Notre Dame, most of the freshmen planning to leave have similar reasons for making their decisions.
"I don't feel like a part of this school," Erika Purnell, 19, said. Purnell said that she's tried reaching out to clubs and organizations on campus, but feels that she had to search for them herself because they did not "jump out" at her.
Other students had similar feelings about the lack of activities on campus and it made them feel less socially involved. Keli Silver, 18, said that she wants to transfer to Morgan State University, expecting a "more active environment." Silver also noted that she knew little about the clubs at Notre Dame, only recalling one of the sororities who visited.
Even students who plan on staying next year have their own concerns. Sara Lyons, 18, said that, besides the lack of activities on campus, she had problems with the food and dorms. She also felt that people were not "very accepting of each other" because they don't get along in the residence halls. "It takes away from the sense of community," said Lyons, "Plus, it makes people more reluctant to go to events." However, the biggest issue Lyons had with the college was the way the administration handled everything. "They don't take students' comments into consideration very well…even though they act like they listen to the students, it seems like they really don't," she said. Lyons has considered transferring as well.
Rachel Pototsky, 18, transferred out of Notre Dame after the fall semester of her freshman year. "It wasn't for me," she said. Pototsky said that she wanted to attend Towson University or Stevenson University.
There were conflicted emotions among seniors in regards to their overall experiences at Notre Dame. Chante Perdue, 22, said, "Overall, I have learned a lot about myself and others around me at this campus…this school has given me confidence to go out and pursue my intended career goal." Perdue has considered transferring in the past, but said, "I am glad I stayed and did not just leave."
Markeese Freeland, 21, however, said that she definitely wanted to transfer in the past. "The curriculum here is excessive. They make you take classes that are really unnecessary…and they're the only school that does."
With class sizes as low as 10 students, a transfer rate of 15 percent appears to be a dramatic decrease in the number of students returning for their sophomore year. Heidi Fletcher, vice president of enrollment management, said that with such small classes it might seem like more students are leaving then we think. She said that most colleges expected a retention rate of about 50% for freshman students. "Although it's very common," she said, "it doesn't mean that we aren't concerned about it."
Fletcher admitted that there were faults within the school. In regards to social life not being vibrant enough she said, "Change it. You've got the power." She also said that the administration expects to change the condition of the campus. They plan to make improvements to the facilities (such as installing ceiling fans in Doyle), make the dining hall better, offer more activities for students, and create more gathering/hangout spaces on campus.
Fletcher also felt that students with problems should voice them before making the decision to transfer. In her opinion, some of the problems that cause people to transfer are easy to resolve. "I just want students to let us try to help them," said Fletcher.
Despite all the negativity about the overall quality of Notre Dame, many freshmen students did agree that Notre Dame was an excellent school academically. They enjoy the small class sizes and teachers as well as the many new friends they've made.
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