Thirty guidance counselors from Southern Delaware high schools were briefed on the enhanced University of Delaware Commitment to Delawareans during a meeting held Friday, Oct. 31, at the William A. Carter Partnership Center on the Owens campus of Delaware Technical and Community College in Georgetown.

Originally announced in 2006, the UD Commitment to Delawareans is an academic road-map designed to inform students and parents throughout the state of the courses and level of academic performance recommended for admission onto the Newark campus.

Robin Morgan, dean of the University’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, told the counselors that the UD Commitment to Delawareans has been expanded to include financial assistance to all Delaware students who qualify, as well as early notification.

For students who will be entering the University of Delaware in fall 2009, the Commitment was expanded to meet the full demonstrated financial need of those who fulfill the academic roadmap, inclusive of the cost of tuition, fees, on-campus room and board and books.

Also, starting with the current admissions cycle, UD will introduce rolling admissions decisions and early notification for all Delaware applicants who meet the requirements outlined in the Commitment to Delawareans.

Discussing the Commitment in more detail, Louis Hirsh, UD director of admissions, explained that Delaware high school seniors who receive early admission to the University of Delaware must maintain high academic standards.

Hirsh explained that the new rolling admissions for Delaware residents means that notifications will start going out after Jan. 1, but the letters will emphasize that the student's grades must remain high for the rest of their school year otherwise the letter will be rescinded.

Hirsh explained that while the requirements of the Commitment to Delawareans are very specific, University admissions officials consider each applicant on a case-by-case basis, keeping in mind that there are many external factors that might affect a student's performance.

The Commitment to Delawareans is an important part of the Delaware First guiding principle in the University's Path to Prominence strategic plan.

Delaware First provides a commitment that UD will be the flagship of higher education in the state, both by ensuring that every Delawarean has access to a top-quality education and by applying the strengths and resources of the community to benefit the greater Delaware community.

For additional information about the UD Commitment to Delawareans, please see the Web site, www.udel.edu/commitment. The site includes information on high school course selection, financial aid and early notification for Delaware students.