November 18, 2021

Dear Westminster students and families,

We are fast approaching the end of the Fall Semester 2021. In contrast to last year at this same time, we have been fully on-campus, meeting in classes face-to face (masked), and our overall campus vaccination rate (students, faculty, staff) is 95%. We are continuing to wear masks until Salt Lake County is in at least a moderate level of transmission for a sustained period of time. When we do encounter a student who has tested positive for COVID-19 or has been exposed and needs to isolate or quarantine, faculty have been able to utilize the technological approaches learned through the pandemic to keep students engaged and current with their coursework. Thank you all for caring for each other and making Westminster College a safe and healthy place to be.

The activity level on campus has been very high. We have had enthusiastic attendance at athletic events, plays and open mic talent shows; increased club involvement and wellness activities; and held special lectures and panel discussions. We are enjoying being in community with each other and restoring the complete range of support, activities, and programs that characterize Westminster. Faculty are engaged in the classroom-based, rigorous and high-quality academic experiences for which Westminster College is known.

As you may know, each November our Board of Trustees meets to consider the fiscal needs for the year ahead, assess inflationary pressures, and plan improvements required to sustain the educational success of our students. In working to determine next year’s tuition, room and board rates, we sought to balance the pressures of rising costs with ensuring that students have continued access to the faculty, resources, and support services that define a Westminster student experience. In a year of annual inflation at approximately 5%, we are trying to pass as little of that increased cost onto students as possible; thus, undergraduate tuition will increase by 3% for the 2022–23 school year. Room and board will increase by 4%. These increases are critical in maintaining our commitment to academic excellence and student success.

We understand that any increase may be difficult for some of our families. As we have done in the past, we will continue to increase our financial aid resources to address some of the unique circumstances that may arise for our students and families as a result of the tuition increase. Applications for continuing student scholarships for 2022–23 will be available after Thanksgiving and due early in 2022. In the meantime, please be sure to have an updated FAFSA on file.

Please know how much we appreciate your support of Westminster College and your willingness to invest in the distinctive education we provide.

With Best Regards,

Glenn C. Smith, EdD
Vice President for Student Affairs
Dean of Students

Beth Dobkin, PhD
President