UpDate - Vol. 15, No. 22, Page 6
February 29, 1996
Admission applications arriving via the WWW

     The University continues to take advantage of the latest
technological developments by offering prospective students the
opportunity to submit admission applications electronically over the
Internet.
     Since September, the University has been offering and receiving
applications for admission via the World Wide Web.
     The entire University publication, Delaware...There Is a
Difference...You Can See It...-which includes information about
undergraduate programs and resources, application and financing
instructions and visitation programs-is available to anyone with
access to the Web.
     "We have received about 300 applications so far," Jeffrey A.
Rivell, senior associate director of admissions, said. "Most of the
applications we have received are for the fall 1996 semester and from
freshmen." Two-thirds of the Web applications have been submitted by
freshmen.
     By filling out the application electronically, prospective
students submit information they would present on a traditional
application, using their own computer. Applicants have found the Web
to be an easy and enjoyable change from typing other college
applications, Rivell said.
     After sending the application over the Web, freshman applicants
must have their high school guidance officer or principal forward a
high school transcript and recommendations. A special form can be
printed from the Web that provides final instructions for the high
school. This form is forwarded to the University by the school along
with the $40 application fee.
     Transfer students also have found the Web to useful for applying,
Rivell said. They are required to submit transcripts and the
application fee directly to the Office of Admissions.
     "In the future, I would like to see us automating the submission
of the application fee," he said. "Further down the road will be the
electronic transfer of transcripts."
     When applications are received, whether electronically or by
traditional methods, applicants are sent a letter of acknowledgment,
and the data submitted is reviewed and stored in the Student
Information System (SIS).
     Web applications have been received from as far away as the
People's Republic Of China and the United Arab Emirates, and from many
areas of the United States, including nearby states such as New York,
New Jersey, Maryland and Pennsylvania. Forty students from Delaware
have used the Internet to apply.
     "One of the advantages of using the Web is that there is really a
broader range of information available to students," Rivell said.
"Prospective students and parents can not only view our admissions
materials but also link directly to each college within the
University, review our catalog or use the online Visitor Guide.
     "Another featured developed this year is that prospective
students may arrange electronically to take advantage of the many
visitation programs offered by the University. As people browse
through the Web, they can direct questions to the Office of Admissions
using e-mail."
     To apply electronically, a person needs access to a Web browser
on the Internet, such as Netscape, or through a provider, such as
America Online, Prodigy or Compuserve.
     Some parents of prospective students have access at their place
of employment, and this allows them to learn about the University or
contact the admissions office.
     Rivell said he believes that the number of persons applying
electronically will increase as people become more educated about the
information available on the Web.
     "We are very pleased with the results so far," Rivell said. "It
is encouraging that individuals are using the technology to find out
about the University and apply for admission."
                                                         -Jerry Rhodes