MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University is celebrating not just commencement this weekend but also encouraging recruiting, retention and graduation numbers.
WVU President Michael T. Benson told the WVU Board of Governors Friday applications are at a 10-year high and at least 1,200 new graduates will be recognized during commencement ceremonies this weekend.
“You can see the increase of full-time freshmen across campuses, 10 percent on all three campuses and a 10-year high in applications for the upcoming academic year,” Benson said. “A shout-out to Faz; he and his team are doing a great job.”
Fabrizio D’Aloisio, WVU vice president for Enrollment Management, said he’s staff has seen more than 6,000 families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The form wasn’t available in a timely fashion for families last year, possibly pushing some hopeful students to other options, D’Alosio told the BOG.
“The fact that so many families already know directionally what their financial aid offer is,” D’Aloisio said. “That will help us as we move through yield season because they’re going to have the numbers in front of them earlier this year to compare us to other opportunities.”
Recruiting has also gone live and is on social media as well, Benson said. A camera crew, Benson, and staff went to Summersville to deliver a surprise visit to future Mountaineer this past week.
“We went to his house and prepped it with his mom so he had no idea,” Benson said. “We presented him with a welcome package and the video crew captured his surprise- he is an outstanding student and could have gone a lot of places.”
Loved meeting Evan and his parents — and welcoming him to the #Mountaineer family @WVUAdmissions https://t.co/3myen3Fltk
— Michael T. Benson (@michaeltbenson) December 18, 2025
The numbers tell a story of fruitful efforts, according to Benson. The important first-generation student retention rate is up 2 percent to 78.6 percent, and the overall retention rate for the Morgantown campus is 85.1 percent.
“That first year is so key, and the programming that comes with Welcome Week and all the stuff we do in preparation before they even step on campus is absolutely essential and we’re starting to see the fruits from all of the investments,” Benson said.
D’Aloisio told BOG members they have visited more than 500 opportunity fairs at high schools and are evaluating international recruiting. Since the FAFSA is back and the university is going through a record number of applications, D’Aloisio believes the improvements will continue.
“The WVU Hub is actually doing some recruiting too,” D’Aloisio said. “They’re visiting different high schools, talking about financial aid and the admission process, and I think this demonstrates everything that’s happening in terms of customer service.