Message from the Dean of Admissions

Dear Student,

I hope that you and your loved ones are healthy and safe. I cannot imagine the emotions you are experiencing right now. On one hand, your senior year should be one of the more joyful times in your life. And yet the COVID-19 public health crisis continues to disrupt our lives in unprecedented ways. As a father of high school and college-age children, and someone who has spent a lifetime in education, I am heartbroken by the experiences and family milestones you have lost to this global pandemic.

While we are each experiencing this pandemic in our own way, I understand how difficult life might be for you, your family, and your community. I hope you are able to draw on the strength of your relationships with those around you to navigate these complex and unprecedented times. 

Here at Swarthmore, we are moving forward together in the best ways we know how. The College has already taken significant steps to protect and support our current students and is closely monitoring all local, national, and international developments. As at many institutions, our students will not return to campus for classes this semester, and we have also had to cancel our annual admitted student programs. 

One thing we have learned this spring is that authentic connection matters more than ever. While we wish you could build those connections in person with Swarthmore students, faculty, and staff members on campus this spring, that is no longer our reality. Instead, we will do our best to help you get to know Swarthmore in other ways. 

What has not changed amid these uncertain times are our core values. Whatever the reason you fell in love with Swarthmore — whether it's our pass/fail first semester, the prospect of conducting research directly with our faculty, the nature of our emails, or our caring and compassionate community — we remain committed to helping you thrive and preparing you to shape the world we will share in the future. 

Our Admissions deans are here for you, should you have any questions or just want to chat. 

We are thinking of you and your loved ones. We are also honored and excited to say this: congratulations on your admission to Swarthmore, and welcome to the admitted Class of 2024!

Sincerely, 
Jim Bock '90
Vice President and Dean of Admissions