Wilson College discusses increasing male enrollment

(Chambersburg) -- An historically women-only college in Franklin County is looking for ways to improve its financial outlook.

Wilson College has postponed a decision until next month on whether to allow men in all of its academic programs.

The trustees are considering a number of measures aimed at boosting enrollment -- including adding male students to the undergraduate, residential experience.

Wilson spokesman Brian Speer says the school is looking to build on what's currently available for men.

"There are male students in the adult degree program, and through that they do attend some of the daytime and evening course work with the undergraduate students," Speer explains. "There are male students in the master's programs and there are a small number of college-age male students who are the sons of employees who are allowed to enroll."

A group of alumnae and current students is protesting the proposal to allow more men on the liberal arts school campus.

Wilson's president and a special commission have also suggested reducing tuition and implementing a student loan buyback program to encourage enrollment.

The school has an enrollment of about 700 students and has been running a budget deficit for three of its last four years.