Inaugural Three-Year Bachelor’s Degree Students Celebrate Acceptance

In October 2024, JWU became the first U.S. higher education institution to announce three-year bachelor’s degree programs. Starting this fall, students at our Providence Campus students can earn a degree in Computer Science, Criminal Justice, Graphic Design or Hospitality Management in three years to save time and money on their college education. “The next generation of college students are looking for the opportunity to customize their education, and three-year bachelor’s degrees allow them to,” said JWU Hospitality Professor Elizabeth Panciera. “This is where education is going — it's exciting!” 

Celebrating the acceptance of the first students to enroll in these programs is an exciting moment! JWU hosts Accepted Students Days each spring to welcome and celebrate new students before their first semester in the fall. The celebration includes a luncheon, a campus tour and the chance to meet current students, staff and faculty. 

“My favorite part of Accepted Students Day was getting to chat with actual students to get a current representation of what is actively happening on campus,” shared Jaelynn Rosas ’28, who will be starting her three-year bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management this fall. She was joined by her mom, and they both enjoyed the opportunity to get to know JWU. “It was a great way to explore campus and meet other peers and faculty,” Jaelynn said. “I was able to walk around and explore all the places my future classes will be, which I feel gives me a head start in learning the campus.”  

Jaelynn’s future Hospitality Management classmate, Dylan Saurette ’28, also attended the event and enjoyed the exciting energy. “I noticed the JWU student ambassadors seemed to enjoy what they were doing — they were happy, motivated and upbeat,” Dylan said. “This was also the case when I went on the first college tour and when I attended the three-day Career Explorations program.  It made me realize that when I am a student there, I will have that same sense of excitement for my college experience.” 

Arianna Llerandi Sanabria ’28 is also excited for her college experience, but she admitted to having some nerves before Accepted Students Day. The three-year Graphic Design student brought her best friend along for support. “I was nervous at the beginning, but once the event started, I got really excited and ended up loving every minute of it,” Arianna said. “The food was amazing, and the chats gave me information I didn’t even know I needed. I also talked to a financial planner, Cassandra Aracri, who was really sweet and answered all my questions. I even bought some JWU merch, and I can’t wait to wear it!”  

For Jahsmine Son ’28, Accepted Students Day was a “can’t-miss event” that gave her the chance to meet her future college roommate. The three-year Hospitality Management major has already been featured on Boston’s WBUR radio station, where she spoke about why she chose JWU’s three-year program. “JWU has been on my radar for years because of its renowned hospitality and culinary programs,” said Jahsmine. “When I learned about the three-year degree option, I was excited for the opportunity to dive into an advanced, hands-on education and get into the field sooner.” 

What are new students most excited about for this fall? 

For each of these students, their first day at JWU can’t come soon enough. We asked the question: What are you most excited about for this fall? 

“I’m really excited to move in!” — Jahsmine Son 

“Meeting new people and starting my JWU journey!” — Dylan Saurette 

“I am most excited to live on campus and attend classes about things I genuinely take interest in. I’m looking forward to all the activities and I plan to take advantage of as many study abroad trips and internships as possible.” — Jaelynn Rosas 

“I’m excited about my classes. I still can’t believe I’m saying that because school was never something I thought I’d be doing. But now that I am, I’m excited to learn new things and see how I can use them to grow my business.” — Arianna Llerandi Sanabria

If you have been accepted to JWU and are ready to make your enrollment official, submit your deposit today!

Submit Your Deposit

Apply to JWU  Visit JWU  Transfer to JWU