by Clara Johnson ’26 on September 18, 2025
Campus
On Sept. 2, the 2025–2026 academic year officially kicked off. The beginning of every school year is marked by novelty, excitement, and new beginnings. This year is certainly no exception. From new faculty, programs, and majors to the addition of Huxley Pockets to Alumni Dining and the new ice cream shop to Eaton Street Cafe, this September has brought lots of new opportunities to Friartown.
The most exciting part of the beginning of the year is welcoming the fresh faces eagerly embarking on their Providence College journeys.
On Aug. 28, first-year students from the class of 2029 began moving into their dorms in preparation for the 2025–2026 academic year. Orientation coordinator Gabe Staples ’26 told The Cowl, “I couldn’t be more excited to have welcomed [the first-year students] to campus, and I can’t wait to witness their growth and success within our Friar family.” He went on to say, “The incoming class brought a roller coaster of emotions, experiences, backgrounds, and interests to our PC community.”
The class of 2029 is comprised of 1,188 first-year students. These students come from 34 states, Washington, D.C., and 14 countries outside of the U.S. Among that group, 106 are studying in the Honors Program, 100 are student athletes, and 126 are first-generation college students. The most popular majors for the class of 2029 are finance, marketing, management, nursing, health sciences, biology, psychology, and political science.
Though the majority of students arrived on campus Aug. 28, several first-year students participated in pre-orientation programs, arriving early to forge community, explore interests, and serve locally. In addition to the tried-and-true programs, Faithworks, Urban Action, and Transitions, first-year students were also able to participate in two new programs. Fostering Reflection Arts Meaningful Expression gave students the opportunity to learn about the city of Providence, social issues, and meaningful expression through the medium of art. Additionally, the Department of Rec Sports hosted Rec Connect, allowing incoming students to become familiar with campus life, develop skills, and build community through a variety of games, adventures, and social events.
The class of 2029 was not the only group embarking on its PC journey. 85 transfer students—the largest number in recent history—were welcomed to campus this fall. Additionally, 22 full-time professors from a diverse range of disciplines joined the faculty for the upcoming school year.
In addition to the new perspectives and exciting conversations brought by new faculty and students, the campus community will also be enriched by Providence College’s new communication and data sciences majors.
The Director of the Communication program, Andrea McDonnell, Ph.D., told The Cowl, “PC’s Communication program is excited to welcome majors for the very first time this academic year.” Students can apply for the new major for this semester by visiting the Providence College Communications website and completing the application before Sept. 30. As McDonnell explained, “The program offers a wide range of theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of visual, oral, written, and mediated communication.”
Welcome new students and welcome back to everyone else! The 2025–2026 year at Providence College is off to a running start, and we here at The Cowl are eagerly awaiting the amazing things coming up this semester!