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Factoid: The Senior Day Open House will run from 8 a.m. to noon on Friday.
The office of Undergraduate Admissions and various departments are preparing to put their best foot forward for approximately 1,200 people on Friday.
During a one-day open house at the Recreation Center, high school students and their families will get an introduction to SIUC, campus life, financial aid and the process of choosing a college. In addition to the academic departments, Financial Aid, Career Services, University Housing and Student Development will have representatives available.
Unlike many colleges, SIUC has five open houses and two informational previews a year. Undergraduate Admissions has been coordinating these events for nearly 30 years. Guests will be able to tour academic facilities, speak with departmental representatives and ask plenty of questions, activities that can have a strong influence on a student's interest in the college.
Katharine Johnson Suski, campus visit coordinator for Undergraduate Admissions, said this is exactly what she and her department want.
"A lot of the students are shy," Suski said. "For many of the high school students and parents that come out, it's their first experience with the whole college process," Suski said.
"They always have questions, and it's really the perfect time to get them answered."
Suski said all of the colleges usually participate in some way. Some will offer tours and seminars that focus on their facilities and programs. Many departments will have an information table manned by a representative in the Recreation Center Friday morning.
Judith Rossiter, an advisor for the School of Journalism, said coming out to see the campus you're considering is always a good idea.
"Open houses provide an opportunity for prospective students to come and physically see the school," Rossiter said. "We're known for our Southern hospitality around here, and I think it's helpful for students to see our campus and meet a contact person they can call in the future."
Shirley Clay Scott, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, said that an open house is also a chance for students to become aware of the variety of programs SIUC has to offer.
"This is a good time to introduce people to all of the different majors and opportunities at the University," Scott said. "All of the departments in COLA will be there, and we participate in this event with pleasure."
With the exception of housing, campus and department tours, all of the activities will take place in the Recreation Center. Check-in is from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. and will be followed by a panel presentation titled "How to be a Saluki." The presentation will cover a myriad of topics from the application process to surviving the first day of classes. From 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., guests will be free to mill about the various information tables.
"It's going to be set up like a college fair, with many colleges offering separate tables for each of their departments," Suski said. "One of the biggest advantages of coming out to the open house is the number of things you can experience at one time."
While the program is aimed at juniors, Suski said that many students that attend are high school students of different ages and non-traditional students. Of the 1,200 participants expected, approximately 400 will be students. Suski said that most of these students are comfortable with the amount of information the University provides.
"While it is a lot of information in one day, it's not rushed," Suski said. "Because it's in a shopper-friendly format, parents and students can get the specific information they want without feeling overwhelmed. It's great for students who have no idea what they want."
Scott said the students who attend will be at a definite advantage over those that do not come to any of the open house events.
"The more knowledge you have the more likely you are to make better decisions about your college and your major," Scott said.
"It can never be a bad idea to get more information."
The next SIUC open house is scheduled for October 13.
