York’s annual Fall Campus Day at the Keele campus on Saturday, Nov. 6, welcomed a record-breaking number of future students and guests. The event brought over 2,600 students, their families and friends to York for an introduction to the programs, services and facilities offered by the University.
Staged in an exciting and interactive way, visitors began the day with an energetic display of York spirit in Vari Hall. Mascots, cheerleaders, musicians and enthusiastic student volunteers set the tone. The York Spirit Team, complete with distinctive red jackets, directed and chatted with visitors. High-school students, their friends, parents and family were greeted by more than 120 of York’s students, staff and professors who volunteered to 
answer questions about academic programs, student resources and campus life.
Right: Michael De Robertis, associate dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, talks with prospective students during the recent Fall Campus Day at York University
“Informative, structured and efficient,” wrote one student about the Fall Campus Day experience. “[Within 2 hours] I got all of the information I needed for the two programs I will be applying to at York.”
Faculties, professors and service areas made the day a success for students. Faculties were also featured with the launch of more York Educational Adventures (YEA!). Students and parents had the chance to win a unique experience that highlighted York’s research and successes. Eight new adventures were offered including joining the York Dance Ensemble for rehearsal and executive suite tickets to an event at the Rexall Centre.
Left: York mascots greeted and grinned with visitors
Representatives from a variety of student services were on hand including Student Financial Services, Campus Security, the Career Centre, On-campus Housing, Alumni Services and York is U. Information sessions about the admissions process and faculties took place throughout the day. As well, a special screening of TVO’s Big Ideas program gave visitors a sample lecture given by York’s award-winning music Professor Rob Bowman.
Close to 60 per cent of visitors came with their parents and it didn’t go unnoticed. A successful Parent’s Lounge let parents, guardians and information-seekers alike enjoy a calming atmosphere. Admission staff were on hand to provide one-on-one advice and information. Parents were able to peruse different Faculty brochures at leisure. Also available were guidebooks and bookmarks developed specially for parents of future York students.
Right: York cheerleaders showed school spirit at its best.
“My parents and I were very impressed with the session. We especially appreciated the presentations made by current students. We found the students to be very enthusiastic and enjoyed seeing the school from their perspective,” wrote a future student.
The high-school students and their guests explored the campus. Some snapped pictures at Stong Pond while others posed beside different buildings. Volunteer tour guides led campus and residence tours on foot, by bus or, for some lucky visitors, by Hummer!
The survey results have been very positive – the student volunteers, shuttle buses and tours, information sessions and Faculty tours were all highlighted by winning survey results.
Visit the Future Students Web site for more information about York’s recruitment events and the daily campus tour program.