York's Keele campus enjoyed another record-breaking year of attendance at its annual fall on-campus information fair, which took place Saturday, Nov. 4. There was a jump to more than 3,800 prospective students for Fall Campus Day, up from 2,600 in 2005.
High-school, transfer and mature students, many with parents and family by their side, visited Keele from as far away as Pittsburgh, Penn., to experience the York community first-hand.
Left: Visitors flock to the Fall Campus Day welcome centre in the Vari Hall Rotunda
Better and earlier informed about universities than ever, with a well-researched interest in York University, many prospective students came prepared with focused questions about programs, campus life and student services.
One visitor commented in the post-event survey, "Visiting campus was the best thing I could have done to help me with my decision about postsecondary education. The people were very friendly and helped me get to know my program of interest and a feel for campus life. I love York!"
The strength and success of the annual event is the collective passion of the York volunteer community. Campus visitors were greeted by the York Lions' mascots, cheerleaders, music by steel pannist Earl La Pierre and a red-carpet welcome at Vari Hall. Volunteers, comprising current students, professors and staff from all Faculties and colleges and student services, prepared and hosted the biggest and most ambitious information fair to date.
Right: Greeting to visitors
The schedule included more Faculty information presentations and more tours of campus, program facilities and residences than in 2005. The event's award-winner for "school spirit" was the new Faculty of Health which burst onto the scene with an information panel for its four programs, a psychology information session and a specialized tour of the kinesiology and health science facilities.
Other Faculty highlights included the Faculty of Fine Arts hosting film, dance, design, theatre, visual arts and music program Q&As with tours. The Faculty of Arts featured a panel discussion, informal chats with professors and current students and an Arts Trivia Contest with prizes. Environmental Studies showcased its BES students and project work. As a warm addition to program perspectives, visitors were embraced by Atkinson's student clubs and Student Alumni Relations Unit. The following day, the Glendon campus held a similar open house (see More News).
Left: Student volunteers played an important role in the success of Fall Campus Day
Parents were treated as partners in student success and the University has a long established view that the critical support families offer students can make the difference in the choice of a university. Parents were recognized by the Parents' Lounge and were treated to massages and a few moments of relaxation from the busy schedule. University staff were on hand in the lounge to discuss parent and student support services during the transition to university.
York's March Gala, scheduled for March 10, 2007, is expected to attract more than 8,000 prospective students to campus seeking program details. Hundreds of professors, current students and staff will volunteer as York ambassadors representing faculties and programs, colleges and student services.