York's annual Fall Campus Day on Saturday, Nov. 3, welcomed an enthusiastic crowd of future students and their guests to the Keele campus. The event brought more than 2,500 students, their families and friends to York for an introduction to the programs, services and facilities offered by the University.
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| Above: Vari Hall at 10am on Saturday, Nov. 3, was busy with visitors and volunteers |
Staged in an exciting and interactive way, visitors began the day with an energetic display of York spirit in Vari Hall. Mascots, musicians and enthusiastic student volunteers set the tone. The York Spirit Team, complete with distinctive red jackets, chatted with visitors and helped them get to where they wanted to go. High-school students, their friends, parents and family were greeted by York students, staff and professors who volunteered to answer questions about academic programs, admission requirements, student resources and campus life. The following day, the Glendon campus held a similar open house (see More News).
Right: A future student and her parents plan her day
Representatives from a variety of student programs and services were on hand including Student Financial Services, Campus Security & Transportation, the Career Centre, On-campus Housing, Alumni Services, Sport York, York International, Colleges, Research and Graduate Studies. Visitors were given complimentary tickets to York women’s hockey and basketball games and some lucky Fall Campus Day participants had the chance to see the women’s soccer team rack up another win on their road to Sunday’s Ontario University Athletics title.
Information sessions by the Office of Admissions and Faculties took place throughout the day. An increased number of sessions offered by Student Financial Services and York International meant that students and their guests had more flexibility planning their day on campus. Most of the sessions had standing-room only.
Left: York admissions advisers speak to potential students about entrance requirements
Most visitors to the Keele campus came with their parents. A successful parent's lounge let parents, guardians and information-seekers alike enjoy a calming atmosphere.
Admissions 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 handbooks and bookmarks developed especially for parents of future York students.
The high-school students and their guests toured on foot and by bus. Some snapped pictures in the Arboretum while others posed with the Lions mascots. Residence tours and tours of the Tait McKenzie Centre were also held throughout the day. Another popular welcome spot was the Las Nubes café, complete with York’s own sustainably-produced, fair trade coffee from Costa Rica.
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.