York's annual Fall Campus Day on Saturday, Nov. 7, welcomed an enthusiastic crowd of future students and their guests to the Keele campus. The bright sun shone on the event, which was attended by more than 3,000 students, along with their families and friends.
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| Above: The Vari Hall Rotunda was a hub of activity during the Keele Fall Campus day |
As the next step in the recruitment cycle after the Ontario Universities' Fair (see YFile, Oct. 29), Fall Campus Day offers prospective students a chance to explore York’s Keele campus, ask in-depth questions about programs they are interested in and connect with current students and professors. Fall Campus Day visitors 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).
Vari Hall was overflowing with energy and the buzz of excited guests. The success of the 2009 Fall Campus Day was also evident in the numbers. This year’s event experienced:
- a 12 per cent increase in guests who registered with York prior to the event;
- one overflowing parking lot (that’s new!);
- more than 200 student volunteers, up 10 per cent from last year;
- 1,500 event agendas distributed;
- 30 per cent more visitors who took walking tours of campus (the bus tours were full too).
Right: A faculty adviser speaks with a prospective student and her father
But even more impressive were the comments from visitors to the 2009 Fall Campus Day:
“I did a bus tour and my parents did the admissions things,” said 17-year-old Angela, who came with her family. “[The campus] is amazing; my mom even wants to come here!”
“I came for the tours, to find out about my prerequisites and about housing,” said Denise, a 28-year-old college student applying to transfer to York for nursing. “Now I’m very excited about coming to York, experiencing it and living on campus.”
“I’ve been around to other universities and this one seems to be the best for me. Everyone here is really nice and knows what they are talking about,” commented Shana, a 17-year-old high-school student.
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| Above: More than 200 students volunteered during the 2009 Keele Fall Campus Day |
Admissions staff provided one-on-one advice and helped students interested in applying for January or May entry to do so on the spot. Information sessions by the Office of Admissions and the Faculties took place throughout the day. York’s Faculties were well-represented as professors, current students and staff showcased their programs and supports. Parents were encouraged to pick up handbooks and bookmarks developed especially for parents of future York students.
New offerings available this Fall Campus Day included:
- Research Café – Guests were welcomed in with a cup of Las Nubes Coffee and stayed to learn about how York research is affecting the world.
- Aboriginal Student Experience – Marcia Trudeau, York’s Aboriginal student recruitment officer, hosted this session, which focused on York admissions, programs and supports for students. The session was well-attended, particularly by students currently in York’s Bridging Program for Women.
- Speed Mentoring with Current Students – Prospective students had the chance to grill current students on their University life. York student volunteers offered their best tips for success. The session was full to capacity!
- Happy Birthday York! – York’s 50th birthday celebration continued as guests were treated to a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday and a free slice of cake (which disappeared quickly).
Representatives from a variety of student programs and services were on hand including Student Financial Services, Security Services, Parking & Transportation Services, the Career Centre, Student Housing Services, the Alumni Office, Sport York, York International, the colleges, York Research and graduate studies.
Right: Faculty advisers were kept busy throughout the day as they fielded questions from prospective students
Fall Campus Day helps to guide students toward selecting their university of choice, with the application deadline for Ontario high-school students in early January. What happens next? Visitors who registered for Fall Campus Day will be invited to participate in online chats with admissions experts in December and January as they prepare their postsecondary applications.
Visit the Future Students Web site for more information about York's recruitment events and the daily campus tour program.