Open house for prospective students
March 9, 2001
KALAMAZOO -- An open house where high school and community college students can do everything from attend a presentation about their intended major to visit a residence hall is scheduled for Saturday, March 17, and Saturday, March 24.
"WMU Preview," Western Michigan University's largest on-campus recruiting event, is expected to draw about 1,000 students and their parents over the two days.
High school juniors, admitted high school seniors and community college transfer students have been invited. WMU is focusing on high school juniors, because many are already in the process of making the decision about where to attend college.
"High school students start looking seriously at colleges when they're juniors," says Alicia Johnson, assistant director of admissions and coordinator of the event. "They may not have decided exactly where they are going by the end of their junior year, but research shows they have decided where they're going to apply."
The seniors and transfer students have been invited so they can finalize their college choice and become more familiar with campus before orientation this summer.
In order to provide the best program for the most people, the two WMU Preview Saturdays have been divided according to academic colleges. March 17 will be for students interested in the College of Aviation, Haworth College of Business, and the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. March 24 will showcase the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Education, and Health and Human Services. Students inquiring about the College of Fine Arts or University Curriculum may attend either Saturday.
In addition to meeting with representatives from academic colleges, WMU Preview will offer a chance for prospective students to meet with staff members from such areas of the University as: the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships, Residence Life, Dining Services, the Office of Admissions and Orientation, the Division of Student Affairs, Army ROTC, Study Abroad, and Academic Support Programs. Tours of campus, the residence halls, and the Student Recreation Center also will be available.
Registration for the event will begin at 8 a.m. Informational sessions will start at 9 a.m., and the day will wrap up by 3 p.m.
"The format is designed to give students and their parents a feel for what Western Michigan University has to offer by actually going to the facilities that house the programs they are interested in and by talking with current WMU students and faculty members," Johnson says. "All the students need to do is plan their day to experience as much as they want."
Besides participating in WMU Preview, prospective students may tour the WMU campus Mondays through Saturdays. They also may attend a fall on-site admissions program, which allows those bringing their transcripts and completed applications to meet with an admissions counselor to determine their admission status.
For more information WMU Preview or other recruitment events, contact the Office of Admissions and Orientation at (616) 387-2000.
Media contact: Jeanne Baron, 616 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu