Current students reach out on Preview Weekend

Posted by admin on Nov 5, 2008 in News | 0 comments

Prospective students and their families visited the Trinity Western University campus on Oct. 24 and 25 for the first Preview Weekend of the year. The large groups of people along with many signs and uniformed Admissions staff were hard to miss.

The number of prospective students appeared to be lower than last year, but that may be due to the fact that the huge turnout for spring Preview Weekends is the current comparison.

“With this Preview Weekend, we’re just getting our feet wet for the year,” said Melissa Reed, associate director of admissions. “Come spring, we’ll get geared up for bigger numbers.”

Fifty-five prospective students came to campus this Preview Weekend, compared to 60 at last year’s first weekend.

Reed said that the lower numbers in the fall are due to the fact that Admissions Counselors have not yet been to high schools in this area.

“The big push to talk to schools in the Lower Mainland hasn’t happened yet.”

“We’re super happy with the level of interest shown by prospective students,” said Reed, adding that numbers will continue to increase in the future once high school students are thinking more about university for next year.

Campus initiatives like the Great Campaign for Students have benefited the Admissions Office, mostly because they have “made campus more aware,” said Reed.

She explained that in the past they would have to put a lot of effort into getting volunteers to help with Preview events, but that has changed.

“This year, we’ve had people coming to us wanting to help,” she said.

There has also been a noted change as current students are being more proactive, inviting prospective students to come and visit the campus.

The Admissions Office also works with Athletics and other groups hosting on-campus events to help invite more prospective students. Events like the Women’s Soccer Nationals that are taking place Nov. 6-9 bring many high school students to TWU.

“When they come, they’re able to experience a bit of what it’s like to be a student here, so it’s great for recruitment,” said Reed.

Admissions is having two Preview Days on Nov. 14 and 28, as well as a couple more Preview Weekends next semester in February and March.