Open House welcomes more than 6,000 visitors to Concordia's campus
The Sir George Williams Campus teemed with visitors from the very first moments of Open House as Concordia welcomed more than 6,000 guests on October 20, 2018.
“Crowds started filling up the John Molson Building and the Engineering, Computer Science and Visual Arts Integrated Complex even before the event officially got underway,” says student recruitment manager Savvy Papayiannis.
Campus tours were also packed. “Clearly a lot of people want to see what’s happening at Concordia,” says Matthew Stiegemeyer, director of recruitment.
Even first-time programming earned a great response, notes Papayiannis. A presentation aimed specifically at future students from Ontario, a first for Open House, was at capacity.
Something for everyone
Anticipating what will grab visitors is part of the design of Open House.
“What we offer is always changing, based on who registered and what their background and interests are,” explains Papayiannis. “Our goal is to make people feel welcome and get them the information they’re looking for.”
For Stiegemeyer, a highlight of Open House is witnessing the high levels of engagement between future students, current students, faculty and staff.
“We have a rich offering of ways to interact: not just information sessions, but demo-lectures, workshops, even one-on-one advice from career counsellors and financial aid advisors — and, of course, feedback on students’ artwork as part of Portfolio Day.”
Future students discover more than academic programs and admissions requirements at Open House, adds Papayiannis, pointing to a presentation on ways to enhance learning outside the classroom.
“We really want to capture all aspects of the student experience.”
Open House online
Recruitment staff also put on a “virtual” Open House for prospective students around the world, keeping in touch with them throughout the day on social media, including hosting live question-and-answer sessions on Instagram and Facebook.
Deputy provost Anne Whitelaw delivered a live video talk for future students about what’s new at Concordia, with an overview of 4th Space, the Science Hub, the transformed Webster Library and the newly named Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science.
Instagram followers were treated to two IGTV videos: a look inside the Grey Nuns Residence and an overview of amazing spaces on campus.
“A big thanks to everyone who helped last weekend — you’ve done our university proud,” says Concordia President Alan Shepard.
“It’s amazing to see faces of prospective students and their families light up as they visit our university’s campuses. We put on a fantastic Open House, one that gave a real sense of our vibrant learning environment and defining moments our students experience here.”
Prospective students and their guests will have another chance to discover Concordia during winter Open House, set for February 16, 2019.
Discover Concordia’s programs in undergraduate and graduate studies.
Plan to attend Concordia’s winter 2019 Open House, taking place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 16.
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