‘From interested to inspired:’ the Concordia Open House experience
More than 1,000 members of the Concordia community came out to welcome future students.
An unprecedented number of prospective students and their guests turned out for Concordia's fall Open House on October 19.
More than 7,000 visitors spent the day attending presentations, getting feedback on their work (as part of Portfolio Day) and chatting with members of the university community.
“The sheer number of people, plus the huge range of academic programs and student services to explore, makes for a very busy day,” says Cindy Tam, recruitment manager.
But personalized itineraries sent out ahead of time helped attendees make the most of the experience.
“Visitors tell us they’re able to navigate Open House easily and leave with the information they need to plan their academic future,” Tam explains.
“A lot of that is due to the one-on-one interaction that happens with services like Building your BA or BSc — the chance to consult with an admission advisor — or sitting down with someone from the Financial Aid and Awards Office.”
In that sense, Open House goes beyond showcasing the university to setting people up for success in planning their academic future, Tam adds.
Hearing from professors was a highlight for Toronto students Jane Carli and Jessica Hungate.
Why choose Concordia?
For prospective students Jane Carli and Jessica Hungate from Toronto, the idea of living in Montreal is a big draw. Another major factor in forming a favourable impression of Concordia was a presentation put on by the Department of English.
Interacting with professors is certainly a lynchpin of the Open House experience, says Matthew Stiegemeyer, director of recruitment.
“We hear time and again that listening to professors speak passionately about their academic discipline is a significant contributor to what convinces students to apply for admission at Concordia. It pushes prospects from interested to inspired,” he adds.
“That’s why we’re so grateful for the efforts of faculty, staff and volunteers in interacting with students. That kind of welcome is a big part of what makes Concordia stand out for people.”
Future students from around the world
Liam Hart came to Open House from Palm Beach, Florida. It was his first time in Montreal since a school trip to Quebec in grade seven sparked a dream to move here for university.
“I got to experience snowfall. It was pretty awesome. I’m so happy I’m finally back in Canada,” says Hart. A presentation aimed at American students was one of the day’s best-attended events, with standing room only.
Families from China, France and the United Kingdom also made the trip to Montreal for Open House. Showing parents that their son or daughter will be well-served at Concordia is a rewarding element of welcoming future students on campus, says Stiegemeyer.
“By interacting with us, by discovering what Concordia has to offer, it’s helping visitors see that this academic journey is a very real way of giving students a future.”
Interacting online
For people unable to attend Open House, special social media content including virtual campus tours and student testimonial videos gave a sense of life at Concordia. Recruiters also messaged with prospective students throughout the day and answered questions during Facebook and Instagram live videos.
Future students have another chance to spend the day on campus during winter Open House on Saturday, February 15.
Missed fall Open House at Concordia? See our round-up of resources.
The deadline to submit an application for fall 2020 undergraduate admission is February 1 for students applying from outside Canada and March 1 for students applying from inside Canada.
