Future students discover the Faculty of Agriculture

“If you want to be anonymous, this is not the place for you.”

That was the advice shared by Keltie Jones, assistant dean of students, during the kickoff of last week’s Discovery Day at the Agricultural Campus.  

Discovery Day, similar to Dalhousie’s Open House held in October, provides prospective students and their parents with the opportunity to explore the Faculty of Agriculture in person, including program offerings, current research initiatives, student services and campus life – all in one day.

“It gives students a chance to try the faculty and the campus on for size,” says Sarah Morris, marketing manager at the Faculty of Agriculture. “Discovery Day allows students to see what the program is and connect it to some really amazing work that we’re doing on campus — work that’s making a difference in the lives of Canadians and abroad as well.”

Destination: Truro

More than 100 students and parents gathered to begin the day in Alumni Hall, where they heard from student leader Julie Vermeer and newly named Rhodes Scholar Paul Manning, who is also president of the Dalhousie Agricultural Students' Association. Both shared stories from their own experiences at the Faculty of Agriculture and encouraged attendees to take advantage of the day and ask as many questions as possible.

Julie Vermeer and Paul Manning.

Following the kickoff, students attended morning sessions tailored to their intended program of study. They had the chance to meet with faculty members, learn more about programs and research opportunities and visit classrooms. Meanwhile, parents could attend University 101, an overview of what their child would experience during their first year of study and what services are available on campus to help with the transition to university.  

“I wanted to know, from a parent’s perspective, what to expect,” explained Carmen, whose daughter, Sydney, 17, is planning on attending Dalhousie’s Agricultural Campus next year. “This is my first child going to university so I thought I’d tag along, talk to different people and find out more.”

Margaret Sutherland, a fourth-year Animal Science student at the Faculty of Agriculture, took it upon herself to introduce younger sister, Emily, to the campus.

“I absolutely love this school, there is nowhere else I would rather be,” explained big sis Margaret. “I looked at other institutions but this place is definitely the best, by far. It’s small, it’s a close community, your professors know you, all the students know you… I love it.”

You’re in!

The Student Expo introduced students and parents to the services available on the Agricultural campus, and at Dalhousie more broadly. Following, students were given the choice of another classroom session, or a brisk campus tour — and we do mean brisk. Truro had seen a light dusting of snow the night prior, and temperatures were as low as -14 C during the day.

Students and parents could pose with Rocky the Ram after completing the on-site admissions.

To round out the day, the Registrar’s Office offered on-site admissions, a new feature of Discovery Day, in the Langille Athletic Centre. Students armed with their high school transcripts and registration fee could apply to Dal and learn if they got in that very day.

“Discovery Day is so important,” says Ashley Shepard, who, along with ensuring everything went according to plan, is also the assistant registrar, recruitment at the Faculty of Agriculture. “We’re able to get them into classrooms and experience labs that they would take part in — it gives them the full-day experience — and for those students who are on the fence, it even gives them the chance to apply at the end of the day.”

Residence pride on display.