Tours plus so much more: Dal hosts another successful Open House

On Saturday, October 24, the university opened its doors for prospective students and their families during it’s key annual recruitment event: Open House.

A record number of attendees — 1,900 students and their friends and families — came to Dal's Halifax campuses to experience first-hand what it’s like to be a Dalhousie student.

People power

Open House’s success depends on the hard work and passion of the faculty, staff and students who come together to put on information sessions, create and staff booths, give tours and organize the overall event.

“There’s excitement on campus to welcome prospective students and their supporters,” says Open House Co-Chair Adam Robertson. “We’re delighted to have so many amazing volunteers, who are true Dalhousie ambassadors, dedicate their time, especially on a Saturday, to showcase our great university.”

Student Leanna Bush, a third-year Commerce major from Kemptville, Ont., says she wanted to volunteer for Open House to help future students fall in love with Dal the way she did three years ago.

“The school does a great job at showing students what academic programs it has to offer, but I wanted to be able to show them what makes the campus great on a personal level — whether that be about residence, exchange opportunities, societies or friends,” she says. “It’s important for them to consider the things that will keep them motivated right through to exams.”

At Open House, students and parents were able to customize their day based on individual interests. After check-in, visitors had an opportunity to attend information sessions and lectures introducing them to Dalhousie. Three different fairs — Academic, Services, and Clubs & Societies — offered an opportunity to speak to professors, students and other members of the Dal community and learn about life on campus.  Guided tours of campus, Dalplex and residences provided an inside view of these important campus spaces.

So much to explore

New this year, volunteers greeted students and their parents in Dal’s first ever welcome lounge — a casual spot for everyone to drop in, grab some refreshments, plan their day and get any questions answered before heading out to the first academic session.

On-site admissions,  where students could apply and see their applications assessed on the spot, continued to be popular. In total, 493 students took up the opportunity to apply early to Dal.

See more photos: Future Dal Students Facebook page

Also new this year: the addition of live streaming via Periscope for those who couldn’t make it in-person. Popular sessions including “Dal 101,” Financing your Education and other  hands-on sessions and key activities during the day, including parts of a campus tours.

The sessions have been archived and continue to be viewed, explains Assistant Registrar Christine Wilson, who is a key member of the organizing committee. “Periscope is a new tool for us. We’re always looking for ways to reach as many students as possible and showcase the university and what makes Dal special.”

The "Open House" spirit continues this Friday as the Faculty of Agriculture hosts its annual Discovery Day, a chance for future students to explore Dal's Agricultural Campus in Truro. Learn more.