February 11, 2008

University to host open house on Feb. 18

by Andrea Hahn

CARBONDALE, Ill. — High school students preparing for advanced education know college is going to be different from high school, but they don't always understand how different or different in what ways – particularly when it comes to course work.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale helps answer some of those questions at an open house on Feb. 18. The open house features a sample class lecture for Psychology 102, a Core Curriculum choice for the social science requirement. Meera Komarraju, named the outstanding faculty member in the Core Curriculum last year, will present the half-hour lecture. Students who attend the lecture get a sneak preview of how a college professor might interact with students and what actually happens inside the classrooms.

Other activities during the open house target different needs of different prospective students, from high school to transfer to community college students. Undergraduate admissions staff offers workshops addressing issues such as living on campus, financial aid, programs for transfer students and opportunities for undecided students.

Check-in begins at 7:45 a.m. and continues through 9 a.m. at the SIUC Recreation Center, with early-bird campus tours available. Welcome activities start at 9 a.m. Workshops begin at 9:30 a.m. and include an information fair hosted by the University's academic departments as well as University Honors, Career Services, Student Development, ROTC, New Student Programs, Disability Support Services and more.

Pre-registration is not a requirement, but it does help event staff with planning. Those who want to pre-register can do so up to four business days before the open house. Register online at www.admissions.siu.edu/openhouse or by calling 618/536-4405. Staff recommends arriving half an hour before the event begins in order to find convenient parking and to give yourself time for provided refreshments.

Other open houses are set for March 29 and July 18. The March open house coincides with SIUnity and Diversity Day.