July 14, 2008

Open house set for prospective students, families

by Andrea Hahn

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- It is still summer, but it’s not too early to think about the impending school year. Southern Illinois University Carbondale hosts an open house this week for high school students whose school year goals include selecting the college they will attend.

The SIUC Open House, presented through Undergraduate Admissions, is Friday, July 18, at the SIUC Recreation Center at 300 E. Grand Ave. Check-in begins at 7:45 a.m. with activities beginning for most at 9 a.m. Those who want an earlier start may sign up for an early bird campus tour, which begins at 8:15 a.m. The final activities begin at about noon.

The open house offers an easy way for prospective students to get answers to many of the questions common to beginning college, from “What are the requirements for my chosen major?” to “Where will I live while an SIUC student?” to “How do I fill out the appropriate financial aid forms?” Information sessions cover academics, financial aid, scholarship opportunities, academic and career counseling, options for transfer students, and more.

Students may apply for admission or check their admission status right there during the open house, or get help filling out financial aid forms, talk to counselors about resources to help them select majors or talk to representatives of the academic departments of their choice. They can even attend a sample lecture from the Core Curriculum to get a taste of what a college classroom will be. Open house organizers urge students to participate in the campus and housing tours while they are here.

Students and their families can pre-register for this or future open houses online at www.admissions.siu.edu/openhouse.htm or by calling 618/536-4405, or they may register on-site.