The season is fast approaching when most high school seniors face that daunting decision: where to go to college?
The Office of Admission aims to draw in accepted students with its annual program, Days on the Lawn.
By attending Days on the Lawn, prospective students get a taste of daily life at the University and may be able to make more informed decisions.
Information sessions will be held today at 7 p.m. in Rouss Hall for current students interested in volunteering to help with the program.
Libby Pettibone, a first-year Education student and graduate intern at the Office of Admission, discussed the program's approach.
"We want to provide the students with an 'in' on the University experience, so they know what to expect," Pettibone said. "The kids visit classes and have tours of the residence halls. A capella groups perform during lunch, so they can see what kinds of things students participate in."
In addition, Pettibone said prospective students attend faculty and student panels, as well as information sessions held by various pre-professional schools.
The presence of student volunteers helps to convey that "real" experience.
Second-year College student Dan Kuckuck, student co-chair of Days on the Lawn, said student volunteers are divided into nine groups ranging from 15 to 60 people. Groups generally are headed by two team captains, who are more experienced with Days on the Lawn.
Student volunteers perform tasks such as eating lunch with prospective students and their families, accompanying them on tours and leading them to information sessions.
"A lot of it is just getting people to the right places," Kuckuck said.
Andrew Stauber, an admission counselor and liaison for the Days on the Lawn program, discussed the advantages of the program.
"As someone who's been involved from the eyes of a prospective student, as a student volunteer and now as an admission officer, I think it's great for kids not only to see the different events, but also to see the energy of the faculty and students," Stauber said.
Stauber also noted that the program has matured greatly since the idea first came about in 1988.
"Over the years it's evolved into a more consolidated program," he said. "Programs are indeed held on the Lawn, and faculty and professors become more involved, and there are a specific number of days in April to attract prospective students."
Pettibone discussed the impact of Days on the Lawn on student's decisions to attend the University.
"As far as the evaluations we receive, they've all been positive," Pettibone said. "I'm not sure how many ended up deciding our school or otherwise, but they felt it was a worthwhile experience"
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