On Saturday, March 13, IU Southeast hosted their biannual Open House from 9 a.m. to noon in the Hoosier Room.
More than 500 high school and transfer students, along with their families, were expected to attend.
Booths from the different schools and organizations, such as the School of Social Sciences, the Honors Program and Disability Services, were set up for students to get information about different majors and programs.
Students didn’t walk away empty handed from the event.
Many booths gave away freebies such as candy, IUS pens and pencils. When the students arrived, they received an informational packet, a campus map and an application.
Kristina Arnold, a student at Jefferson Community and Technical College, filled out an application during the Open House. She said she would like to transfer here.
“The campus is small, and there’s a good education program,” Arnold said.
The Housing booth gave away door prizes. Students could spin a wheel, and, if they landed on Gus the Grenadier, they got a T-shirt. If they landed on “IUS,” they received a plastic cup.
Joanna Jarboe, admissions counselor, organized the Open House and said the Open House was for informational purposes.
“(The Open House) gives perspective students an in-depth look at IU Southeast,” Jarboe said.
Hanna Baumgardner, a senior at North Harrison High School, said she attended the Open House to get more information about a certain major.
“I wanted to see the Nursing Program,” Baumgardner said.
Alaina Allen, also a senior at North Harrison High School, said she just wanted to see the campus.
“(I came) just to get a feel for the school,” Allen said.
Jarboe said potential students received postcards in the mail about the Open House.
It was also advertised on the radio and in print about a month in advance. Local high schools also advertised the event.
The Open House allowed students and their families to attend workshops about financial aid and what’s next for accepted students.
The School of Arts and Letters allowed students to tour the art studios, concert halls, art gallery and the Ogle Center.
The School of Natural Sciences opened their laboratories and nursing department so students could learn more.
Students were also able to go on tours of the campus and lodges, which were led by Student Ambassadors and lasted approximately 30 minutes.
Jarboe said the campus tours allowed the students to see the classrooms and where some important offices are on campus, such as the Bursar, Registrar and Financial Aid Offices.
The lodge tours provided students with the opportunity to see the lodges and find out the pricing.
Katelyn Siesker, a junior from Seymour, went on one of the lodge tours.
“The dorms seem really up-to-date and very big compared to other colleges,” Siesker said.
Siesker and her mother drove about an hour to come to the Open House.
Jarboe said the dorms have increased the number of people who come to the Open House, especially those who live farther away.
Jarboe said the main concern for students at the Open House is getting information on the different majors here.
Upon arrival, students were given a list of the different majors offered on campus.
Jarboe also said students were able to talk with faculty about their majors to get more information.
Diane Rufing-Satterley, database coordinator for admissions, said the Open House had a steady number of people.
She also said the Open House was beneficial for the students.
“I think it directs students toward their future,” Rufing-Satterley said.
By AMANDA FRENCH
Staff Writer
aafrench@imail.iu.edu