2008 Woodie Awards
High school juniors from across the country gear up for campus visit day
Molly Mishler and Danielle Walling/Staff Writers
Issue date: 4/10/08 Section: Lifestyles
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Junior Visit Day has been a Simpson tradition since 1995, and serves as a way to bring larger groups of students to campus.
Last year, 240 students attended with an additional 244 guests, the largest year to date.
After spending a couple of years testing the effectiveness of the day, it has been discovered that having the day take place in the spring and on a Friday is the most beneficial to prospective students.
Junior Erin Hoversten, student ambassador, feels students prefer visiting campuses in larger numbers.
"Students feel more comfortable in larger groups," Hoversten said. "The more outgoing students ask questions and the shy ones are still able to get the information even if they are afraid to ask questions."
Students begin their visit at 9:30 a.m. with check-in, followed by a general activities fair where one person from multiple organizations on campus gives information to the students.
Alison Swanson, director of admissions programs, thinks the activities fair is very beneficial.
"It really exposes the students to what Simpson has to offer," Swanson said.
Following the activities fair, students are welcomed to campus by President John Byrd, Deb Tierney, vice president for enrollment, and alumna Jess Braunschweig-Norris. After the welcome comes the campus tour.
Junior Stephanie Peterson, student ambassador, says campus tours are somewhat challenging.
"The tours are in groups ranging from 10-to-20, making it difficult to personalize the tour," Peterson said.
Students are then shuttled to academic sessions. All academic areas on campus are participating in these sessions by telling students about their respective areas of interest. Students are able to attend two of these informative sessions to get a better understanding of what types of programs are offered on campus.
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