During the academic year 2010 – 2011, Juniata will host six open houses throughout the fall and winter for any student interested in learning about the college. Terri Bollman-Dalansky, director of admissions, tells us how Open House events operate:

Why is the event named Open House?
We call the event “Open House” because it is an opportunities for us to open our doors for prospective students so that they can take a general look at Juniata!

What happens during an Open House?
The prospective students take a student guided tour of campus, meet with an Enrollment Counselor, and enjoy a meal in our cafeteria so that they can check out the food. They can also attend classes during a weekday Open House and participate in Admission information section to learn how to find scholarship and how to make college decisions.
Finally, we provide students and their parents with opportunities to ask questions in the most comfortable environment by separating them into two kinds of groups called “Parent Panels” and “Student Panels.” Since both parties have a lot of questions, they can ask about anything they want to know without any shyness. For example, a student could ask a question about weekend nightlife without their parents being there.
In addition, this year is the first time we organized “Academic fair.” Professors from each department stand behind their tables to answer any question that prospective students might have about their interested academic areas. Students can go around, check out all the tables and ask any question so that they have a broader view of academic planning.

Who participates in organizing Open House?
We have 2 groups helping to organize Open House. One is called “Eagle Ambassadors.” They are volunteers who take students’ families to the lunch, show their rooms in “Room Show,” a part of campus tour. Our student tour guides are responsible for guiding students and their parents on the campus tour, sharing their own experiences about college life.
How could current students get involved in organizing Open House?
If you want to be a member of “Eagle Ambassadors” organization, you just email Josh Beckel (beckelj@juniata.edu), telling him that you are interested in “Eagle Ambassadors.”
We often begin the process of choosing students tour guide in February or March for the fall and spring open houses organized in upcoming school year. If you are interested in this position, look on the Juniata announcement board. You then have to fill out the application and also go to an interview process. On average, we need from 28 to 35 students tour guide during an “Open House” event.

What is the importance of Open House?
It’s a way we build our reputation. Open House is a chance for us to let students and their families know how welcoming we are and how excited we are to have them in our community. Just come, check it out and you will be amazed!

-Thanh Nguyen’ 14, Juniata Online Journalist