The new academic year is still young, but it’s never too early to look forward.
Campbell University will host an Open House on Oct. 24 for prospective students, complete with campus tours, academic and department showcases and a free lunch.
According to Caroline Timiney, director of first year enrollment, the day is an opportunity for future students to imagine themselves becoming part of the Campbell community.
“They can explore their options, have their questions answered, meet friendly faces and more,” said Timiney. “First impressions matter, but the hope is to make a lasting impression. We want visitors to leave with a genuine sense of what makes Campbell special — not just what our campus looks like, but what it feels like to be part of this community.”
One of the driving forces behind President William M. Downs’ five-year Strategic Plan, launched last spring, is enrollment growth, and Campbell University is coming off a successful fall semester that saw its largest incoming class in eight years and a 30-percent increase in new main campus students from the previous year.
Not coincidentally, Campbell’s Oct. 24 Open House comes during National College Application Week, which begins Oct. 19. During the week, participating schools offer students an opportunity to select schools without paying an application fee.
“October is when Countdown to College kicks off for students interested in college, “said Dan Harrision, executive director of the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority. “The ability to submit college applications for free, coupled with an improved and easy-to-complete [federal aid] makes this the perfect time for students to apply.”
Timiney said “opportunity” and “belonging” are two of the biggest draws of coming to Campbell. College is about more than earning a degree, she said. It’s also about finding mentors, building friendships and discovering new interests.
“There’s something meaningful about experiencing Campbell in person,” she said. “You can read about academic programs and student opportunities online, but walking around campus, meeting the people who make up this community and getting a feel for the atmosphere brings the experience to life.”