Some came with groups of friends, others came with parents. Most left with some form of Dal memorabilia, and all left with a better idea of what it means to be a Dal student.
Early Friday morning, 1,092 students from various high schools gathered for Dalhousie’s annual Open House – an event aimed at giving students and their parents an opportunity to experience campus life.
The day began at Dalplex with students and 185 parents gathering in the gym to register, meet with staff and student volunteers, and enjoy coffee and snacks while listening to the vocal stylings of Jackson Jha, who sang their Dal-ifamous hit, See you in September.
A student-guided experience
MCs George Woodhouse, a third-year arts student working on a double major in French and sociology, and Storey Duff, a fourth-year honours student in economics, welcomed the crowd.
“We’ve got lots of exciting stuff planned for today,” said Ms. Duff. “You already know a bit about some of the sessions you’ll take part in. At lunch time, you’ll enjoy an all-you-can-eat meal. You’ll tour the campus to see what life is like at one of the best universities in Canada. Your host today will be a Dalhousie student, someone who, not so long ago, was in your situation, finishing high school and thinking about university.”
After remarks by President Tom Traves welcoming students and their parents to campus, each student was assigned to a cohort. Students were given a comprehensive tour of the campus and a chance to chat with professors and current Dal students about courses and student clubs at the Academic Program Expo and the Support Services Expo.
First impressions
Many were most excited to learn about the courses and degree programs offered at Dal.
“I’m excited to go on the tours and sit in on some sessions today,” said grade 12 student Rebecca from Bedford, N.S. “I’m interested in studying neuroscience so I’m hoping to get more information on classes and programs offered here.”
“I’m pretty impressed so far,” said Brendan, a grade 12 student from Glace Bay High School, whose parents joined him in the orientation. “I’m interested in learning more about the health sciences programs at Dal so I’m looking forward to sitting in on some classes and sessions today.”
The rest of the day was filled with visits to various schools and departments, residences, and libraries, with ample opportunity to ask questions and talk with current students and professors. Over 35 sessions were available for students to sit in on, and everything from dentistry, theatre, nursing, and languages were offered.
“I’m hoping students leave here with a very positive and realistic appreciation of what Dalhousie has to offer,” explained Dr. Traves. “Open House is a great way for students and their parents to see what life is all about here.”