Open House Opens Eyes To Drake University

by Jessica Free

Des Moines, Iowa (Feb. 19, 1997)--Eighty-seven prospective students from 11 different states participated in an open house for admitted students on Monday. More than 50 Drake students, 100 faculty members and 100 staff members teamed up to make the day a success.

Deneen Dygert, associate director of admission, was head of the core planning committee. "Our aim as the Open House Committee was to provide the students and their families with a wide array of options to choose from," Dygert said. "From sitting in on a class to a campus tour to experiencing one of 24 different programs and services. . . the students were given the opportunity to map their day in accordance to their needs and interests."

The day began with registration and a continental breakfast at Old Main. Following the formalities of registration, the students and their families were welcomed in Sheslow Auditorium. From 8:45 a.m. to 10 a.m., there were group meetings according to major, which offered information about the various different departments and programs at Drake. Starting at 10 a.m. there were open houses in 24 programs and services, ranging from the Anderson Gallery in the Fine Arts Center to Greek Life. Students had the option of sitting in on one of 55 classes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Campus tours, residence and dining hall tours and sessions on financial aid were also offered throughout the day. A luncheon with faculty members was held in Parent's Hall in Olmsted Center from noon to 1 p.m.

Organizing the event was a huge undertaking. The date for the open house was set over a year in advance, and two months are spent planning every detail. "A program of this magnitude necessitates the participation of numerous faculty, students and staff," Dygert said. The core committee, which consisted of Dygert and two other admissions staff members, Janette Spencer and Grace Lephart, pulled in the help of Drake students and faculty from all departments.

Kelly Womack of the Office of Admission arranged overnight accommodations for 24 of the 87 prospective students for Sunday night. The overnight program was based out of Herriott Hall. Students served as overnight hosts, giving their guests a taste of Drake's residence halls. Dygert said that she feels the overnight program enhances the prospective students' visit and allows them to experience an aspect of college that faculty and staff cannot provide.

According to Dygert, the Feb. 17 open house was a huge success. "It was a fun day," she said. Dygert and the Office of Admissions have already begun planning for the March 17 and April 7 open houses. "Drake is fortunate to have a community that is so committed to the recruitment of new students," she said. "I'm looking forward to my next opportunity to participate in such a rewarding experience."

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