Approximately 190 students and 350 of their guests toured campus today at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s first Summer Preview.
“I learned how friendly and straightforward some of the professors are,” said Timothy Noble of Chicago. The senior at St. Patrick High School came to SIUE with his parents, James and Patricia Noble.
“I also got to tour the new Science Building,” said Noble, who plans to major in biology. “It was pretty awesome. Just knowing that I can be exposed to all the new technology makes me want to come here.”
Noble said he still has several colleges on his list, but SIUE definitely made a good impression.
“SIUE offers a quality education at an affordable price,” said Ryan Downey, assistant director of the Admissions for New Student and Campus Visits Program. “We felt it was time to offer Summer Preview SIUE.”
The decision was partly made because last year, the University had an increase in student visits during the summer, and because more students expect college campuses to offer such a program, Downey said.
“Rising seniors” or students who will be seniors next year enjoyed a daylong program that included:
• All academic units providing sessions that explained its programs, degrees and more
• A general session, “SIUE Essentials,” that featured representatives from the Offices of Admissions, Student Financial Aid and University Housing
• Two separate student panels, consisting of current students, who answered any questions pertaining to SIUE
• Information booths, representing all colleges, schools and departments at the University
After touring the campus, Lindsey Kelso of St. Joseph, said SIUE is one of her top college choices. Kelso, who plans to major in some field of chemistry, attended with her parents, John and Lori Kelso.
“It was very helpful for the schools to talk about the various kinds of majors and specializations,” Kelso said. “Because I’m not sure exactly what within the field of chemistry that I want to go into.”
Caleb Fagan of Troy wants to major in engineering and also said SIUE leads his list.
“Touring colleges in the summer is better, because the groups are smaller,” said Kennan Fagan, father of Caleb. He and his wife, Lisa, also sent an older son to SIUE for one year.
“Touring in the summer also gives students and their families a chance to make decisions earlier,” said Kennan Fagan.
Another parent with praise for the Summer Preview and the University was Patricia Noble, mother of Timothy.
“The campus is just beautiful, and I’m impressed with the safety record,” she said. “We live in the city (of Chicago), and we appreciate that students can concentrate more on their studies.
“I was also impressed with the diversity I see here on campus. I see people from all types of communities and points of view, and I think that’s great.”
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville provides students with a high quality, affordable education that prepares them for successful careers and lives of purpose. Built on the foundation of a broad-based liberal education, and enhanced by hands-on research and real-world experiences, the academic preparation SIUE students receive equips them to thrive in the global marketplace and make our communities better places to live. Situated on 2,660 acres of beautiful woodland atop the bluffs overlooking the natural beauty of the Mississippi River’s rich bottomland and only a short drive from downtown St. Louis, the SIUE campus is home to a diverse student body of nearly 14,000.
Photos:
A prospective student and his family talk with Cornell C. Thomas, School of Dental Medicine assistant dean. Pictured from left to right are SIUE alum Jason Dandurand, his brother Ethan, who is the prospective student, and their parents, Stacy and Sean Dandurand.
Richard Hughes (left) and Julie Hughes of Normal are getting information at the SIUE School of Engineering’s table.