Each of Durham College's academic schools had booths set up to provide students with information and also had representatives on-hand to answer questions at the college's 2007 Open House and College Information Program.
About 1,500 prospective students and their families flooded the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre (CRWC) at the annual Durham College Open House and College Information Program on November 1 and 2. The event enabled students to learn about specific programs, admissions requirements, campus life, extracurricular activities, services and facilities. Tours of the Oshawa campus were also available.
"It's our largest annual recruitment event. It's a big deal," said Stephanie Thomson, a recruitment event co-ordinator with the Durham College Admissions and Recruitment office. "We really have to shine and stand out and be the best post-secondary institution we can be."
In addition, representatives from 25 Ontario colleges were also onsite to provide information and answer questions about programs, facilities and services.
"I'm looking forward to coming here," said Rehana Lackhn, a Grade 12 student at J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate in Ajax, Ontario. Lackhn applied to the Practical Nursing program and said she's heard good things about the campus nursing facilities.
Part of the event's success came from this year's venue, the CRWC. Traditionally, the event has been held in the original double gymnasium, but the new triple gymnasium allowed for more space, with each booth spread out and less crowding.
"I'm looking into the firefighter program today," said Kyla Batten, another Grade 12 student at J. Clarke Richardson. "I've heard good things from people about the college and its programs."
Thomson added that she received phone calls from guidance counsellors at local high schools praising the entire event. They said the students were excited and enthused about their future opportunities.