A look into encounter day
Posted by The Skyliner on March 24th, 2010Hannah Reynolds
Staff Writer
“We want them to be impressed with the talents of the professors and the beauty of the campus. We just hope to make a good impression,” Sarah Sain, campus visit and event coordinator, explained the basic goal of North Greenville’s Encounter Days.
Encounter Days take place several Saturdays a semester. On each occasion, more than 200 high school students—mostly juniors and seniors—and their parents visit NGU for a day filled with information, tours and fun. Sain, in charge of planning and organizing these events, said that such a large production requires campus-wide participation.
According to Sain, her job is trying to communicate with all of the different groups involved. From campus ambassadors and Joyful Sound to the cafeteria staff and even NGU President Jimmy Epting, all areas of the university play a part. The admissions office coordinates all of the separate components to present an informative and enjoyable event.
This past Saturday, the events began at 9 a.m. and continued well on into the afternoon. Students and their parents came from as far away as St. Louis, Mo. to visit the campus. The day began with a “meet the faculty” session in the dining hall. Faculty members and some students were available from all departments to answer any questions students and their parents might have. The athletic department and members from ministry teams were also present.
Students and parents then attended a welcome and information session in the chapel. The admissions staff was introduced, and both Epting and Donald Dowless, vice-president of academic affairs, shared a message with the audience.
Tours led by campus ambassadors then took place so that the students could get a feel for the campus.
After lunch in the dining hall, students and parents were invited to attend a financial aid seminar. The day rounded out with the option to attend a baseball game or meet individually with admissions counselors.
The day was filled with fun events and valuable information for those who attended. Samuel Lowe, a junior high school student visiting from Lincolnton, N. C., commented, “It was a great experience for people who are looking into North Greenville. The staff—everyone—is really friendly.”
Campus ambassador Tom Jones, junior English secondary education, summed up what NGU hopes to accomplish through Encounter Days, “The purpose of Encounter Day is for prospective students to encounter two things: the love of Christ and college life at North Greenville University.”
Tags: Spring 2010, Vol. 110 - Issue 8