EIU Media Relations

February 21 Open House Geared Toward Prospective EIU Students

Still undecided about which college to attend? Eastern Illinois University is taking some of the guesswork out of the decision by offering an information-packed, hands-on open house on Feb. 21.

Prospective students and their parents will have the opportunity to talk to EIU's faculty, tour the campus and even find out how good EIU's residence hall food really is.

"It's a day to ask questions and observe what Eastern has to offer," said Maxine A. Lane , admissions counselor. "It's a great way to see everything first-hand."

After sending a large graduating class out into the world last year, EIU now has ample room for a new crop of incoming students.

Therefore, while the number of interested students has hit all-time highs - one week in November, EIU received a record of more than 1,000 applications - submissions are still being accepted for freshmen and transfer students for Fall 2005.

During the open house, hosted by the Office of Admissions, prospective students will get opportunities to learn more about EIU through several activities:

• Touring campus, including residence halls and Greek Court.
• Attending an EIU informational fair, in which academic advisers, faculty and staff discuss majors, career opportunities, internships, research and more.
• Learning more about academic departments' programs and facilities at the departmental showcases.
• Talking with admissions counselors.

Sessions are also planned on several topics:

• financial aid
• housing
• Gateway, EIU's alternative admission program
• tips for transfer students
• the college selection process
• academic challenges and how to meet them, presented by current students
• EIU's academic highlights, presented by EIU faculty
• "I've Been Admitted, What's Next?"

Complimentary lunch will be provided in residence hall dining centers.

"It's a great opportunity," said Denise Lee, assistant director of admissions. "It's a lot of information packed into a one-day format."