First Ever Virtual Open Houses Organized By Montreal based Concordia University and Halifax’s Dalhousie University saw a huge success with prospective students logging in from all over the world
Open houses have been a long standing tradition at several campuses. Open houses and information sessions are one of the best ways to determine whether or not a university is the right fit for prospective students. Open houses are more than an exploration of a campus. They provide students with valuable insights into program options, university life and the overall campus experience. This year, as we all know COVID-19 has changed a lot of things. Under the current public health guidelines, most of the Canadian Universities are opting for Virtual Open Houses.
Among many others, one of the most recent Canadian campuses to host a virtual open house is Concordia University. Located in the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Montreal, Quebec, Concordia University is one of Canada’s most innovative and diverse campuses. Concordia provides a wide range of innovative programs and courses that offer an unique and rewarding educational experience. Concordia boasts small classes, accessible and award-winning professors, and an affordable education. Concordia held its first-ever virtual undergraduate Open House on Saturday, October 24. Despite the switch to an online environment, the university says the open house was a massive success and participants shared overwhelmingly positive feedback. Attendees also had the opportunity to chat with recruiters and faculty members in real-time in addition to attending informational Zoom meetings. Out of the 2,300 prospective undergrads who attended the online event, about 35% of attendees were international students. And a total of 109 countries were represented in the University’s open house. The University also reported that students continue to visit the Open House web page for resources. All of the content presentations, videos and documents are available online until November 23.
Another remarkable feat achieved by a Canadian campus in bringing the university community together to welcome prospective undergraduate students and give them a taste of life virtually is Dalhousie University. More than 3,400 students registered for the event. Prospective students also have the opportunity to view recorded and on-demand content over the next 30 days. While the university is thrilled with the incredible number of attendees, they’re even more excited by the resulting applications to the university.
“Open House is a significant opportunity to inspire prospective students to apply,” says Kristen Sutherland, associate registrar and director, student recruitment and undergraduate admissions. “It also provides applicants the ability to make strong connections and map their next steps on their path to Dalhousie. We are encouraged by the level of engagement at the event and delighted by the number of students who have chosen to apply. Virtual Open House has demonstrated that the Dalhousie community is committed to supporting future students in new and innovative ways.”
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