UpDate - Vol. 14, No. 38, Page 7
August 3, 1995
Thousands attend; Students, parents arrive for preview of campus

     More than 2,000 visitors are expected to attend the final two
sessions of Delaware Preview Days 1995, scheduled this Friday and
Saturday at the Bob Carpenter Center.
     Now in its eighth year, this Office of Admissions' program
attracts thousands of prospective students and their parents annually
to the campus.
      The one-day recruitment sessions are especially designed for
high school students entering their senior year. They, along with
their parents, are offered an opportunity to preview the University's
facilities, find out about its services and get answers to questions
about everything from academic requirements and courses to what type
of food is available in the dining halls.
     According to Harriet Saxton, associate director of admissions and
chairperson of the six-member Delaware Preview Days Committee, the
program offers "one-stop shopping for those who attend."
     "It's a package day," Wanda McCracken, admissions senior
secretary, said. "Participants are able to take a campus tour, try the
latest technology, witness panels and presentations and hear remarks
by the president and other top administrators."
     During 1994, the six Preview Days sessions attracted 6,571
visitors, including 2,187 students and 4,384 parents and guests.
     This year, in the first four Preview Days sessions held in July,
1,192 students and 2,118 parents visited the campus.
     However, according to Jeff Rivell, senior associate director of
admissions, advance registration indicates that this weekend's last
two sessions may attract the largest response to date.
     Saxton said approximately 45,000 invitations are mailed to
students located throughout the country, with the majority on the East
Coast.
     During July sessions this year, McCracken said, one student was
from Spain and another was from Singapore.
     Saxton said planning for each summer's six days of events begins
in January. In addition to Saxton and McCracken, the admissions staff
committee consists of Diane Zebley, Lynn Loper, Gwen Davis and Nadine
Owens.
     However, Saxton stressed that Delaware Preview Days is a
University-wide effort involving departments throughout campus. More
than 70 faculty and staff are on site-from a variety of units ranging
from Dining Services and housing to the honors program and financial
aid. In addition, about 70 students conduct tours of the campus.
     "It takes the cooperation and assistance of the entire University
community to make Delaware Preview Days successful," Saxton said.
"It's an all-University event."
     Rivell said he was particularly pleased with the response by
visitors to a new hands-on computer laboratory display erected for the
first time this year in the Bob Carpenter Center. Staff and student
representatives, along with 12 PCs, are present to help parents and
students learn about the University's latest computer technology
resources.
     Also this year, McCracken said, the committee added small gifts
and entertainment items for young children, who had been brought with
their older siblings to Preview Days. Crayons, coloring books and
bubbles help keep the youngsters occupied while the parents and older
students tour and learn about the University.
      "I had several parents come up and thank me for thinking of the
younger children," McCracken said. "That's what I like about the
event: the interaction with people and the satisfaction I get when the
people are pleased and satisfied when they leave here."
     Calling Delaware Preview Days a "significant recruitment event,"
Saxton said that even on days in July when the heat index was 110
degrees, participants were thanking University staff for providing an
opportunity to visit the campus, and many said they were glad they
came.
     Rivell said that parents and students are more consumer-oriented
today. They want to know about the campus and institution where they
will send their child and on what they will be spending their money.
     "Delaware Preview Days," he said, "offers an opportunity for them
to see the campus, talk to faculty and students and make an informed
decision."
                                                         -Ed Okonowicz