U of L hosting open house today

Prospective students, parents and the public are invited to an Exploration Open House at the University of Lethbridge today.

Hands-on experiences, competitions and a “booth fair” are part of the no-charge event, running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the readily accessible physical education building. Campus tours, “mini-lectures” — and virtual reality goggles are also on offer.

“It really is designed for students who are just beginning to explore their post-secondary options,” says Natasha Buis Deering, the university’s director of enrolment services.

“For students in Grades 10 or 11, now is the perfect time to start taking a look at what postsecondary school is all about and what is available at the U of L.”

For students already finishing their Grade 12, she adds, career planners and information booth personnel will be ready to answer their questions as well.

The annual event is also open to parents as well as community members who like to keep up with the university’s growth. It also provides opportunities to talk with students already enrolled in particular programs, as well as faculty members in a variety of fields.

“This is designed as a very experiential, hands-on day,” Buis Deering says.

“There will be a ‘Let’s Talk Science’ session, a trio of minilectures, and tours of some of our most engaging areas on campus.”

Those include the Faculty of Fine Arts, the Nursing Simulation Lab and the Centre for Financial Market Research and Teaching — where visitors can try their hand in a commodities trading room simulation.

Prizes will also be offered in another management faculty event, while logic puzzles and a “gel electrophoresis” opportunity will be offered by science instructors.

The goggles, she explains, will be offered to all students who apply for admission next September, or who accept a U of L offer of admission.

Graduate student programs will also be highlighted, officials say. Those opportunities abound, says Helen Kelley, an associate dean with the School of Graduate Studies.

She’s inviting prospective grad students to the open house as well, to learn about program offerings, funding opportunities, research centres and institutes, as well as the facilities and student services available at U of L.

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