HÂş»­

 

Discover the unexpected

- October 14, 2009

Nathan Calder

When Nathan Calder was a Grade 12 student in rural Nova Scotia, he had no idea what to do after high school graduation. On a whim, he and a friend drove to Halifax to attend HÂş»­â€™s annual Open House. Now, four years later, he’s entering his third year of studies at Dal, majoring in city planning and environment, sustainability and society.

“I decided on the spot,†says Mr. Calder, reflecting on that influential Open House. “I thought I’d just be picking up information but I fell in love with the program. I learned about it during one of the sessions and then I got to talk with students – it was great.â€

His story is not unique. And it’s quite likely to be repeated on Friday when 1,000 students, many with parents in tow, will arrive on campus to spend the day experiencing HÂş»­ – from lecture halls to dining halls, and almost everything in between.

Volunteers lead a group of students at HÂş»­'s open house last year. (Bruce Bottomley Photo)

Departments and faculties across the university are offering Open House sessions, reflecting the institution’s breadth of academic offerings. Visiting students can make a green salad using a hammer, take part in a theatre performance, see how beer can be transformed into milk. They can learn about law school, the student union, career opportunities, even check out a residence room and test the dining hall’s menu offerings. An academic expo in the McInnes Room will give curious visitors the opportunity to speed-research countless programs, disciplines and faculties. Meanwhile, parents can take part in sessions designed exclusively to address their interests, with information on the student experience, academic programs, career options, how to finance a university education and more.

HÂş»­â€™s annual open house continues to draw visitors from throughout the region, across the country and even from parts of the U.S. As many as 400 HÂş»­ students, staff and faculty volunteer their time to ensure the event’s success.

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