When choosing a college, gathering the most information you can about each school is important. But there is no substitute for the experience of stepping foot on campus and meeting students and staff.
Thats where West Virginia University comes in.
WVU DaySaturday, Sept. 10is an exciting chance to talk to peoplein the knowand get the scoop on everything from what majors are offered to life on campus.
From 2-4 p.m., participants will be able to explore a variety of academic and extracurricular possibilities at an informal information fair at the WVU Coliseum, home to theElite 8mens basketball team.
Attending WVU Day is a unique way to learn more about WVU ,said Regan Bruni, New Student Orientation coordinator.Well have representatives from the various academic programs, Admissions and Financial Aid offices, and the numerous support services.
Prospective students and their families also have the opportunity to take in a football game and be part of WVU s proud athletic tradition, she added.
At WVU , students have more than 170 majors to choose from, including many unique disciplines such as forensic and investigative science and biometric systems, Bruni pointed out.
During the fair, families can speak with representatives from many WVU colleges and schoolsincluding Creative Arts; Agriculture, Forestry and Consumer Sciences; Exercise Physiology; Pharmacy; Physical Therapy; and Speech Pathologyand pick up handouts and other useful information.
In addition, students can learn about the vast array of online services and expanded course offerings at Potomac State College in Keyser. Potomac State recently made the transition from a regional campus to a fully integrated division of WVU and offers many two-year associate of arts and career/technical programs, as well as a bachelors degree in nursing and an innovative bachelors degree designed for adult students.
If families have questions about how to make college affordable, they are welcome to speak with one of WVU s financial aid experts about the many types of financial assistance and scholarships available to in-state and out-of-state students. They can also gather information about the Universitys admissions requirements and campus living options.
Once on campus, many students find one of the best ways to get involved is by joining a club or organization. Prospective students are encouraged to stop by the Student Organization Services table to hear about a few of WVU s 300 campus groups, which vary from academic honoraries to Greek fraternities and sororities.
Of course, parents want to get involved, too, and the University recognizes the college experience would not be successful without the support of WVU families. Throughout the afternoon, parents can learn about ways to stay connected to their sons and daughters through the Mountaineer Parents Club, celebrating its 10th anniversary this fall.
Led by full-time volunteer Susan Hardesty, wife of President David C. Hardesty Jr., the Mountaineer Parents Club is one of the only college parent organizations in the country that offers free membership, a parent toll-free helpline ( 1-800-WVU-0096) and local club activities.
Following the information fair, everyone is invited to gather at Milan Puskar Stadium for the WVU -Wofford football match-up. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. A special $12 ticket price is available to prospective students and their families.
Last year, more than 2,000 tickets were sold when the information fair was packaged with a football game, according to Matt Wells, WVU s assistant director of sports marketing.
Up to 10 tickets may be purchased through the special WVU Day promotion, he noted. Orders must be placed in advance of game day. To download an order form, go to .
Tickets along with confirmation details will be mailed beginning Sept. 1. Orders received after that date will be held at thewill callwindow at the stadium on game day.
Free parking will be available at the WVU Coliseum. Shuttle rides to the stadium are $3.50 per person (round-trip).
For more information, call 304-293-2264 or go to and click onWVU Day.