By DAVID DUPONT
BG Independent News
A week after announcing it has bucked the trend of declining college enrollments by having 3 percent more students than it did a year ago, Bowling Green State University made a push to keep that upward swing going.
On Monday, the university hosted more than 4,000 students and their families for its Presidents’ Day open house.
This is the day when BGSU closes the deal.
An information fair provides details on all manner of university programs from travel abroad, residential communities, ROTC, the College of Business, and multicultural affairs.
BGSU President Rodney Rogers, strolled the aisles chatting up students who he hopes will decide BGSU is the place to pursue their dreams.
For Ben Smith, from Northfield, that dream involves working at an amusement park.
“I just love amusement parks. I’ve been going to Cedar Park for many years,” he said, and now the high school junior is considering enrolling in BGSU’s Resort and Attractions Management program. “Just being part of a program that’s specifically in the amusement park industry would be awesome to be part of.”
He and his mother, Jackie Colaberardino, were pleased to get to talk to Rogers, who was instrumental in launching the new major.
“This is a very high yield event for Bowling Green,” said Cecilia Castellano, vice president for enrollment management, “and that’s because this event is marketed to prospective seniors who’ve been admitted.”
The open house then aims to turn admission into enrollment.
Meeting faculty and attending classes on Presidents’ Day when the university is in session helps. They also get to visit the residence halls and are given tours by students who live in them.
“They can start picturing themselves here,” Castellano said.
She added: “Honestly, the community of Bowling Green and campus itself is so welcoming. People have been telling me all day how nice everybody is. They can’t believe how warm and friendly they are.”
Castellano said registrations are up with about 1,800 families signed up. While most are from Ohio, she said, “several hundred out of state students are here as well making their decision.”
They include prospective students from Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware, and Colorado.
The university’s reputation helps to draw students.
Morgan Pine, from Swanton, said she wants to study to be an intervention specialist, and both she and her parents, Jesse and Kristi Pine, knew of the good reputation of BGSU’s College of Education and Human Development.
She said she’s liked “the overall experience with the community” and that the faculty are “just into what they teach.”
“It’s her choice,” her father said.
That sentiment was echoed by Jodi Shaw, of Utica, whose daughter, Shayna Shaw, is considering studying psychology. “We’ll support her wherever she wants to go. This is a good school for her to go to.”
Leah Conley, of Ada, has decided she wants to attend BGSU, though she’s still uncertain about what her major will be. She’s considering vocal music and journalism.
Friends from home told her that the university has a good program for students yet to decide on their major.
“I have a lot of friends who go here and love it.”
